113 - From Credit Unions to Community Banks: A Journey Toward Personalized, Proactive Banking Solutions with Patrick McDermott

113 - From Credit Unions to Community Banks: A Journey Toward Personalized, Proactive Banking Solutions with Patrick McDermott

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Patrick McDermott, Vice President Business Banking at First Bank. Patrick shares insights from his decades-long banking career, emphasizing the value of relationship-driven, needs-based banking for entrepreneurial and middle-market businesses. They discuss the importance of proactive strategic planning, responsible growth, and operational discipline for family-owned businesses. Patrick also explores the evolving lending landscape, including SBA programs, access to capital, and the emerging role of AI in banking operations, stressing that strong banker-client relationships are essential for navigating today's complex economic environment. Check out Patrick's work HERE [https://www.myfirstbank.com/]. Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcdermott-17853b5/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest].

112 - Risk, Resilience, and Rebranding: Inside the Evolution of a Family-Owned Food Company with Alexandra Groezinger

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Alexandra Groezinger, President of Groezinger Provisions Inc. and steward of the Alexian brand. Alexandra shares how her father founded the company in 1982 before passing away unexpectedly, leaving her resilient mother to grow the business. After studying psychology at the University of Vermont and gaining corporate experience, Alexandra returned to lead the company through major milestones, including navigating COVID-19 and executing a successful rebrand. She reflects on balancing legacy with innovation, being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and her commitment to preserving the family business for future generations. Check out Alexandra's work HERE [https://alexianpate.com/]. Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandragroezinger/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest].

111 - Discipline vs. Motivation: The Ultimate Showdown for Business Leaders Facing Crisis with Boaz Gilad

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Boaz Gilad, Founder of Zenith Clubhouse, who shares his journey from building a public real estate company to losing it through a hostile takeover and bankruptcy. Boaz reflects on the psychological toll of business failure, the difference between motivation and discipline, and the importance of goal setting. The conversation also explores challenges in family-governed businesses, generational transitions, and the growing impact of AI. Boaz emphasizes that sustained success requires disciplined systems, adaptability, and aligning ambition with genuine commitment to the work involved. Check out Boaz's work HERE [https://www.zenithclubhouse.com/]. Connect with Boaz on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/boaz-gilad-2237954/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest].

110 - Reinventing Retail: Transforming a Basket Business into a Multi-Division Powerhouse with Bernie Skalny & Ben Skalny

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Bernie and Ben Skalny of Willow Group Ltd., a family business founded in 1928 by Polish immigrant Ludwig Skalny. Bernie, Owner & President and the third-generation leader, reflects on the company's evolution from basket weaving to a multi-division operation, emphasizing customer relationships and adaptability. Ben, Project Manager and the fourth generation, discusses modernizing the business through digital tools, AI, and new sales channels like Faire. Together, they explore the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, navigating tariffs and shifting retail landscapes, and planning for a smooth generational transition. Check out Bernie and Ben's work HERE [https://www.willowgroupltd.com/]. Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernard-skalny-68118812/]. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardskalny/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest].

109 - Beyond Payroll: Unlocking the Human Side of Family Business Growth with Ron Senatore

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, our host Ed Delia welcomes Ron Senatore, a business performance advisor with over 25 years of experience at Inspire (formerly Administaff). Ron shares insights from working with entrepreneurial and family-led businesses, discussing the emotional complexity of succession, leadership transitions, and workforce challenges. Drawing from his own family business background, he explores what separates thriving companies from stagnant ones, highlighting mindset, people strategy, and accountability as key drivers. The conversation also covers private equity trends, post-COVID workplace shifts, and the evolving role of professional employer organizations in supporting small to mid-sized businesses. Check out Ron's work HERE [https://www.insperity.com/]. Connect with Ron on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronsenatorebusinessadvisor/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest].