Tricia Ruby is president and CEO of Ruby + Associates a renowned steel construction and engineering firm based in the Detroit area. Ruby + Associates is staffed with engineers, designers, and planners who are instrumental in the building of some of the most complex steel structures in North America. Ruby + Associates was founded by Tricia’s father and over 40 years grew as a family enterprise based on the classic components of hard work, hustle, experience, and excellence. In our wide-ranging conversation Tricia talks about the Ruby + Associates roots, her unique path into the business, and th ..read more

Laurie Mikes (pronounced mike-us) is the Chief Operating Officer of Second Wind, a unique Wyomissing, PA headquartered consultancy serving the marketing communications industry. Second Wind is a distinguished second-generation, family-led organization and SMZ is proud to be associated as a Second Wind member. In this longer-form conversation format, Laurie talks about how Second Wind brings a high-touch attitude to an ever more high-tech world. For 35 years, Second Wind has helped business leaders tap into the power of shared thinking and information. That "collective" power is available here ..read more

Stanley Chen is the CEO of Telamon Corporation in Carmel, Indiana in suburban Indianapolis. Stan (as he prefers to be called) is a leader, a thinker, a father, and a teacher. On this 51st episode of GENeration EXcellence Stan talks about how his father and his mother built what is now one of the largest privately-held businesses in Indiana. As the business has transitioned into the second generation, Stan along with his sister, Stephanie are serving wireless providers, data centers and original equipment manufacturers of the technology that keeps us all connected and “enables life.” I apprecia ..read more

Scott Snider is president of the Cleveland based Exit Planning Institute (EPI). EPI regularly counsels generational businesses and in fact they are one as well. Scott works closely with his father as the second generation leader of the Institute’s business operations. I was introduced to the Exit Planning Institute via a webinar they conducted to educate family businesses on employee ownership plans. Since then I have been on their email list and radar. In a good way. In our conversation Scott lays out an intriguing concept called the family business blueprint and much more that should prove r ..read more

Doug Gray has spent 25 years helping family businesses go and grow as a consultant, most recently for The Family Business Consulting Group. No surprise issues around communication, competition, conflict, chance and 75 other C-words or so can invade the C-suite of family business leaders. Family businesses across industries and around the world turn to Doug for guidance in leadership development, succession planning, and strengthening family unity. If you are in any way connected to a family enterprise, Doug will make you think of things from a fresh perspective. Please enjoy episode #48 of GEN ..read more

Dean Friedman whose family was in the steel business became attracted to the advertising world (it is magnetic) at age 14 and never looked back. In fact, in his storied career he regularly looked forward. Dean had an innate understanding of the value of consumer research. From that research he gleaned true insights that inspired many iconic brand campaigns. Dean’s first two decades in the business were at W.B. Doner (now Doner and Partners) spanning Detroit to London and a few million miles of travel serving clients. As Doner transitioned into its next generation of leadership, Dean struck out ..read more

Jim Gatward is someone I was fortunate to meet recently. Trying to talk over loud music at a beautiful wedding in Jamaica, we discovered we were both part of generational businesses back home in Detroit. I learned that starting in the 1950’s Jim’s father had built a company called LaSalle Electric into a major supplier of electrical and lighting supplies to commercial businesses. As you’ll learn in this episode, Jim joined the business with an idea to enter the aircraft lighting market. Yes, the business “took flight” and enabled a “round-the-world journey.” It also “landed” in a different pla ..read more

When I first had the idea of doing a podcast about leaders of unique generational family businesses Dan Musser was gracious enough (crazy enough?) to volunteer to be guest #1. That was in late 2018. Just one year later in fall 2019 he and his family made the decision to sell their business, Grand Hotel to KSL Partners/Davidson Hotels. I thought it would be interesting to do a follow-up episode with Dan about life since that significant event. Again, he said yes. In our conversation Dan reflects on the sale of a business, the new ventures he has become involved with and more. Please enjoy this ..read more

David Techner represents third generation family leadership of The Ira Kaufman Chapel and brings passion and compassion to funeral arrangements, pre-planning, and after-care. David is a past president of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, he wrote a children's book “A Candle for Grandpa,” and proudly co-produced the Emmy® Award winning documentary “Generation to Generation.” David is leading Kaufman’s into the 4th generation and their spirit of innovation, community connection, and commitment to serving people in times of need embodies GENeration EXcellence. To paraphrase SMZ founder ..read more

Laura Ries is a marketing strategist, bestselling author and media personality. In 1994, she founded Ries & Ries, a consulting firm with her father and partner Al Ries, the legendary positioning pioneer. I was fortunate to get this sought-after-speaker to speak with me about building a global, generational business. It’s clear that Laura lives by the fundamental and immutable laws of branding that she and her father have taught around the world. Gather ‘round and enjoy this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Laura Ries. Ries & Ries: https://www.ries.com/ Laura's Books on Amazon: htt ..read more