This week’s episode is a special one! We interview Karen’s Dad Tony Russo. It’s the first time we are interviewing our own family members for our family business podcast. Tony is the owner and operator of A. Russo & Sons , the 100 year old fruit and vegetable company based in Watertown, Massachusetts. He has worked in the business for more than 70 years and he shares some of his earliest memories of working on the farm alongside his grandparents and father. Thanks Dad for answering our questions !

It's None of Your Business - The Family Business Podcast

Tony Russo - "You Were Born.. You Were Immediately Put To Work. What Was Your First Job?"

We loved interviewing the Nuts.com family! They have nearly 100 years of history and stories from when their “Poppy Sol” launched the Newark Nut Company. The company proudly sold roasted nuts, which were a huge hit in the community. Eventually, brothers, Kenny and Sandy took over the business. Several years ago, they decided to let the third and current generation run the company - and this is the story of how that happened. It’s confusing, so here’s a cheat sheet…  Jeffrey Braverman (3rd-generation) Chief Nut - Nuts.com David Braverman (third-Generation), General Manager, Nuts.com Kenny Braverman (Jeffrey’s Dad), Second Generation Nut.  Sandy Braverman (David’s Dad), Second Generation Nut. 

Nuts.com - "There Were Days I Would Go Home Crying"

Richard J Bryan is now a family business succession planning expert. He learned the lessons he now shares in his books when he took over his family's 100 year old car dealership at a young age when his father became ill.   It's a story of ego, emotion and a reminder that we all, "need A Frank in our lives".  

Richard J. Bryan - "What can I do for you sonny?"

In this case, a book’s title, “Trapped In the Family Business”, says it all.   Michael Klein has spent more than 20 years working with, and advising, individual members of family businesses across the country.  Plus, with a doctorate in psychology, he understands the "bottom line" isn’t always the bottom line.  Emotions, bruised feelings, and fragile egos can sometimes be just as important as profits.  This was a great Interview; so we ended up splitting the whole thing into two parts.  In part 1 (a few weeks back) Michael Told us about how being in a family business can paper over some major addiction problems; how family tensions can affect the day to day business, and how to assess the different members of a family. This week, in part two  we find out exactly who is the one “trapped”, in the Family Business.

Michael Klein - "People are Very Emotionally Trapped.. or Handcuffed .. to the Family Business"

Mitchell Kaneff is the third generation chairman and CEO of his family's business, Arkay Packaging.  For nearly 100 years, Arkay has created packaging for the beauty industry. In this podcast, Kaneff shares his experiences with us about working in his family business, including his bold decision to fire his father. Sidenote: This interview was (The last one) we recorded before the COVID outbreak in New York City.  It can take us a while to put these shows together.  Yes, we recorded this interview in the same room and no social distancing, but this was all before we knew what was going to happen.

Mitchell Kaneff - “I Go. Or You Go…”

In this case, a book’s title, “Trapped In the Family Business”, says it all.   Michael Klein has spent more than 20 years working with, and advising, individual members of family businesses across the country.  Plus, with a doctorate in psychology, he understands the "bottom line" isn’t always the bottom line.  Emotions, bruised feelings, and fragile egos can sometimes be just as important as profits.  This was a great Interview; so we ended up splitting the whole thing into two parts.  In part 1 (this week) Michael tells us about how being in a family business can paper over some major addiction problems; how family tensions can affect the day to day business, and how to assess the different members of a family. In part two (in a few weeks) we find out exactly who is the one “trapped”, in the Family Business.

Michael Klein - "Lots of slamming Doors"

Greenwich Letterpress on Christopher Street tucked away in Manhattan’s West Village is owned by sisters Beth Salvini and Amy Swanson.  The two are third-generation letterpress printers and, honestly, have one of the coolest stores downtown. Greenwich Letterpress offers beautiful custom made stationery as well as some of the most fun, eclectic stationery and assorted items such a the perfect 90210 keychains. Their store on Christopher Street is a “must” for every local and tourist. Sidenote: This interview was recorded before the COVID outbreak in New York City.  It can take us a while to put these shows together.  Yes, we recorded this interview in the same room and no social distancing, but this was all before we knew what was going to happen.  

Greenwich Letter Press - "That's a terrible Idea"

Paul Sullivan writes "Wealth Matters" for the New York Times. We loved speaking with Paul about the challenges of running a family business, family relationships and thinking long-term about succession. We learned what Paul thinks is often the key ingredient to a successful family business successful.

"In a Family Business, You Can't go Home"

Andy Unanue is the Managing Partner of AUA Private Equity Partners which focuses on lower to middle-market Hispanic and Family Business food-based companies. Andy grew up as part of the Goya Foods company and understands family business - particularly large and wildly successful family business - in a way that most people can only imagine. We really enjoyed our conversation with Andy and hearing about his tremendous business experience and acumen. Take a listen.

"Take Care of The Business, You’ll Have a Family. Take Care of The Family, You Won’t Have a Business”

Andy Unanue is the Managing Partner of AUA Private Equity Partners which focuses on lower to middle market Hispanic and Family Business food-based company. Andy grew up as part of the Goya Foods company and understands family business - particularly large and wildly successful family business - in a way that most people can only imagine. We really enjoyed our conversation with Andy and hearing about his tremendous business experience and acumen. Take a listen.

"My Grandfather Thought he had One Family - He Had Four"

We loved interviewing Mark Sirkin, a psychologist who specializes in family businesses. Maybe it's because we know how much family business can benefit from having an outsider help family members focus on what is important - and not distract from the chaos that often comes from family. There was a lot here, so we ended up splitting into two parts (with a third web extra).

"Not Everybody is in Psychotic Denial"

Father and Son combo, Neil and Hugh Schwartzberg, represent the third and fourth generations of their family company "D2 Office Furniture & Design." We really enjoyed learning their family history and the real challenges of running a family business, trusting family members and remaining a strong company in today's changing economy.

"The Bank Called"

We loved interviewing Mark Sirkin, a psychologist who specializes in family businesses. Maybe it's because we know how much family business can benefit from having an outsider help family members focus on what is important - and not to be distracted from the chaos that often comes from family. There was a lot here, so we ended up splitting into two parts (with a third web extra). Here’s part 1, It's about, "The Kids" and it's titled, "I Have had Blood all over my Clothes”

“I Have had Blood all over my Clothes”

The folks at Economy Candy are, in one word, happy! Perhaps it's because they are surrounded by sugar all day, but still, they never seem to crash from the sugar rush. This small family runs the famous candy store located on Manhattan's Lower East Side. They enjoy their work, their time together and are successful in doing what they love.

"It's the Sugar!!"

We work for family businesses. We grew up in family businesses. We understand family businesses. Who better to interview other family businesses?

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It's None of Your Business - The Family Business Podcast

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