Episode 7 - Ian Sterling

Episode 7 - Ian Sterling

Not all insurance is created equal; and neither are the businesses it protects. How do you build trust with clients, navigate a fourth-generation family business, and prepare the next generation without assuming they'll take the reins? In this episode, Ian Sterling, Assistant VP of Sterling Risk shares how a family business founded in 1932 has grown into a national insurance brokerage by putting relationships, ethics, and risk management ahead of simply selling policies. From leaving the family business and finding his way back, to preparing for succession and serving clients as a trusted advisor, Ian offers an inside look at what it takes to build a business that lasts. In this episode, we explore: •  What it means to be a risk manager; not just an insurance broker  •  Why every business needs an insurance strategy tailored to how it actually operates  •  Growing a fourth-generation family business while preserving its values  •  Leaving the family business, discovering new perspectives, and returning with renewed purpose  •  Building trust by putting clients' long-term interests first  •  Planning for succession without assuming leadership stays in the family  •  Creating a values-driven organization where leadership is earned, not inherited How does your business balance family, leadership, and long-term planning? Share your thoughts below. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on family, business, and beyond. Co-hosts: Gershon Morgulis & Shlomo Morgulis  Guest: Ian Sterling  Connect with Bloodlines & Bottomlines: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloodlines-and-bottomlines/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586705459839] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bloodlines_bottomlines/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8r7Obsfobp9bEQZxDga9iQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5pzJwKHgoEshODqUOHrRVP] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bloodlines-and-bottomlines/id1893180167] Sponsored by Imperial Advisory [https://www.imperialgrp.com/]

Episode 6 - Andrew Tjernlund

Stepping into a multi-generational family business comes with its own unique pressures—especially when you’re balancing legacy, innovation, and the realities of working alongside family. How do you grow a company that’s nearly a century old while still creating space for new ideas, new industries, and the next generation of leadership?  In this episode, Andrew Tjernlund shares the story behind his family’s 88-year-old manufacturing business and how it evolved from HVAC production into a diverse operation spanning Amazon distribution, licensing partnerships, warehousing, and emerging ventures. From navigating cousin partnerships and succession planning to embracing e-commerce and entrepreneurial experimentation, Andrew offers an honest perspective on adapting a legacy business for a rapidly changing world.  In this episode, we explore:  *  Growing and evolving a fourth- and fifth-generation family business  *  Expanding from traditional manufacturing into Amazon and e-commerce distribution  *  Balancing long-standing family dynamics with modern business innovation  *  Working alongside cousins across different generations and leadership styles  *  Why adaptability is essential for long-term business survival  *  Creating opportunities that attract younger talent and future leaders  *  Managing succession planning, ownership transitions, and buyout conversations  *  Building a workplace culture focused on flexibility, trust, and employee retention  *  Navigating entrepreneurship inside an established family enterprise   What’s been your experience working with family—or stepping into an established business? 👉 Subscribe for more insights on family, business, and beyond. Co-hosts: Gershon Morgulis & Robert Moskovits Guest: Andrew Tjernlund

Episode 5 - Lauren Goldman

Stepping into a family business isn’t always part of the plan—but sometimes it becomes the path you never saw coming. How do you go from outsider to operator, especially in an industry most people misunderstand? In this episode, Lauren Goldman shares her journey from not fully understanding her family’s pawn business to becoming president of a multi-location operation in New York City. From revamping storefronts with duct tape and determination to helping scale the business into luxury retail and high-profile partnerships, Lauren offers an honest look at what it takes to lead, evolve, and prove yourself in a family-run enterprise. In this episode, we explore: - Growing into a family business you never expected to join - Demystifying the pawn industry and how collateral lending really works - Balancing innovation with long-standing family dynamics - Building credibility as the next generation of leadership - Managing growth across multiple locations and revenue streams - Navigating sibling partnerships, roles, and real-life tensions - Why adaptability—and people—are at the core of long-term success What’s been your experience working with family—or stepping into an established business? 👉 Subscribe for more insights on family, business, and beyond. Co-hosts: Gershon Morgulis & Robert Moskovits Guest: Lauren Goldman  Connect with Bloodlines & Bottomlines: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloodlines-and-bottomlines/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586705459839] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bloodlines_bottomlines/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8r7Obsfobp9bEQZxDga9iQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5pzJwKHgoEshODqUOHrRVP] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bloodlines-and-bottomlines/id1893180167] Sponsored by Imperial Advisory [https://www.imperialgrp.com/]

Episode 4 - Abe Daphna

Balancing legacy, leadership, and personal identity is at the heart of every family business journey. How do you step into something you’ve always been part of—while still carving out your own path?  In this episode, Abe Daphna shares a behind-the-scenes look at growing up inside a family-run security and government contracting business. From “learning by osmosis” at the dinner table to stepping into leadership roles, Abe offers a candid perspective on what it really takes to navigate family dynamics, operational challenges, and evolving industries.  In this episode, we explore:  *  Growing up in a family business and learning through experience  *  Navigating the complexities of family vs. professional roles  *  Leading in high-stakes industries like security and government contracting  *  Building operational excellence while managing tight margins   *  Why people are the most valuable asset in any business What’s been your experience working with family—or stepping into an established business? 👉 Subscribe for more insights on family, business, and beyond. Co-hosts: Gershon Morgulis & Robert Moskovits Guest: Abe Daphna Connect with Bloodlines & Bottomlines: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloodlines-and-bottomlines/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586705459839] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bloodlines_bottomlines/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8r7Obsfobp9bEQZxDga9iQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5pzJwKHgoEshODqUOHrRVP] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bloodlines-and-bottomlines/id1893180167] Sponsored by Imperial Advisory [https://www.imperialgrp.com]

Episode 3 - Mike Levy

Balancing tradition with innovation is a challenge every family business faces. How do you grow without losing what made you successful? Join Mike Levy from National Metal Industries as he reveals the secrets to navigating the manufacturing industry. Discover how to manage family dynamics, embrace new technologies, and seize market opportunities without losing your core values. In this episode, we explore: * Transforming a family-run business * Embracing innovation while maintaining legacy * Building resilience for long-term success What's your biggest challenge in modernizing an established business? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👉 Subscribe for more insights on family, business, and beyond. Co-hosts: Gershon Morgulis & Robert Moskovits Guest: Mike Levy Connect with Bloodlines & Bottomlines: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloodlines-and-bottomlines/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586705459839] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bloodlines_bottomlines/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8r7Obsfobp9bEQZxDga9iQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5pzJwKHgoEshODqUOHrRVP] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bloodlines-and-bottomlines/id1893180167] Sponsored by Imperial Advisory [https://www.imperialgrp.com/]