Fred Williams is the Managing Director at Old Port Advisors, and he joins Chit Chat to unpack the origins of Old Port Advisors, sharing how his firm grew from the brokerage industry in the '70s to a fiduciary wealth management and consulting company serving families, endowments, and retirement plans nationwide.

Discover Fred’s candid insights into the emotional side of finance, the challenges and joys of working with family enterprises, and how collaboration and personalized problem-solving have set Old Port Advisors apart in a competitive landscape.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(01:27) Fred’s work at Old Port Advisors

(05:13) Wine and nine golfing

(08:05) Competitive industry and fiduciary focus

(12:12) Embracing uncertainty as normal

(16:10) Maine's evolving business landscape

(18:44) Sales cycle variability across industries

(21:25) AI: balancing innovation and limitations

(24:35) Evolving through art and emotion

(27:27) Global perspectives in business monitoring

Links mentioned in this episode:

Old Port Advisors

Fed Williams on LinkedIn

Connect with the show:

www.fambusiness.org

www.volkboxes.com

Rich Hussey is the sixth-generation leader of Hussey Seating – a Maine company that’s been thriving since 1835 and spans eight generations. Rich gives us an inside look at the evolution of his family’s company, from its origins making plows and fire escapes to becoming a leader in spectator seating for venues ranging from school gymnasiums to NFL stadiums. He shares the story of Hussey Seating’s commitment to innovation, the challenges and triumphs of navigating generational transitions, and the pivotal steps they’ve taken.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:16) Family business evolution and growth

(06:44) Structured governance through objectivity

(11:11) Family business education and legacy

(16:38) Successful leadership transition insights

(18:33) Family governance and leadership transition

(20:38) Board and leadership role separation

(26:37) Preparing next generation leaders

(31:01) Family business governance insights

(36:44) Employees' word usage pool

(40:42) Gartner's impact on HR research

Links mentioned in this episode:

Hussey Seating

Rich Hussey on LinkedIn

Gartner Research

Connect with the show:

www.fambusiness.org

www.volkboxes.com

Welcome to another episode of Chit Chat with Derek and Cat! Today, we sit down with Eddie Woodin, a dynamic family business owner, passionate philanthropist and newly published author of ‘Overflowing Abundance’. Eddie opens up about leading his manufacturing company through tough times, embracing resilience and how his faith inspired his generous approach to business and life.

The conversation also delves into Eddie’s charitable initiatives, from supporting seniors and their pets to championing environmental causes, alongside behind-the-scenes stories from running a multi-generational business. Whether you love family business tales, entrepreneurial insights, or simply a dose of inspiration, this episode has something for you.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:23) Career transition to entrepreneurship

(07:54) Economic indicators in packaging shift

(12:27) Finding god: a personal journey

(13:17) Embrace and share your gifts

(18:06) Polyglot immigrant inspires community

(20:13) Old teammates launch publishing platform

(26:10) Autism causes and personal perspective

(27:41) Priceless bird art dilemma

(32:33) Eddie Wooden's recognition journey

Links mentioned in this episode:

Chasing the Rabbit – Book

Eddie Woodin’s Website

Overflowing Abundance – Book

Connect with the Chit Chat:

www.fambusiness.org

www.volkboxes.com