Mixing Family and Business Podcast

Ep: 57 - Values in our Business

On this episode I’m joined by Kim, Tom, and Joe Moy for a warm, nostalgic conversation about what it really takes to run multiple businesses as a family. We start off by sharing vivid childhood memories of Christmases before age twelve, touching on everything from decorating the house with lights, favorite meals (think ham, turkey, duck, and goose!), lively gift exchanges, and annual traditions like singing around the piano and the “kids’ table” rite of passage. 
Then to a candid discussion on how values and personal principles have shaped not only our family life but also how we run our businesses. Kim reflects on the importance of making decisions that align with our mission statement—that we want our places to be where people want to work, eat, and shop.
We also tackle how to pass down values, whether within family or to new team members and why walking the talk is essential. 
If you’re looking for stories about family, tradition, and leadership wisdom—all tied together by years of shared experience—this episode delivers plenty. Thanks for tuning in, don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode, and we’ll see you next week!
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: 56 - The Art of the Pivot

In this episode we're back after a much-needed sabbatical, joined by Tom, Beth, Shirley, and Kim for a heartfelt and honest conversation about what it really takes to mix family and business. We kick things off by sharing our most vivid childhood Thanksgiving memories, from big family suppers around fancy tablecloths and homemade pumpkin pie, to kitchen mishaps that still make us laugh today. But it’s not just nostalgia. We dig deep into the real-life ups and downs of running multiple businesses over decades. I open up about the crucial moments when we had to pivot, whether it was facing sudden drops in traffic, reimagining our offerings to fit changing customer demands, or the tough calls to close up shop when things just weren’t working. We talk honestly about reading the signs that it’s time to change course, how to build resilient teams, and what it’s like to adapt again and again sometimes with excitement, sometimes with pure grit. If you’re navigating the chaos of entrepreneurship (especially if you’re doing it with family), this conversation brings both wisdom and a big dose of real life. Tune in for true stories, practical advice, and a little bit of family flavor in every moment.
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: 55 - Labor Day Traditions, Cash Flow Tricks, and Weathering Financial Storms in Business

In this episode of the Mixing Family and Business podcast, I, alongside Shirley, Tom, and Kim, take you behind the scenes—sharing REAL stories from our journey growing and sustaining family businesses.
Hear candid memories: how our families marked Labor Day (or didn’t!), with everything from small-town celebrations in McCausland, Iowa to quiet days spent prepping for back-to-school.
Then, buckle up as we dive into some of the toughest business challenges we’ve weathered: the ‘80s interest rate spikes, the 2008 financial crisis, and the wild ride of COVID-19. We reveal the mindset shifts, vendor negotiations, and tough decisions that kept us afloat and thriving—plus some clever, old-school tricks when cash flow got tight.
Learn how communication, adaptability, and creative problem-solving can help you steer your business through uncertainty—no matter how big the obstacles.
Tune in for real talk, some good laughs, and practical advice on bridging generations in your business and family.
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 

Ep: 54 - Birthday Traditions and Customer Service Fiascos

In this episode of the Mixing Family and Business Podcast, I’m joining Kim, Shirley, and Tom as we head way back into childhood memories. We swap stories about our favorite birthday meals (spoiler: homemade noodles, chicken, and a legendary lemon cake), those classic small-town surprises, and the simple joys of old bikes and “sloppy” chocolate cupcakes at school.
I open up about what birthdays were like when you shared them with Christmas (and siblings!), and why sometimes, birthdays just meant new jeans or a flannel shirt—and that was enough.
But business lessons are never far away. We get real about the toughest customer service moments we’ve faced—like the time an ice cream cake ended up flying, or when a “brown swagger” mix-up at the meat counter left us both laughing and learning. I share the hard-won wisdom of listening, keeping your cool, and knowing when to have a memory like a goldfish (shoutout to Ted Lasso for that one!).
If you’ve ever found yourself dealing with difficult customers, juggling family dynamics in your business, or just wanted a reminder that even the pros make mistakes (and survive to tell the tale!), you’ll relate to every minute.
Tune in for real talk, some good laughs, and practical advice on bridging generations in your business and family.
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 

Ep: 53 - We Work With 20-Year-Olds: What We’ve Learned From Hiring Gen Z

We down with Kim, Tom, and Shirley to swap stories about Fourth of July traditions on the Iowa farm, grandma’s fried chicken, backyard fireworks, and big family gatherings. Then, we dive into the realities of working with Gen Z: what motivates them, what challenges come with managing them, and why things like technology and social skills are shifting the workplace in new directions.
Tune in for real talk, some good laughs, and practical advice on bridging generations in your business and family.
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: 52 - Are We Still Local? How Our Small Business Has Evolved in a Big Business World

Join me as I sit down with Kim, Tom, and Shirley to look back at how our family's small businesses grew while staying true to our local roots. We share stories from our early days, how Father's Day wasn’t always a big deal, and the changes that come with going from knowing every customer to running stores across several towns. If you want a real look at balancing growth with community connection, this episode’s for you.
We also discuss the challenges of keeping that personal touch as we expand, how we rely on local managers, and the importance of adapting systems to keep our team and customers connected. Whether you're just starting out or growing fast, you’ll find insights you can use on your own journey.
See you next time on Mixing Family and 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: 51 - From Charcoal Grills to AI: How Technology Changed Our Family Businesses

Join host Brian Hahn on this episode of Mixing Family and Business as we look back at childhood Memorial Day traditions and explore how technology has transformed family businesses—from the days of charcoal grills and party-line phones to QuickBooks, scanners, and AI.
You’ll hear real stories and practical advice on staying open to change, the challenges and rewards of adapting to new tech, and the importance of listening to the next generation. Whether you’re running a business or just want a dose of nostalgia and inspiration, tune in for timeless lessons and a look at what’s next.
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: 50 - Holiday Hustle: What It’s Like to Run a Business Through Christmas, Summer, and Every Busy Season

On this week’s episode, I’m diving into what it truly takes to keep family and business running smoothly during the holidays. Joined by Tom, Shirley, Kim, and Don, we reminisce about the old days—when Mother’s Day gifts were handmade at school, holiday meals brought everyone together, and family traditions had to bend around the relentless schedule of running grocery stores and restaurants. It’s a candid look at the ways we learned to adapt—rearranging holiday celebrations, planning ahead, and learning that celebrating together doesn’t have to mean celebrating on the actual holiday.
We also talk about the unique challenges and rewards of balancing business operations during the busiest times of the year. From handling last-minute Christmas rushes to relying on a strong team and flexible family expectations, we share stories and lessons learned that just might help you if you’re facing the same juggle. Tune in to hear how, even in the chaos, family can stay at the center, and how a little planning goes a long way toward making both business and family life work.
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: 49 - Mom’s Rules: What Shirley Taught Us About Business (and Life)

On this episode of the Mixing Family and Business Podcast, I take you right to the heart of what it really means to blend the two, family and business, drawing from memories, wisdom, and a few laughs along the way. Joined by Shirley, Kim, Beth, and Don, we reminisce about our classic family Easter traditions from the 1940s and beyond, from sugary Easter baskets and church sunrise services to those one-of-a-kind candy hunts that only happen in a busy household. But the nostalgia is only part of it—this week, we dive deep into the “Mom’s Rules” that shaped not only our childhoods but the way we’ve run businesses together over decades. I share stories about starting new ventures, learning from my mom’s sharp instincts (and softer heart), and how we navigated everything from hiring employees who felt like family to working side-by-side as a team—even when it meant showing up five minutes early and staying late to get the job done. 
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: 48 - Unexpected Challenges and Lessons from Launching First Family Ventures

Are you ready to dive into the real stories behind running multiple businesses with your family? In this episode, I’m joined by Shirley, Tom, and Beth as we open up about what it truly takes to mix family and business—from our earliest holiday memories to the behind-the-scenes grit that launched our first ventures. You’ll hear about our journey starting everything from grocery stores and car washes to Dairy Queens and digital agencies, and the surprises, mistakes, and triumphs we encountered along the way. I share practical lessons on financing, adapting to unexpected changes, why your first sale matters more than endless planning, and how to keep your team (and family!) moving in the right direction. Whether you’re dreaming of launching your first company or taking your family business to the next level, this episode is packed with honest advice, funny stories, and the kind of wisdom you only get when you’ve lived it. Tune in now—I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned and help you turn your own business ambitions into reality. See you next episode—family, business, and all. Stay awesome!
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!