Mixing Family and Business Podcast

Ep: 77 - Do Family Businesses Mean Drama or Success?

On this episode of Mixing Family and Business, I’m joined by Tom, Kim, and Shirley as we bring you right back to those unforgettable moments from the distinct stench of rotten potatoes to the surprisingly powerful nostalgia of an old grocery store. We kick things off with laughs and memories, but quickly dive deep into how those experiences shaped our approach to business and family alike.
I open up about the real myths and challenges of running a family business debunking the drama, talking about what kids do (or don’t) get handed, and digging into what truly makes a family company scalable. Together, we share how the personality and drive of each family member impacts the entire business, why teamwork trumps entitlement, and why success comes down to clear values and honest work. If you’re ready for honest stories, big laughs, and actionable advice, hit play and let’s clear the air smells and all about what it really takes to thrive as a family in business.
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 76 - First Jobs, Early Homes, and How Inflation Changed Our Lives

In this episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to run multiple businesses in a changing world. From the first skills that sparked their confidence, to memorable stories around ice cream scoops and grocery store routines, you’ll get the inside scoop (pun intended!) on how this family built, grew, and adapted their systems for success.
You’ll hear us break down the cost of houses from the 60s to the 80s, and today,  compare incomes, payments, and the impact of inflation on making big decisions. Get ready for a fun look at gas wars, candy bar prices, bread, and how those dollars stretched across generations.
Discover why adaptability, day-to-day routines, and a bit of grit make all the difference in business and family alike. Plus, learn firsthand how the lessons from small successes (like perfecting that ice cream scoop) shape the approach to bigger triumphs.
Whether you’re curious about business, family, or how much a loaf of bread used to cost, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and the kind of advice you can only get from those who’ve lived it.
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 75 - Timeless Business Tools and Tech: From Cash Registers to AI-Driven Kitchens

On this week’s episode of Mixing Family and Business Podcast we chat about the old-school business habits and tools we just can’t quit, stuff like paper notebooks, showing up on time, and honestly, cash registers still do the job! There’s something about jotting down a list with pen and paper that keeps my day on track, even with all the tech out there. You’ll hear some funny throwbacks and real talk on why some habits just work, no matter how many gadgets hit the market.
We also dive into the tech we didn’t trust at first but now can’t imagine living without, yep, I’m looking at you, QuickBooks and email portals. Plus, there’s a little advice for anyone who feels overwhelmed with all the new tools: just pick one or two and get comfortable, you don’t need to be a tech wizard overnight. I even share one of my “magic moments,” like printing a doc from my couch straight to the Dairy Queen office, seriously, how cool is that? So if you want practical tips, some relatable laughs, and a look at how business is changing (but still kinda the same), hit play and join the conversation with us!
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 74 - The Power of Time Off

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes from the jobs I dreaded in the early days to the moments that made it all worthwhile. Whether it’s cleaning bathrooms, facing shelves, or wrestling with pop nozzles, we all have our “I can’t wait to hand this off!” stories.
But business isn’t just about hard work; it’s about building memories, too. I talk with Shirley, Kim, and Tom about the creative ways we found time for vacations, hobbies, and spontaneous adventures. From snowmobile trips and boating at sunset to day-trips to Chicago and bargain-hunting in Tijuana, we managed to build traditions that kept us close and recharged for the journey ahead. We prove that you don't have to wait for the “perfect time” to have fun you just make it happen, even when business feels all-consuming.
If you’re walking that fine line between family and entrepreneurship, don’t forget: fun matters. I share why taking time off isn’t just a luxury, but a survival skill, one that keeps you, your team, and your family happy for the long haul. Hit play and let’s dive into the real-life stories and wisdom that will help you blend business success with a life you love. Let’s make sure we enjoy the ride together!
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 73 - How Work and Customer Expectations Have Changed From the 1950s to Today

Ever wonder what it was really like to run a business back in the ’50s and ’60s and what’s actually changed (and stayed the same) today? In this week’s episode of Mixing Family and Business, I’m taking you behind the curtain with my amazing guests Tom, Shirley, and Shirley as we compare everything from unloading trucks by hand to customers actually enjoying a good visit in the checkout line. From the days when you knew every customer (and their favorite brand of smokes!) to today’s DoorDash deliveries and credit card expectations.
I share stories straight from our family businesses, digging into how physical work has shifted (hello, 100-pound sacks of potatoes!), how technology has changed behind the scenes, and why customer loyalty used to mean walking your groceries out to a neighbor’s car. We talk honestly about the rise in customer expectations, how self-checkout and convenience have taken center stage, and why people still crave a real connection even if it happens more in the “slow lane” these days.
If you love real talk, practical advice, and the behind-the-scenes of juggling businesses and family life, this episode’s for you. Hit play and let’s keep building, learning, and connecting together!
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 72 - Mistakes We Made in People Management

In this episode I sit down with Shirley, Tom, and Kim to reminisce about the hands-on processes we used to do, from handwritten ledgers to managing schedules with pen and paper. Trust me, some of these will shock you!
I’m sharing our real-world lessons in hiring, firing, and promoting and why putting the right person in the right seat (not just the most experienced one) changed everything for us.
You’ll hear how making (and learning from) mistakes made us better leaders. Find out why we don’t rush into a new policy over one complaint, and how listening (a lot) turns small changes into big wins.
Managing people isn’t easy, but I’ll break down the shifts in my leadership style, from being the “because I said so” manager to someone who values input (and yes, sometimes needs a reminder to stay calm).
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 71 - Learning Curves: Skills We Had to Teach Ourselves

Ready to crush the family business game?
Hear how Shirley, Tim, Tom, and Kim share the real stories behind running multiple businesses across generations, from hayfields and grocery stores to fast-changing tech and POS systems.
We dive into:
• Childhood lessons that shaped powerhouse work ethics 💪• The wild evolution of learning, from handwritten ledgers to instant YouTube tutorials 📚• How to survive (and thrive!) when change comes at you faster than ever• The best advice for younger business owners feeling overwhelmed (hint: just jump in—and don’t let worry steal your energy!)
Tune in and get ready to level up your business…and maybe laugh at a vacuum cleaner chase story or two.
See you next episode, keep mixing family, business, and a whole lot of grit!
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 70 - What we Learned from our Employees

What can YOU learn from your team? Join me, as I sit down with Joe Moy, Kim, and Shirley to explore the real-life wisdom that employees of all ages bring to the workplace. We’re sharing stories of energy boosts, from morning routines to heavy metal, sunshine to quality time and talking about those surprising “aha” moments when younger team members introduced us to game-changing ideas like using cell phones and YouTube to solve problems in seconds.
Ready to unlock the power of listening and tap into the innovations happening right inside your own team? Discover how simple conversations can spark trust, culture, fun, and fresh ideas that make your business better. 
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 69 - What Surprised Us Most About Running a Family Business

Ever wondered what truly happens behind the scenes when you mix family and business? In this episode, I sit down with Shirley and Tom to share the real-life moments that have shaped our journey across multiple businesses. From heartwarming stories about customer kindness, like someone snapping a pre-internet photo of a decorated cake so special it had to be displayed in the store, to the surprising ways people stepped up with trust and support during tough transitions, we get honest about the unpredictable rewards that keep us going. There's something powerful about those unexpected gestures, and they remind me why I love what we do.
But it's not all butterflies and grocery store celebrations, running a family business means tackling challenges head-on, from learning to manage stubborn personalities to bouncing back after failed ventures. In this episode, I open up about the lessons I've learned: why taking breaks is non-negotiable, how a little stubborn positivity goes a long way, and what it really means to lead (hint: it’s not just telling people what to do). 
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 68 - Teaching Kids Responsibility Through Business

In this episode of Mixing Family and Business, I sit down with Tom, Shirley, and Kim to dig into the real heart of what it takes to run multiple businesses as a family. We share the lessons we learned watching our parents work, whether it was growing up on the farm, keeping the grocery store afloat, or pitching in at Dairy Queen. Along the way, we talk about how those early days instilled a powerful work ethic and shaped our approach to raising the next generation. You’ll hear honest stories about chores, responsibilities, and the everyday realities that built our values from the ground up.
I also get practical with advice for families who want to involve their kids in the business, including how to set clear expectations, pay fairly, and lay the groundwork for lifelong financial habits. We even discuss a strategy I wish I’d known sooner: paying your kids through the business in ways that truly benefit them for years to come! If you’re an entrepreneur or a parent looking to mix business with family, this episode offers stories, actionable tips, and ways to create lasting success, for both your business and your children. Tune in now and let’s keep building together!
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!