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Can family loyalty coexist with personal fulfillment in a family business? What happens when the family legacy is upended by a choice to leave? And when that choice is made by a woman or daughter vs a son? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Melissa Ortiz of River Vista Farms as we unravel the emotional complexities of returning to family-run enterprises. Through candid storytelling, we examine the challenges of stepping into roles shaped by generational expectations and how these experiences can lead to the difficult decision to step away. This episode promises to deliver insights on balancing family ties with personal aspirations, offering guidance for those navigating similar paths.

Melissa and I reflect on the wisdom handed down by our family members and the courageous journey of implementing change in traditional business environments. We share stories of embracing modern tools and strategies to breathe new life into family businesses, from digital systems to employee wellness programs. These experiences highlight the importance of aligning one's skills and passions with their professional roles and how this alignment—or lack thereof—can impact personal well-being and relationships as well as the family business itself.

Throughout the episode, we explore the delicate dance of communication and legacy within family enterprises. We touch on the value and power of open dialogues and the courage needed to pursue paths that truly resonate with one's individual dreams. Whether you're part of a family business or simply intrigued by the dynamics of these unique ventures and how a woman's role in them can be difficult, you'll find our discussion underscores the lasting value of prioritizing personal growth and familial harmony over traditional notions of business success.


CHAPTER SUMMARIES
(00:00) Navigating Family Business Challenges
Family business members discuss the emotional journey of returning to and leaving a family business, highlighting the tension between loyalty and personal fulfillment.

(11:36) Returning to Family Business Legacy
Returning to a family business in Colusa, California, reflecting on childhood experiences, navigating dynamics and challenges, and fostering a thriving work environment.

(18:01) Navigating Family Business Leadership
Returning to a family-run agricultural business in California, navigating HR compliance, and balancing personal fulfillment with family loyalty.

(32:13) Implementing Digital Systems for Family Business
Nature's challenges and successes in implementing the H-2A worker visa program on a ranch, utilizing familial connections and transitioning to digital processes.

(42:03) Entrepreneurial Vision in Family Business
Transitioning from traditional to digital marketing, facing resistance, prioritizing employee wellness, and community support in a family business.

(46:56) Navigating Family Business Succession
Returning to hometown, balancing family loyalty and personal fulfillment, facing financial pressures, and transitioning to align with passions.

(54:23) Balancing Family Business and Relationships
Family business complexities, stepping away for improved relationships, challenges of change, prioritizing personal well-being and relationships.

(01:02:20) Family Business Communication and Legacy
Communication, education, work-life balance, and parental expectations in family businesses and the importance of open dialogues.

To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE

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Growing up, I spent countless weekends with my family at local markets, surrounded by vibrant sights and sounds, which makes today's guest story resonate deeply. Tracie and Eric Denio take us on a nostalgic journey through the history of Denio's Farmer's Market and Swap Meet, a venture started by their remarkable grandparents, Jim and Marilee Denio. From auctioning quirky items like used dentures in the 1960s to the market's evolution into a modern community hub, their tales are a testament to resilience and innovative family spirit.

Through the lens of Eric and Tracie's leadership, we explore the dynamic of a family business that has thrived over generations. They share the importance of hands-on experiences, from managing hot dog carts to sweeping floors, which shaped their business acumen and commitment to maintaining a family-friendly environment. Their dedication to community engagement and environmental responsibility has kept Denio's a beloved destination in Roseville, illustrating how the foundational principles of their grandparents continue to guide them.

We explore the challenges and rewards of running a family business, highlighting the unique sibling dynamic between Tracie and Eric as well. Their stories of balancing personal aspirations with the family legacy, influenced by their French-Canadian roots and Christian values, offer a heartwarming glimpse into the fabric of their family. As they navigate the future of Denio's, their commitment to their team and community shines through, leaving us inspired by the enduring spirit of family and community that defines Denio's Farmer's Market.

To learn more about Denio's and for location and hours visit their website in this LINK

Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Evolution of Denio's Farmers Market
Denio's Farmer's Market and Swap Meet's rich history, from grandparents' contrasting strengths to modern customer-friendly environment.

(13:57) Legacy of Family-Friendly Denio's Market
Third-generation owners embody values instilled by grandparents, emphasizing community engagement and environmental responsibility at Denio's family-run business.

(18:34) Generational Legacy of Family-Owned Business
Grandparents' partnership, joyful companionship, world tour, and legacy inspire future generations to cherish relationships and embrace life's adventures.

(26:19) Family Dynamics in Business Succession
Family business, French-Canadian heritage, hands-on approach, education, and work ethic passed down through generations.

(31:25) Family Business Succession Planning
The emotional and professional journey of inheriting a family business, the transition process, and future plans for involving the next generation.

(39:44) Family Values in Business Succession
Sibling teamwork, Christian values, and leadership skills are highlighted in the challenges faced by a family business during COVID-19.

(51:33) Dedicated Team Drives Family Business
Tracie and Eric's commitment to their team and community, strong relationships with employees and vendors, and recognition in Comstock magazine.

To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE

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Can a restaurant truly be a catalyst for change and community connection? Join us as we sit down with Patrick Mulvaney, co-founder of Mulvaney's B&L, to uncover the powerful intersections of food, love, and societal transformation. Patrick shares his inspirational journey of turning an old firehouse into a beloved dining destination, and how the spirit of "It's a Wonderful Life" fuels their mission to create a heartfelt community hub. From a memorable White House visit post-2024 election to the bustling early days supported by a loyal local community, Patrick reveals the indelible impact a restaurant can have beyond just serving meals.

In our conversation, we explore Patrick's reflections on Sacramento's dynamic food scene and his collaborative efforts with influential figures like Santana Diaz to push the envelope in sustainability and local sourcing. Patrick opens up about the trials and triumphs of the pandemic era, and how resilience and adaptability became their guiding stars. With a focus on mentorship, he offers invaluable advice for young restaurateurs eager to make their mark through community engagement and authentic leadership, underscoring the legacy-building power of passion-driven pursuits.

Patrick and his wife, Bobbin, also share insights on the crucial importance of mental health in the restaurant industry, highlighting Bobbin's innovative "I Got Your Back" program. By fostering open conversations about mental well-being, they aim to create a compassionate work environment. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt discussion about balancing family dynamics in a business setting, highlighting the joys and challenges of running a family restaurant. Patrick's vision for the future is grounded in contentment and community service, offering a hopeful and inspiring outlook for restaurateurs and community builders alike.

To learn more about Mulvaney's B&L visit the website HERE

To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

In 1973, Wayne’s parents, Bill and Sandy Bishop planted the first pumpkins and invited local schools to come visit the farm. Soon after that Sandy and her friends started baking pies in her kitchen to sell to guests when they came to visit.

Since then the Bishop’s built a full scale bakery where they still bake scratch made pumpkin pie from pumpkins grown on the farm along with other delicious treats. Over the years they added fun farm rides and attractions and they have become the largest U-Pick pumpkin field in the world welcoming 275,000 guests each year.

Wayne now runs the farm with his wife and two sons and he talks about growing up with his house always smelling of fresh pie, the benefits and struggles of working with his parents and now his sons and how doing a SWOT analysis for the business (strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats) drastically improved how they operate.

Visit Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm website

Visit the Capital Region Family Business Center here

Visit River City Bank HERE

To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Dave Boyce, Nate Boyce, and Ben Brown as we touch upon the importance of generational transitions, and share a few laughs along the way. Our discussion begins with a recounting of Dave and his younger brother Craig's imaginative adventures, setting a light-hearted tone for our chat.

Discover the fascinating story behind the formation of Sacramento's largest regional accounting firm, BFBA. It all started with a casual dinner at Black Angus Restaurant in Citrus Heights, where Dave, Craig, Rob Fink, and Miles Brown discussed their dissatisfaction with their current career paths and envisioned a new business together. We reflect on the familial and entrepreneurial influences that shaped their journey, particularly Dave's father's dream of self-employment. As we move forward, we discuss the firm's emphasis on people and relationships, the importance of work-life balance, and their unique mission statement that prioritizes high-quality client relationships over mere revenue generation.

We then explore the challenges and triumphs of leadership transitions within BFBA, focusing on Ben's journey to becoming the managing partner. Ben shares his initial feelings of unpreparedness and his efforts to develop softer skills with the guidance of his father, Miles. We also highlight the importance of self-awareness, effective communication, and exemplifying core values within the firm. The conversation wraps up with a look at navigating family dynamics in a business setting, the rare achievement of a second-generation CPA firm, and the ongoing efforts to maintain a dynamic, family-focused culture that supports personal and professional growth.

To learn more about BFBA and learn why they're the leading accounting firm in the region, visit https://bfba.com/
To lear more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit https://capfamilybus.org/

Episode Highlights
(04:37 - 05:43) Brothers' Dinner Sparks Accounting Firm
(08:38 - 10:18) Entrepreneurial Dreams and Failed Business
(17:49 - 18:42) Work-Life Balance Policy Impact
(27:54 - 30:34) Career Shift to Family Business
(37:43 - 38:49) Decision to Stay Independent
(45:44 - 46:56) Navigating Conflict in Family Businesses
(53:10 - 55:20) Navigating Role Dynamics in the Workplace
(58:26 - 01:00:23) Prioritizing Families in the Workplace
(01:06:25 - 01:07:53) Benefits of Family Business Center

Chapter Summaries
(00:01) Podcast Interview Preparation and Banter
Childhood memories, generational family transitions, and the importance of personal stories in professional settings.

(04:37) Formation of Regional Accounting Firm
Four men discuss forming a business due to dissatisfaction with their accounting firms, influenced by familial and entrepreneurial dreams.

(12:57) Building a Relationship-Focused Firm
Formation and evolution of accounting firm, prioritizing relationships, work-life balance, and initial mission statement creation.

(23:14) Generational Transition in Accounting Firm
Two individuals share their career journeys from big accounting firms to joining their family's firm, valuing work-life balance.

(34:42) National Firm Acquisition Decision-Making
BFBA considered acquisition by larger firm, but chose to remain independent with Ben as managing partner.

(39:09) Succession Planning and Soft Skills
Ben's transition to managing partner involved self-improvement, learning from his father, and exempl

To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Join your host, Natalie Mariani-Kling, for an inspiring journey as she recounts the remarkable transformation of Dave Leatherby Sr. and his wife Sally, who transitioned from a small farming town in Iowa to a life of profound faith and generosity on the West Coast. She'll explore how Dave Sr.'s career with Safeway, and his mentorship under Bert Bride, led to a life-altering experience through the reading of Catholic saints' lives and his eventual baptism into Catholicism. This newfound faith not only redefined their personal lives but also reshaped their family dynamics and charitable endeavors. As the eldest of ten children, Dave Leatherby Jr. shares his unique perspective on how his parents' commitment to their faith influenced their family and community, despite facing challenges and anti-Catholic sentiment in their Midwest roots.

In the conversation, Natalie delves into the establishment of Leatherby's Family Creamery, a family business built on the solid foundation of faith and values. Dave Sr.'s unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith permeated every aspect of their lives, from never missing daily Mass to integrating these values into their business. Listen in as they explore how this faith-driven optimism and joy laid the groundwork for a successful and joyful family enterprise, creating a legacy that continues to inspire and connect people through shared experiences and service.

The journey wasn't without its trials, however. You'll hear stories of overcoming financial struggles, skepticism from banks, and the pivotal moments of support from unexpected places, such as the generous loan from Mr. Ratterman and the transformative feature by the Sacramento Bee. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the importance of community, perseverance, and divine providence in building and sustaining Leatherby's Family Creamery is clear. This episode is a testament to the power of faith, family, and the enduring impact of generosity and kindness in both personal and business life.

To learn more about Leatherby's Family Creamery visit: https://leatherbys.net/
To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit:https://capfamilybus.org/
To learn more about our sponsor, River City Bank, visit: https://rivercitybank.com/

Episode Highlights
(01:56 - 03:19) Life-Changing Encounter With Catholic Faith
(12:13 - 13:18) Impact of Positive Spirit and Joy
(15:57 - 17:12) From Salesman to Ice Cream Entrepreneur
(20:14 - 21:05) Legacy of Longstanding Ice Cream Parlor
(22:58 - 24:40) Ice Cream Parlor Business Development
(33:05 - 34:20) Leatherby Family Creamy Business Success
(41:36 - 42:52) Family's Contribution to Business Franchise
(47:27 - 48:55) Family Business Struggles and Resilience
(51:51 - 53:05) Importance of Family Business Communication
(01:04:44 - 01:05:50) Act of Kindness in Community

Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Family Embraces Faith and Generosity
Dave Sr. and Sally's transformative journey to Catholicism reshapes their family dynamics and charitable endeavors.

(09:28) Family Business Built on Faith
My father's unwavering Catholic faith shaped our family and business, inspiring a legacy of joy, service, and connection.

(18:21) Creating a Family Ice Cream Legacy
Successful retail business journey from microwaves to ice cream, with mentorship from Foremost Dairy.

(25:05) Family Ice Cream Business Overcomes Adversity
Family support, faith, and unexpected kindness helped us

To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

What does it take to transform a small family business into a major player in the beverage industry? Discover the incredible legacy of NorCal Beverage, beginning with Shannon Deary-Bell's grandfather, who turned his Coca-Cola salesmanship into the entrepreneurial foundation of Hires Bottling in 1937. You'll hear the story of Shannon's father and uncle, who made the courageous decision to sell their profitable stocks to protect the family business and its employees, embodying a people-first philosophy that has defined NorCal's journey and continuing legacy. You'll also hear of the tenacity and determination of Shannon as a young manager having to deal with the complexity of "busting" a union that misrepresented itself to the employees. Her pursuit of what was the right thing to do, let to a much greater acceptance from her employees and family alike.

Uncover the strategic genius behind NorCal's significant pivot in 2007, when the company shifted focus from bottling popular brands like Dr. Pepper and Snapple to co-packing. This bold move led to lucrative partnerships with major brands like Arizona Tea, Red Bull, Monster, and Gatorade, propelling NorCal to new heights. We delve into how Shannon's insistence for a particular seat at luncheon led to a critical meeting with the CEO of Red Bull in France that opened doors to substantial opportunities, highlighting the company's resilience and adaptability in the face of industry challenges.

Finally, we explore the complexities of family business dynamics, focusing on succession planning, leadership transitions, and the difficult and emotional decision to sell the business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear Shannon's son Riley, explain his personal account of returning to the family fold to save jobs and his reflections on the pressures and rewards of taking on a leadership role in a newly developed company. Shannon and Riley discuss the importance of personal accountability, hard work, and seizing growth opportunities while maintaining a people-centered approach. Dedication and passion continue to drive their new venture setting the stage of familial business success once again.

To learn more about NC Equipment Solutions visit https://nceqs.com/
or you can contact them at:
Dispatch & General Inquiries: (916) 372-7700; fsd@NCEQS.com
Accounts Receivables: (916) 374-2657; AR@NCEQS.com
Accounts Payables: (916) 372 7700 ext. 2436; AP@NCEQS.com

Episode Highlights
(05:32 - 06:00) The Power of Community
(13:57 - 15:01) Trust and Communication in Relationships
(18:14 - 19:19) Meeting Red Bull CEO in France
(21:59 - 23:40) Succession Planning for Company Presidency
(25:58 - 27:02) Father-Son Relationship and Business Sale
(32:51 - 34:20) Company Restructuring Saves Jobs
(37:46 - 39:09) Family Business Responsibilities and Rewards
(44:25 - 45:41) Navigating Entrepreneurship at a Young Age

Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Building a Family Business Legacy
NorCal Beverage's history, family commitment, and employee safeguarding, from Shannon's grandfather's vision to her taking over the business.

(15:03) Succession Planning and Co-Packing Success
NorCal Beverage's strategic pivot to co-packing led to partnerships with Arizona Tea, Red Bull, Monster, and Gatorade, driving growth and resilience.

(23:06) Navigating Family Business

To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Can you imagine hopping freight trains across the country to build a business empire during one of the toughest times in American history? Join your host, Natalie Mariani-Kling, as she welcomes David Lawson, President of Lawson Mechanical, who recounts the extraordinary story of his grandfather, transforming from a resilient South Dakota youth into the founder of Sacramento's leading mechanical construction firm. From surviving the Great Depression to learning essential trades during World War II, this is a narrative of ambition and tenacity that laid the groundwork for a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

David shares the rich history of Lawson Mechanical, spanning three generations of leadership and innovation. The discussion covers the unique skills each generation brought to the table—from his grandfather's pioneering business strategies to his father's expertise in mechanical systems and people management. David's own path, marked by a blend of political acumen and historical insight, showcases a modern approach to maintaining and growing a family business. This episode is not only a deep dive into the critical moments that forged their legacy but also a testament to the transformative power of education and early exposure to industry.

Navigating the complexities of leadership transitions within a family business is no small feat. David opens up about the emotional and practical challenges he faced moving from a political career to operations management, eventually becoming the president of Lawson Mechanical. Natalie explores the delicate balance of supporting a cohesive company culture while empowering family members to find their own paths. Using Lawson Mechanical as a lens, the conversation moves to the broader implications of what truly defines a family business versus a business owned by a family, highlighting how meaningful contributions from multiple families strengthen the organization's identity. This is an insightful conversation about preserving purpose and navigating the intricate balance of family and business.

To learn more about Lawson Mechanical visit: https://www.lawsonmechanical.com/contact/
For more information about the Family Business Center visit: Capital Region Family Business Center website
To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit website: River City Bank

Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Legacy of Lawson Mechanical Firm
David Lawson shares his grandfather's journey from South Dakota to California, and how their family business evolved over 80 years.

(08:45) Generational Business Success and Growth
Three generations of a family business, with a foundation in management, mechanical systems, and community projects.

(15:12) Navigating Leadership Transitions in Family Business
Navigating California politics, transitioning to operations management in a family business, and finding purpose as president.

(28:16) Family Business Success and Culture
Challenges and responsibilities in a family business, proving worth, unique perspectives, cohesive culture, and working on the business.

(39:26) Defining Family vs Business Ownership
Family business vs. business owned by family, using Lawson Mechanical as a case study, embracing multiple families to strengthen identity.

HIGHLIGHTS
(04:37 - 05:25) Gas Station Ledger Reflections Over Time
(10:51 - 11:44) Legacy of Strong Employee Relationship

To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE