Buying a Family Business: How Michael Bower Revived a Struggling Company | Family Biz Show Ep. 109
Release Date: 03/13/2025
Legacy Isn’t Left—It’s Lived: Mike Young’s Pivot from Farmland to Future Wealth | The Family Biz Show Ep. 117
The Family Biz Show
In this deeply resonant episode of The Family Biz Show, Michael Palumbos sits down with Mike Young, fourth-generation family business leader and author of The Farmer’s Code. From a humble start farming rice in the Californian desert to exiting a vast family farmland portfolio, Mike offers a masterclass on pivoting, stewardship, and enduring family cohesion. Key Themes: Roots in the Soil (00:00–06:30) Mike recounts the origins of Wegis & Young—his great-grandfather's immigration, renaming, and pioneering efforts in California's Central Valley. Their early crops, including rice and...
info_outline
Building a Family Office That Lasts: Wealth, Legacy & Leadership | The Family Biz Show Ep. 116
The Family Biz Show
In this episode of The Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos sits down with Scott Saslow—entrepreneur, author, and founder of One World Investments. Together, they explore the overlooked complexities of what comes after the liquidity event. From defining a family office to uncovering its entrepreneurial DNA, this episode is a must-listen for legacy-minded leaders preparing for the next stage. Key Themes: What Is a Family Office, Really? Scott demystifies the term “family office” for founders and next-gen leaders. It’s not just an investment vehicle—it’s an infrastructure. And it...
info_outline
Transforming Leadership with Generative Listening | The Family Biz Show Ep. 115
The Family Biz Show
In this episode of The Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos welcomes Brent Robertson, founder of Be Generative, to discuss transformative leadership and the power of generative listening. Brent shares how shifting from controlling leadership to generative listening can radically improve communication, foster innovation, and create a future-ready organization. This conversation is especially relevant for family business leaders aiming to empower the next generation and ensure a lasting legacy. The Power of Generative Listening: Generative listening goes beyond active listening by creating a...
info_outline
Culture Over Chaos: How Randy Carr Rebuilt World Emblem | The Family Biz Show Ep. 114
The Family Biz Show
Culture Over Chaos: How Randy Carr Rebuilt World Emblem | The Family Biz Show Ep. 114 In this powerful episode, Michael Palumbos sits down with Randy Carr, second-generation CEO of World Emblem, who shares a brutally honest and insight-packed journey of rebuilding a company from scratch—twice. From failed ERP systems to near fistfights with his brother, Randy takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to build a legacy business with 1,600+ employees. This episode is a must-listen for leaders facing coordination gaps, stalled growth, or succession uncertainties. Key Insights &...
info_outline
Legacy on Film: How Eriksen Dickens Helps Families Preserve Their Stories | The Family Biz Show Ep.
The Family Biz Show
In this episode of the Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos is joined by filmmaker and entrepreneur Eriksen Dickens of Platinum Peak and Dickens Brothers to explore the power of legacy documentaries in preserving family stories for future generations. Eriksen shares the inspiring story of building a creative business with his brother—starting with childhood movies on their family ranch to directing legacy films for philanthropists, founders, and family foundations. They discuss the unique dynamics of working with family, the evolution of their business, and the challenges of leadership,...
info_outline
How Family Offices Evolve: Strategy, Structure, and Success Across Generations | The Family Biz Show Ep. 112
The Family Biz Show
How Family Offices Evolve: Strategy, Structure, and Success Across Generations | The Family Biz Show Ep. 112 🎙️ In this episode of the Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos sits down with Peter Moustakerski, CEO of the Family Office Exchange (FOX), to explore the evolving landscape of family offices and how multi-generational families can preserve wealth, purpose, and unity across generations. Peter shares his unconventional career journey—from launching businesses in China to helping build Ray Dalio’s family office—and the lessons learned from working with ultra-high-net-worth...
info_outline
How Three Generations Built a Thriving Tile Business | The Family Biz Show Ep. 111
The Family Biz Show
In this episode of The Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos welcomes three generations of the Firkins family, owners of Tile Wholesalers, to discuss the evolution of their family business over 52 years. From launching as a one-man tile distributor in the 1970s to becoming one of upstate New York’s leading residential and commercial tile providers, the Firkins family shares a powerful story of generational leadership, trust-based succession planning, and strategic growth. Al, Dave, Kathryn, and Conor Firkins reveal how they’ve handled leadership transitions, embraced new technology,...
info_outline
Leadership Tensions in Family-Owned Businesses | The Family Biz Show Ep. 110
The Family Biz Show
In this episode of the Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos is joined by executive coach and author Cathy Carroll to explore the emotional and strategic tensions unique to leading a family-owned business. Drawing on personal experience and her new book Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business with Both Love and Logic, Cathy reveals how families can navigate leadership challenges, intergenerational conflict, and complex relationship dynamics with clarity and compassion. The conversation dives deep into the concept of polarities—opposing truths that both carry value—and how recognizing...
info_outline
Buying a Family Business: How Michael Bower Revived a Struggling Company | Family Biz Show Ep. 109
The Family Biz Show
In this episode of the Family Biz Show, Michael interviews Michael Bower, who shares his journey of acquiring and revitalizing Eagle Metal Craft, a multi-generational family business. They discuss the challenges of succession planning, the importance of maintaining a strong company culture, and the impact of family dynamics on business operations. Bower reflects on his experiences navigating the complexities of a declining business, the significance of mentorship, and the strategies he implemented to professionalize the company and drive growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear...
info_outline
The Art of Selling: Insights from a Sales Maven Ep. 108
The Family Biz Show
After a long haitus due to a company transition, we're back with episode 108! In this episode of the Family Biz Show, Michael interviewed Nikki Rausch of the Sales Maven, who shares her journey from a successful sales career to becoming a sales consultant. They discuss the importance of hiring the right salespeople, understanding the sales process, and the differences between marketing and sales. Nikki introduces her Selling Staircase framework, emphasizing the need for curiosity in sales conversations and the importance of training for business owners and their teams. Some major topics...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Family Biz Show, Michael interviews Michael Bower, who shares his journey of acquiring and revitalizing Eagle Metal Craft, a multi-generational family business. They discuss the challenges of succession planning, the importance of maintaining a strong company culture, and the impact of family dynamics on business operations.
Bower reflects on his experiences navigating the complexities of a declining business, the significance of mentorship, and the strategies he implemented to professionalize the company and drive growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear planning and the value of external support in achieving long-term success in family-owned businesses.
Takeaways:
- Michael Bower took over a declining family business and revitalized it.
- Succession planning is crucial for the longevity of family businesses.
- Cultural shifts can significantly impact employee morale and engagement.
- Professionalizing a business can lead to increased value and growth.
- Mentorship and advisory groups provide essential support for business owners.
- Understanding family dynamics is key to navigating business challenges.
- Investing in employee well-being can enhance company culture.
- A clear vision and strategic planning are vital for business success.
- The importance of maintaining a strong company culture through transitions.
- Long-term planning can create opportunities for future generations.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Family Business Dynamics
03:54 Michael Bower's Journey to Eagle Metal Craft
06:57 The Evolution of Eagle Metal Craft
10:10 Challenges of Acquiring a Declining Business
13:01 The Importance of Succession Planning
16:06 Navigating Family Dynamics in Business
23:07 Cultural Impact of Family Business Transitions
32:09 Navigating Family Dynamics in Business
33:14 Transitioning Leadership: A New Era
35:21 Enhancing Workplace Culture
38:07 Negotiating the Business Sale
41:29 Vision for the Future: Growth and Strategy
50:31 The Importance of Mentorship and Advisory Groups
52:20 Generational Thinking in Business
57:07 The Value of Outside Help
01:02:19 Planning for Long-Term Success
01:07:36 Introduction to Family Business Insights
01:08:06 Engagement and Community in Family Business