Building More Than Buildings: Brett Kaufman on Family Business, Risk, and Life’s Purpose
Release Date: 05/08/2025
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Dhruv Pandit, a prominent Kenyan family business leader, offers a compelling account of his family’s century-long entrepreneurial journey, rooted in his grandparents’ immigration from India to East Africa. He details his father's impressive self-made success in banking, insurance, and real estate, emphasizing the founder’s outgoing nature, continuous learning, and ability to connect across diverse social strata. The episode delves into the evolution of their enterprise, highlighting the strategic decision to exit the banking and insurance sectors to concentrate on real estate and...
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Nike, an esteemed advisor at Northern Trust and a leader within her own Nigerian family enterprise, shares profound insights into the intricate world of family businesses. Her journey began by managing her family office without a "playbook," a decade she describes as both the most meaningful and challenging of her life. Faced with "drowning in complexity," Nike spearheaded the creation of a family office, establishing a "control tower" designed around family values and vision to manage diverse businesses and investments. She emphasizes the critical need for rising generation leaders to earn...
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The Third Layer
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Brittney Ray, the full-time Family Council Chair for E. Ritter & Company, provides a compelling look into stewarding a 136-year-old family enterprise. As a "married-in," or "outlaw" as they humorously refer to them, Brittney’s journey into family leadership underscores the importance of curiosity and inclusivity in family businesses. A pivotal moment for the Ritter family came in 2019 with a significant liquidity event, which prompted an identity shift from owner-operators to owner-investors. This change spurred "Project Ernest," an 18-month initiative to revamp the family's mission,...
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Sixth Level Leadership: Rachel Wallis Andreasson shares how Wallis Companies maintains a family feel while expanding
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Rachel Wallis Andreasson, a third-generation leader of Wallis Companies, shares the compelling narrative of her family business, transformed from a single gas station in 1968 to a billion-dollar enterprise. Her father, Bill Wallis, an American entrepreneurial archetype, instilled a foundational culture built on strong work ethic, deep intuition for people, and a profound focus on employee well-being, a legacy Rachel and her siblings continue to uphold. Rachel emphasizes that despite its immense growth, Wallis Companies retains its family business feel due to its people-first culture and...
info_outlineIn this conversation, Brett Kaufman shares his journey from growing up in a family with complex dynamics to founding Kaufman Development. He discusses the influence of his family, particularly his father and stepfather, on his career choices and personal development. Brett reflects on the expectations placed on him as a child, the challenges he faced, and the importance of gaining experience outside of family business. He emphasizes the significance of pursuing one's passion and the support he received from his family when making the leap to start his own venture. In this conversation, Brett Kaufman shares his journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, risk management, and the role of luck in business. He reflects on the lessons learned through challenges, the evolution of his life perspectives, and the significance of leading with vulnerability.
Additional Resources:
Brett Kaufman Founder at Kaufman Development https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-kaufman/
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Key Takeaways:
- Brett Kaufman shares his journey influenced by family dynamics.
- He experienced high expectations growing up in a family business.
- Brett's father struggled with addiction, impacting family relationships.
- He transitioned to his stepfather's business, gaining valuable experience.
- Brett desired independence and a personal vision for his career.