Mixing Family and Business Podcast

Ep: 47 - Running a Grocery Store in the Sixties, Eighties, and Beyond

Ready for a trip down memory lane? In this episode, I’m diving into the world of small-town grocery stores, reflecting on the wild days before credit cards and digital systems took over. Join as we swap stories with Joel Fenton, Jonathan Bannister, Tom, and the rest of the Mixing Family and Business crew. We’re talking about the chaos and charm of counterchecks, rolling “bad check” lists, cash-and-carry loyalty programs like Green Stamps, and the kind of hands-on business practices that kept entire communities connected. From meat-cutting in the back room to making store deliveries in person, hustling with VHS tape rentals, and balancing books the old-fashioned way, it’s a look at how ingenuity and trust built the backbone of our family business. If you’re curious about how things worked in the days before scanners and smartphones, or you just want a good laugh at the way we did things, you’ll love this episode.
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: 46 - Decades of Family Business: Holiday Traditions and How Work Has Changed

On this week’s episode I take a nostalgic journey back through the decades with Kim, Tom, and Beth as we dig into the holidays, family traditions, and what business life used to look like. From epic Fourth of July fireworks and neighborhood water fights to big family Thanksgivings and Halloween adventures, we laugh about all the memories that shaped our childhoods. We also get into the nuts and bolts of old-school business—think Garvey marking guns, manual cash registers, counter checks, and hiring before the internet was a thing. I share what it was like to grow up surrounded by small-town businesses built on trust and handshakes, and how the evolution of technology and staffing changed the way we all worked together as a family. If you’re curious about the real stories behind bad checks, setting up the first credit card machines at Dairy Queen, or how family and business have always been intertwined for us, this episode is for you. Be sure to listen for plenty of laughs, some “I can’t believe we used to do that” moments, and a preview of even more behind-the-scenes stories coming in next week’s Part 2! 
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: 45 - Resilience and Reinvention After Business Setbacks

Ever wondered what it’s really like to run multiple businesses with your family—and survive the messy parts? In this episode, I open up with Tom, Shirley, and Kim about what happens when great ideas don’t quite hit the mark. We share our honest stories about businesses that fizzled, the lessons we learned from ventures that were just a little too early (or too late), and the importance of knowing when to quit and when to push through. From losing money in the mall to epic grocery store experiments, we dig deep into how setbacks have shaped our successes, the value of resilience, and why it’s ok to start over—sometimes more than once. If you’re facing tough business decisions or wondering if you’re the only one who’s had to regroup after a flop, this episode is for you. Tune in for a hit of encouragement, a few laughs, and realistic wisdom for your own journey as an entrepreneur. Thanks for listening.
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: 44 - Thriving Through Change Lessons on Adaptability in Family-Owned Enterprises

Ready to dive into the real-world chaos and rewards of mixing family and business? In this episode, I sit down with Tom, Shirley, and Kim for an honest, lighthearted look at how each of us differs from our parents—not just at home, but where it matters most: at work. We talk about the unexpected curveballs you face in a family business, and how adaptability is a skill you can’t afford to skip. From learning on the fly—like jumping from store manager to meat cutter in a single phone call—to stepping into leadership roles with zero preparation, we open up about what it really takes to succeed when everyone in the family wears more than one hat. You’ll hear our stories of moving to new towns, starting over, and relying on support networks both inside and outside the business. Whether you’re running your own operation, working with family, or just want to get inspired by real strategies for growth, you’ll pick up practical tips on staying flexible, thinking young, and keeping an open mind—lessons that get more valuable with every year (and every business). Hit play, get motivated, and remember: in family business, change isn’t just inevitable—it’s your secret weapon. If you’ve got questions or topics you want to hear more about, drop me a line at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. Thanks for listening, and 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!

Ep: 43 - What I Wish I Knew At 30

In this episode, I sit down with Shirley, Tom, and Kim for some honest, lighthearted stories about growing up in big families, sibling rivalries, and how childhood dynamics evolve into working relationships as adults. We open up about the lessons we’ve learned running multiple businesses together—what we wish we’d known at 30, the business mistakes we don’t regret, and why neither success nor struggle ever truly has a finish line. From Sunday family picnics to the importance of hiring smart, learning continuously, and embracing change, we dive deep into the realities and rewards of building both a family and business legacy. If you’re curious about how to balance it all, laugh at your missteps, and keep moving forward, this conversation is for you. As always, feel free to reach out at bryan@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com or kim@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Mixing Family and Business. Let’s keep growing together—family, business, and all. Stay ambitious!
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: 42 - Shifts in Parental Relationships and Business Wisdom

In this week's episode of the Client Podcast, I'm delving deep into the intricate dance of mixing family and business. I sit down with Shirley, Kim, and Tom to explore how our relationships with parents evolve as we grow older. It's a journey that influences both personal life and business endeavors. Listen as Tom and Shirley share poignant memories, and Kim provides a modern take on balancing family dynamics with professional responsibilities.
I also unravel the art of keeping teams engaged in diverse business environments. Discover the power of trust, delegation, and the genuine interest in team members that drive productivity and satisfaction. Kim and Tom offer practical strategies to craft a business culture where everyone thrives. Whether you're managing a family business or looking to harmonize personal and professional realms, this episode is packed with relatable stories and insights.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that bridge the worlds of family and business. If this resonates with someone you know, share the knowledge! Let’s keep building a world where running a family business is both heartfelt and successful.
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: 41 - How Childhood Games Teach Us About Business Challenges

In this episode of the Mixing Family and Business Podcast, I dive into the everyday challenges and triumphs of balancing different business ventures while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Joined by my insightful guests, Shirley and Tom, we reminisce about the games we played in grade school, like Red Rover and kickball, and draw unexpected parallels to the strategies we employ in our businesses today. We discuss how prioritization, effective delegation, and innovative problem-solving can transform feelings of overwhelm into opportunities for growth. Through our conversation, I explore how essential it is to create a business culture that embraces adaptability and encourages teamwork. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or seeking ways to refine your current practices, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies for achieving harmony between your work and home life. Join me and let's navigate the complexities of family and business together, uncovering ways to live a balanced and successful life.
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: 40 - From Farming to Modern Business: A Family's Evolution

In this episode of the Mixing Family and Business Podcast we take you on a journey through the intricate balancing act of running multiple businesses while staying rooted in family values. Joined by our insightful guests Shirley, Tom, and Kim, we delve into their rich family stories, tracing their fathers' ventures from farming to grocery stores and beyond. These narratives set the stage for a deeper exploration of how we all strive to maintain equilibrium between resources, customer experiences, and profitability.
We tackle the tough questions: How do we offer a five-star guest experience without stretching our budgets too thin? How do we grow top line sales while ensuring our bottom line stays healthy? These real-life challenges are part of the puzzle every business owner faces. Through open discussions, we exchange strategies on navigating these conflicting numbers and making imperative investment decisions that can make or break a business.
Join us in this heartfelt and enlightening conversation as we share insights that aim to inspire and equip you with practical approaches to finding your business balance. Tune in and let's continue to grow together, with family at the forefront of our success.
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: 39 - Balancing Business Investments with Memorable Customer Journeys

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Mixing Family & Business Podcast! I'm Brian, and today I'm thrilled to explore the delicate art of mixing family and business with our insightful guests Tom, Shirley, and Kim. We kick things off by sharing some enchanting tales from our childhoods, including gems like "Susan in the Rain" and the classic "Hardy Boys." These stories serve as a nostalgic backdrop as we delve into today's core discussion.
In this episode, I take you on a journey to understand how we determine when to invest in new projects and enhance customer service within our businesses. Our guests share their invaluable experiences and industry insights on improving customer interactions and staying ahead of the curve. Together, we unravel the importance of providing memorable experiences for our customers and the strategic decisions required to keep a business thriving, from capital investments to boosting team performance.
Join me for this insightful journey as we work towards elevating our business approach, ensuring every guest leaves with a smile. I can’t wait for you to hear the pearls of wisdom shared in this episode. So tune in, and let’s continue this journey of growth and inspiration 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: 38 - How Viral Trends and Social Media Shape Business Systems

I'm thrilled to invite you to this episode of the Client Podcast, where I welcome Shirley, Tom, and Kim to an engaging discussion on blending business systems with family dynamics. We kick things off by reminiscing about the first major news stories that left an impression on us, from the launch of Sputnik to the infamous Watergate scandal, and how these events shaped our perspectives over the years.
In this episode, I delve into the importance of creating efficient systems within a business—all while recognizing when it's time to retire those that no longer serve us. It's all about finding that sweet spot where modern innovation meets traditional practices. Through thought-provoking conversations and real-world examples, we uncover the strategies that not only keep a business running smoothly but also strengthen family ties.
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!