Generation Excellence Podcast

CBJ Indivisible by Jamie Michelson

Tricia Ruby is president and CEO of Ruby + Associates a renowned steel construction and engineering firm based in the Detroit area. Ruby + Associates is staffed with engineers, designers, and planners who are instrumental in the building of some of the most complex steel structures in North America. Ruby + Associates was founded by Tricia’s father and over 40 years grew as a family enterprise based on the classic components of hard work, hustle, experience, and excellence. In our wide-ranging conversation Tricia talks about the Ruby + Associates roots, her unique path into the business, and the moves they’ve made to set the business up for a long road ahead. Please enjoy our 53rd episode of GENeration EXcellence with Tricia Ruby.

Laurie Mikes (pronounced mike-us) is the Chief Operating Officer of Second Wind, a unique Wyomissing, PA headquartered consultancy serving the marketing communications industry. Second Wind is a distinguished second-generation, family-led organization and SMZ is proud to be associated as a Second Wind member. In this longer-form conversation format, Laurie talks about how Second Wind brings a high-touch attitude to an ever more high-tech world. For 35 years, Second Wind has helped business leaders tap into the power of shared thinking and information. That "collective" power is available here for GENeration EXcellence listeners in this 52nd episode with Laurie Mikes.

Stanley Chen is the CEO of Telamon Corporation in Carmel, Indiana in suburban Indianapolis. Stan (as he prefers to be called) is a leader, a thinker, a father, and a teacher. On this 51st episode of GENeration EXcellence Stan talks about how his father and his mother built what is now one of the largest privately-held businesses in Indiana. As the business has transitioned into the second generation, Stan along with his sister, Stephanie are serving wireless providers, data centers and original equipment manufacturers of the technology that keeps us all connected and “enables life.” I appreciated using technology to connect with Stan and to learn how Telamon embodies a generational family business that can do good by doing well. Thank you for plugging into this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Edmond Hagopian and I sat down in his company’s award-winning Novi, MI showroom and operations center to talk about the founding of Hagopian rug and carpet cleaning services in Detroit. Edmond takes us on a magic carpet ride across the organization’s 84 years from its roots in chemistry to post-WW II expansion in retail to multiple growth periods to family fractures all while landing gracefully with innovation that promises a bright future. Listeners will both learn and be entertained by how Edmond weaves (had to do it) his personal history and the business history. Please enjoy this 50th episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Scott Snider is president of the Cleveland based Exit Planning Institute (EPI). EPI regularly counsels generational businesses and in fact they are one as well. Scott works closely with his father as the second generation leader of the Institute’s business operations. I was introduced to the Exit Planning Institute via a webinar they conducted to educate family businesses on employee ownership plans. Since then I have been on their email list and radar. In a good way. In our conversation Scott lays out an intriguing concept called the family business blueprint and much more that should prove relevant to listeners of GENeration EXcellence. Enjoy our 49th episode with Scott Snider.

Doug Gray has spent 25 years helping family businesses go and grow as a consultant, most recently for The Family Business Consulting Group. No surprise issues around communication, competition, conflict, chance and 75 other C-words or so can invade the C-suite of family business leaders. Family businesses across industries and around the world turn to Doug for guidance in leadership development, succession planning, and strengthening family unity. If you are in any way connected to a family enterprise, Doug will make you think of things from a fresh perspective. Please enjoy episode #48 of GENeration EXcellence with Doug Gray. Bio: https://www.thefbcg.com/consultants/doug-gray-ph-d/

Dean Friedman whose family was in the steel business became attracted to the advertising world (it is magnetic) at age 14 and never looked back. In fact, in his storied career he regularly looked forward. Dean had an innate understanding of the value of consumer research. From that research he gleaned true insights that inspired many iconic brand campaigns. Dean’s first two decades in the business were at W.B. Doner (now Doner and Partners) spanning Detroit to London and a few million miles of travel serving clients. As Doner transitioned into its next generation of leadership, Dean struck out on his own joining Robert Solomon in an agency that was quickly called Solomon, Friedman & Associates (SFA) later rebranding as Real Integrated in the early days of the Internet. Dean talks about pushing and cajoling clients to do bold work that he calls ambitious ideas. I was struck by how Dean’s career journey harnessed his own personal ambitions and how he has passed that drive on to his sons and to his successors at the agency. And it all started in the mailroom. Please take a listen to Dean Friedman, a tenacious competitor in all his pursuits on this 47th episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Jim Gatward is someone I was fortunate to meet recently. Trying to talk over loud music at a beautiful wedding in Jamaica, we discovered we were both part of generational businesses back home in Detroit. I learned that starting in the 1950’s Jim’s father had built a company called LaSalle Electric into a major supplier of electrical and lighting supplies to commercial businesses. As you’ll learn in this episode, Jim joined the business with an idea to enter the aircraft lighting market. Yes, the business “took flight” and enabled a “round-the-world journey.” It also “landed” in a different place than moving into a third generation of family ownership. While this episode is longer than usual, it packs into the time what could be an entire semester course in an MBA program. Jim is a wonderful storyteller and humble leader. Please enjoy and learn from this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Jim Gatward. I hope you find it to be as electric I did.

When I first had the idea of doing a podcast about leaders of unique generational family businesses Dan Musser was gracious enough (crazy enough?) to volunteer to be guest #1. That was in late 2018. Just one year later in fall 2019 he and his family made the decision to sell their business, Grand Hotel to KSL Partners/Davidson Hotels. I thought it would be interesting to do a follow-up episode with Dan about life since that significant event. Again, he said yes. In our conversation Dan reflects on the sale of a business, the new ventures he has become involved with and more. Please enjoy this 45th episode of GENeration EXcellence with my friend Dan Musser.

David Techner represents third generation family leadership of The Ira Kaufman Chapel and brings passion and compassion to funeral arrangements, pre-planning, and after-care. David is a past president of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, he wrote a children's book “A Candle for Grandpa,” and proudly co-produced the Emmy® Award winning documentary “Generation to Generation.” David is leading Kaufman’s into the 4th generation and their spirit of innovation, community connection, and commitment to serving people in times of need embodies GENeration EXcellence. To paraphrase SMZ founder Leonard Simons, please enjoy this pre-posthumous episode of the podcast. “Explaining Death to Kids” https://www.irakaufman.com/explaining-death-to-kids.html

Laura Ries is a marketing strategist, bestselling author and media personality. In 1994, she founded Ries & Ries, a consulting firm with her father and partner Al Ries, the legendary positioning pioneer. I was fortunate to get this sought-after-speaker to speak with me about building a global, generational business. It’s clear that Laura lives by the fundamental and immutable laws of branding that she and her father have taught around the world. Gather ‘round and enjoy this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Laura Ries. Ries & Ries: https://www.ries.com/ Laura's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Ries/e/B001IGLSWY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_2

Jason Eddleston is the second-generation leader of Sterling Oil and Sterling Services located in Hamtramck near Detroit. Jason has humbly evolved a unique lubricant and petrochemical business started by his parents in the 1970’s into a diversified, international operation today. Leading a growing business, you’ll learn how Jason is deeply committed to serving multiple communities, celebrating art and artists, and somehow squeezing in becoming the newest owner of a beloved ice-cream shop. This episode wasn’t sterling ... it was gold. I trust you will learn from and enjoy this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Jason Eddleston.

Ellie Frey Zagel is a leadership coach specializing in multi-generational family businesses. She helps next generation leaders thrive in times of uncertainty and crisis. Ellie’s coaching includes management of time and stress. In fact, she provided a Six Step approach right in our conversation. We also talked about “The Ideal Week” and Ellie’s unique journey to now as she did something for herself that led to her doing so much for others. Please breathe in and take in this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Ellie Frey Zagel.

David Libertson leads Ronin Gallery a leading Japanese and East Asian art gallery in New York City. This is a business started by his parents, initiated by his grandfather’s collecting and vision. Whatever type of family enterprise you may be part of David’s eye for Japanese art from the past four centuries combined with his ability to leverage leading-edge digital channels is unique. I’m proud that the GENeration EXcellence podcast can help further Ronin Gallery’s mission to introduce the lure and allure of Japan’s traditional and emerging art talents to a global audience. In our conversation David and I talk about “trust.” Trust me you’ll enjoy this episode.

Jody Lipton of Lipton Law leads, along with her brother Marc a personal injury law firm started by their father William Lipton in suburban Detroit. Jody has an incredible way of tackling what’s in front of her and dropping the baggage of the past. She refers to it as “Over. Done with Gone.” Learn more about that philosophy of management and leadership along with how Jody has embraced the law, her clients and a unique team approach to this second-generation law firm. I greatly respect Jody’s fight and fire. Get ready for a taste of law school on this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Brian Yessian, Partner & Chief Creative Officer of Yessian Music leads, along with his brother Michael a business started by their father Dan in suburban Detroit. Today’s Yessian is doing music and sound design work in advertising, film, gaming, and attractions ... all over the world. In our conversation we get into the founding of the business and how it has so smartly “traveled” to NY, LA and Hamburg. I love Brian’s passion mixed with a quiet intensity and really had a good time doing this episode of GENeration EXcellence. Please enjoy!

Marc Schechter’s entrepreneurial talents have led him to become CEO of a third generation firm that advises clients around the country on financial matters including investment advisory services, life insurance planning, income and estate taxes, business succession, and charitable planning. Marc started, built and grew numerous businesses after college. You’ll hear about one venture that didn’t quite pan out and that led him to join his family’s business, Schechter Wealth. I really enjoyed this conversation with Marc as he outlines the evolution of his firm and humbly explains the moves they’ve made that have led to profitable growth. The information Marc imparts (especially around their core values) is applicable on so many levels. Please enjoy this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Michael Simmons of Simmons & Clark Jewelers added some sparkle and bling to the podcast. As a third-generation owner, operator and an attorney Michael brings a refreshing perspective to GENeration EXcellence. This is a special episode in that our agency, when known as Simons-Michelson Co. did advertising work for Simmons & Clark Jewelers. Some of that work from over 60 years ago graces the store today. So much has changed in the world of omni-channel retail. Michael proudly and humbly shares how his family has navigated that change and are prepared to keep evolving Simmons & Clark Jewelers into the 4th generation. Thanks for taking a little (Bulova) time to listen to Episode #36 of GENeration EXcellence.

Joe Kinville of Guernsey Farms Dairy joins the podcast to outline how a third-generation business doesn’t automatically mean maturing or declining. Guernsey is growing by investing in facilities, logistics, and people. In that way their high-quality premium dairy products (e.g. killer coffee ice cream) can be enjoyed by more families. And you can enjoy learning about how a legacy business celebrates it is roots (and rocks) while preparing for the 4th generation. Hint: there are NO shortcuts. It takes a positive attitude and effort.