Mixing Family and Business Podcast

Ep: 87 - Reinventing Ourselves

We are going to be take a little break so we can figure out how to reinvent the podcast. Keep an eye out for when we come back.

Ep: 86 - What Experience Teaches That Time Alone Cannot

Ever wondered if you truly have years of experience or if you’ve just lived the same year over and over again? In this episode of Mixing Family and Business, I dig into that question alongside Shirley, Tom, and Kim. We explore the real value of experience versus time, sharing stories from our own businesses about how lessons learned only come from actually doing the work. From catching huge mistakes because of past experience to learning the importance of prioritizing our energy, we reveal what it means to keep growing in a changing world. There’s also a candid look at what we had to unlearn on our entrepreneurial journeys, letting go of “doing it all ourselves,” embracing new technology, and trusting systems to scale our businesses. If you’ve ever felt stuck, you’ll find encouragement and practical tips on how to get unstuck and see things with fresh eyes. Tune in for some real talk, laughs, and actionable wisdom that will help you run multiple businesses and still enjoy life outside of work! See you next episode. Stay driven and keep changing! Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.  [brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com] Make sure to check out our website [http://mixingfamilyandbusiness.com/] to learn more!

Ep: 85 - From Startup Chaos to Exit Plans

Ever wonder what it really takes to run multiple businesses while keeping your family life intact? In this episode, I’m joined by Kim, Tom, and Shirley as we get real about the pressures all business owners face, no matter their age or experience! We talk honestly about the stress points that have stayed the same over the decades, from “I have to do it all myself” to the challenge of understanding cash flow and navigating mountains of paperwork. You’ll hear our stories about starting out with young kids, finding balance, and the importance of preparing for the unexpected. As my guests and I share our experiences, we dive into the evolution of business ownership as life changes, how delegating tasks is essential, why building trust matters, and how to prepare for passing your business to the next generation. Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about your exit strategy, you’ll get practical advice and relatable stories that can help you mix family and business without losing your sanity. Tune in and let’s figure out what it really takes, together! Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.  [brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com] Make sure to check out our website [http://mixingfamilyandbusiness.com/] to learn more!

Ep: 84 - Why People Skills Trump Technical Skills in Business Success

In this episode we to break down what really matters when running multiple businesses, and it’s not your title. We share memorable stories from our early years: facing tough banks, balancing time with our kids, and learning the hard way why being a good listener is a superpower. The conversation gets real about why teaching technical tasks is so much easier than helping someone grow strong people skills, and what reliability truly means in a team (spoiler: it’s priceless). You’ll hear firsthand how genuine leadership develops through trust, consistency, and showing up for your people day after day, not just by climbing the org chart. I even share how informal leaders can quietly run the show behind the scenes, and why “just call me goddess” nearly became Kim’s official title! If you want to sharpen the skills that actually drive your business forward, this episode is packed with the kinds of insights I wish I’d learned sooner. Tune in and get ready to transform how you lead, grow, and connect with your team! Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.  [brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com] Make sure to check out our website [http://mixingfamilyandbusiness.com/] to learn more!

Ep: 83 - Life Lessons Learned Late in Family and Business Leadership

In this episode, I dive deep into the realities of running multiple businesses with my family. We share the lessons that caught us off guard, like discovering the importance of formal leadership after decades on the job, and the eye-opening impact of revamping our cash flow thanks to the "Profit First" approach. We talk about adapting to new roles, learning what real respect looks like across generations, and figuring out where the line is between helpful guidance and meddling when the family business changes hands. I also open up about the challenge and value of keeping availability at the forefront, even when authority shifts. You’ll hear our candid stories about buying businesses, dealing with previous owners, and how transitions in business don’t always need to be abrupt. Whether you’re managing a family business or just curious about how we keep things running smoothly, you’ll find insights, laughs, and plenty of practical takeaways in this episode. Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.  [brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com] Make sure to check out our website [http://mixingfamilyandbusiness.com/] to learn more!