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

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].

108 - Plastic Fantastic: Turning Family Business Dreams into American Market Realities with Khoa Duy Tran

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Khoa Duy Tran, second-generation leader of Duytan Recycling, a nearly 40-year-old plastic manufacturing and recycling company. Khoa shares how his father's dream of succeeding in the American market inspired him to leave his legal career and join the family business. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from founder-led, intuitive decision-making to scalable, team-based leadership, while leveraging AI tools to boost efficiency. Khoa also explains how Duytan Recycling differentiates itself by serving emerging brands with flexible, high-quality PET packaging solutions in a competitive U.S. market. Check out Khoa's work HERE [https://www.plascene.com/]. Connect with Khoa on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/minh-khoa-duy-tran-50753572/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest].

107 - Breaking Free from the “Family Business Trap”: A New Path to Financial Independence with David Nassief

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with David Nassief, founder of One-page PDF Wealth Compass, about his unexpected corporate layoff at 63 after 18 years. Facing near financial collapse, David reinvented himself as an independent sales agent, endured rejection, and built a seven-figure portfolio through disciplined investing. He shares his one-page Wealth Compass framework, emphasizing that making money and building wealth are distinct skills. David warns family business owners against relying solely on their business as a financial plan and highlights how his son, later identified as autistic, became an invaluable business partner, turning adversity into a family success story. Check out David's work HERE [https://onepagewealthcompass.com/]. Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dnassief/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest].

106 - Family Business Under Pressure: Navigating Roof-Top Drama and New Beginnings with Michael Keller

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Michael Keller, Founder of MK Roofing Company. Michael shares his journey growing up in his father's roofing company, George Keller and Sons, where he learned the trade from age 11. After two decades as a partner, a shift in business dynamics led him to launch MK Roofing Company ten years ago. Michael discusses his focus on commercial roofing, integrity-driven client relationships, and innovative solutions like spray foam and coating systems. He also reflects on mentoring his own son, carrying forward the family legacy with renewed purpose. Check out Michael's work HERE [https://mkroofs.com/]. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-keller-3922111a5/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest].