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The Business of Family

The Business of Family

Tammy Buss 128 Episodes Sep 8, 2026

Host Tammy Buss offers an unscripted and unfiltered look at the challenges of running a family business. The show explores working with family members, succession planning, and preparing for the future of the company. Tammy brings in expert guests to answer common questions from first and second generation family business owners. It is a candid and practical resource for anyone involved in a family enterprise.

Episodes

Legacy on Repeat: The Ownership Circle
Legacy on Repeat: The Ownership Circle Sep 8, 2026 00:23:39 In a family business, ownership isn't always as straightforward as holding shares.Family members often wear multiple hats, as owners, employees, leaders, and relatives, which can make it difficult to separate business decisions from family dynamics.In this episode of Legacy on Repeat, Tammy is joined by Shawn Bellefeuille, owner of Retirement by Design, to explore the Ownership Circle and why
Navigating the death of a sibling in a family business
Navigating the death of a sibling in a family business Sep 1, 2026 00:33:35 When a family business loses a sibling, the impact goes far beyond the loss of a loved one.The business changes. Relationships shift. Leadership responsibilities evolve. And families are left navigating grief while still trying to keep the business moving forward.In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy sits down with Matt Nielsen of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas to have a deeply persona
Trusts Demystified – Why Families Use Them
Trusts Demystified – Why Families Use Them Aug 25, 2026 00:27:20 When people hear the word "trust," they often think it's only for the ultra-wealthy.The reality? Trusts can be a powerful tool for families who want to protect what matters most, whether that's a family business, family cottage, investments, or simply the relationships that matter across generations.In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy sits down with Jandy Joh
Fair Pay or Family Privilege? Getting Compensation Right
Fair Pay or Family Privilege? Getting Compensation Right Aug 18, 2026 00:33:21 Fair pay or family privilege?In a family business, compensation is rarely just about the paycheck.It's about fairness. It's about recognition. It's about trust.When family and business overlap, questions like "Why do they make more than me?" or "Should family be treated differently?" can quickly become emotional and create lasting tension.In this episode of The Busi
Legacy on Repeat: Don't leave a mess: Estate planning
Legacy on Repeat: Don't leave a mess: Estate planning Aug 11, 2026 00:32:42 A legacy isn’t just what you leave behind. It’s also the clarity you leave your family with.Too often, families avoid conversations about estate planning because they feel uncomfortable, complicated, or like something that can wait for another day. But when wishes aren’t communicated and plans aren’t documented, families can be left navigating uncertainty, difficult decisions, and unnecessary emot
Finding Your Place in the Family Business: Story of Legacy and Leadership
Finding Your Place in the Family Business: Story of Legacy and Leadership Aug 4, 2026 00:23:58 What does it really feel like to grow up inside a family business?For Chad Berg of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, the answer is layered. It’s about watching his parents build something meaningful, finding his own path within the business, and learning how to balance family relationships with business decisions.In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Chad shares his perspective on:💎 Growing
Growing a Business. Growing a Family. Growing a Legacy
Growing a Business. Growing a Family. Growing a Legacy Jul 28, 2026 00:16:08 Every family business begins with someone willing to take a chance.In 1978, Lee Michael Berg started Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry with a vision, and determination. Today, his sons are leading the business forward, proving that building a company is only part of the journey, building a legacy is what truly lasts.Whether you're a first-generation founder, preparing for transition, or part of the ne
Who Owns What? Untangling Ownership vs. Control
Who Owns What? Untangling Ownership vs. Control Jul 21, 2026 00:36:49 Who really owns the family business... and who actually controls it?They're not always the same thing.One of the biggest misconceptions we see in family businesses is assuming ownership automatically means decision-making authority. In reality, ownership and control can look very different, and misunderstanding the distinction can create conflict, confusion, and costly succession mistakes.In t
Legacy on Repeat: When is it a family business?
Legacy on Repeat: When is it a family business? Jul 14, 2026 00:25:04 At what point does a business become more than just a way to earn a living?Is it when the next generation joins? When shared values shape every decision? Or when you're building something designed to last beyond yourself?In this episode of Legacy on Repeat, Tammy sits down with Martha MacDonald, Wealth Advisor with National Bank, to discuss her journey of joining her father's practice and
More Than a Family Business: Building Legacy Together
More Than a Family Business: Building Legacy Together Jul 7, 2026 00:24:12 What happens when three brothers help lead the family business their parents built?In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy Buss sits down with Scott Berg, co-owner of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, to explore the realities of working alongside siblings, balancing family relationships with business decisions, and carrying forward a family legacy.Scott shares his perspective on growing
Family First, Business Thrives: The Black Walnut Bakery Café Story
Family First, Business Thrives: The Black Walnut Bakery Café Story Jun 30, 2026 00:26:13 What does it take to successfully run a family business with your sibling?In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy Buss sits down with Ed Etheridge, co-owner of Black Walnut Bakery Café, to discuss the realities of building and growing a family business alongside his sister.From navigating roles and responsibilities, to overcoming the devastating impact of an arson fire at their or
From Family Farm to Family Destination: The Kustermans Second-Generation Story
From Family Farm to Family Destination: The Kustermans Second-Generation Story Jun 23, 2026 00:19:07 What does it take to successfully transition a family business from one generation to the next?In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy Buss sits down with Steve Kustermans of Kustermans Family Farm to explore the journey from a small family farm to one of Southwestern Ontario's most beloved family destinations.Steve shares stories from growing up in the business, stepping into

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