In this episode, Jon Vaughan, former president of Brand Vaughan Lumber Company, reflects on the emotional process of leading his third-generation family business through crisis, growth and, ultimately, sale. This episode also features part 2 of our interview with Deborah Jacob, owner and chairman emeritus of fifth-generation MJS Packaging, who discusses the importance of learning from other family enterprises. And Raffi Amit, the Marie and Joseph Melone Professor and a Professor of Management at the Wharton School, explains how prosperous families succeed through shared values, governance and a culture of entrepreneurship.

Support for this episode comes from Wharton Executive Education. Through world-class faculty and real-world application, Wharton’s Wealth Management and Family Office Programs offer participants a deep dive into the sophisticated financial concepts paramount to family office management. Learn more at whartonfamilywealth.com.

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In this episode of the Family Business/Business Family podcast, Bret Snyder, CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, a global materials science company best known for its GORE-TEX products, talks building credibility within the business, balancing legacy with innovation and preparing the next generation of his 80-plus-member family to steward the enterprise. Also in this episode, Deborah Jacob, owner and chairman emeritus of fifth-generation MJS Packaging, recounts her journey from reluctant recruit to family business leader, the mentors who helped her gain footing and the stark contrasts between public companies and family-owned enterprises. And Family Business Magazine Contributing Editor Dennis Jaffe explains why families must establish clear structures for decision-making, how to avoid the dangers of conflict avoidance and practical ways to create governance that balances fairness with effectiveness.

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This episode features a conversation with Laird Norton CEO Brian McGuigan, who reflects on stepping into a family legacy as an outsider, offering strategies for leading with continuity, clarity, and respect for tradition. In addition, we chat with David Weekley, founder of now-second-generation David Weekley Homes. He outlines his mission-driven ownership model — splitting equity among family, employees, and a charitable trust — to foster shared purpose and reduce the pitfalls of inherited wealth. This episode also features part 2 of our conversation with Jason Diestel, Heidi Diestel Orrock and Jared Orrock, fourth-generation leaders of Diestel Family Ranch. They share how they lean on adaptability, not hierarchy, to lead through crisis and generational change.

Support for this episode comes from Wharton Executive Education. Through world-class faculty and real-world application, Wharton’s Wealth Management and Family Office Programs offer participants a deep dive into the sophisticated financial concepts paramount to family office management. Learn more at whartonfamilywealth.com

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In the latest episode of the Family Business/Business Family podcast, the fourth-generation leaders of Diestel Family Ranch — Jason Diestel, Heidi Diestel Orrock and Jared Orrock — discuss navigating family dynamics in their turkey farming business. Also, corporate C-suite veteran Tony Brausen rejoins the podcasts to explain why private boards should take it upon themselves to examine their organizations the way an activist shareholder would. And our conversation continues with BLT Enterprises’ second-generation sibling leaders Nikolette Huberman Jacob and Lukas Huberman, who discuss how their family business takes the long view.

Support for this episode comes from Wharton Executive Education. Through world-class faculty and real-world application, Wharton’s Investment Programs help leaders navigate capital strategy, valuation, and investor dynamics with precision. In an environment where the margin for error is low, Wharton equips leaders with the tools to make sharper decisions and smarter capital moves. Learn more at whartoninvestmentprograms.com.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features interviews with Tauck Chairman Dan Mahar and CEO Jennifer Tombaugh, who discuss their careers and the keys to Tauck’s 100 years of success as a family-owned business. Also, Family Business Contributing Editor Dennis Jaffe talks embracing your family’s evolution and NIX Companies President & CEO Matthew Nix discusses its recent, uniquely structured acquisition of a fellow fifth-generation family business.

This episode is brought to you by Element Pointe, an independent multi-family office and wealth management firm dedicated to guiding individuals and their families through important financial, investment, lifestyle and interpersonal matters — in turn, helping clients build a secure future and enduring legacy.

Interested in being a guest or have a topic you’d like to hear us discuss? Contact host Zack Needles, editor-in-chief of Family Business Magazine, at: zneedles@familybusinessmagazine.com.

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