Hello and welcome to this week's episode of the Mixing Family and Business Podcast. The podcast and the next few weeks lined up are such that we're not gonna be able to. So we're gonna take a hiatus from the Make Me Family Business Podcast for a few weeks. Uh, look for us back in the fall, and if you're getting this episode after we've started republishing, just skip it. It's gonna be a short one.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!