Are you looking for real stories of what it actually takes to run and promote a family business? In this episode we dive deep into the wild world of business promotions—sharing everything from our earliest jobs (and surprising pay rates!) to the creative ways we’ve brought customers through the doors over the years. I talk about the legendary car giveaways and the chaos of selling 10,000 Dilly Bars in just six hours, as well as the tent sales, coupon comebacks, and “ham sandwiches for a dime” that kept everyone buzzing. We open up about the promos that really worked, the ones that fell flat, and why sometimes revamping an old idea is just what your business needs. If you’re ever stumped about how to market your business or where to put your energy, I share insights about tracking results, watching your budget, and planning for that all-important residual effect. Join me for business lessons, a few laughs, and tips you can actually use to make your next family business promotion a true winner. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and reach out with your own favorite ideas. Let’s keep mixing family and business—see you in the next 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!

On this episode of the Dixon Family and Business podcast, we took a nostalgic journey into the foods and kitchen traditions of our childhood—long before juice boxes and Lunchables were ever a thing. I loved hearing Shirley and Beth reminisce about life on the farm, from homemade bread and bacon fried in lard to that weekly tradition of oven-baked beans and Oscar Mayer hot dogs. We talked about all the handmade meals, the lard-fried eggs, and how treats like candy bars and potato chips were rare but deeply savored. For many of us, it was a time of pure, homegrown flavors—there were no store-bought short-cuts, just whatever came fresh from the garden or was carefully preserved in the cellar.

But our conversation wasn’t just food-focused. We shifted gears to talk about the roles we play—both in the family and in the business, and why clearly defining responsibilities is so important. We shared personal stories about confusion, resentment, and the surprising challenges that come up when job descriptions are fuzzy (especially when you work with those you eat family dinners with). It was honest, practical, and at times, pretty funny—especially when we shared the realities of switching roles, growing as a team, and sometimes just surviving the learning curve. If you’re thinking about defining roles in your own business or family venture, you’ll find plenty of real-world insight (and a little humor) in 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!

On this episode I’m joined by Kim, Tom, and Joe Moy for a warm, nostalgic conversation about what it really takes to run multiple businesses as a family. We start off by sharing vivid childhood memories of Christmases before age twelve, touching on everything from decorating the house with lights, favorite meals (think ham, turkey, duck, and goose!), lively gift exchanges, and annual traditions like singing around the piano and the “kids’ table” rite of passage.

Then to a candid discussion on how values and personal principles have shaped not only our family life but also how we run our businesses. Kim reflects on the importance of making decisions that align with our mission statement—that we want our places to be where people want to work, eat, and shop.

We also tackle how to pass down values, whether within family or to new team members and why walking the talk is essential.

If you’re looking for stories about family, tradition, and leadership wisdom—all tied together by years of shared experience—this episode delivers plenty. Thanks for tuning in, don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode, and we’ll see you next week!

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!

In this episode we're back after a much-needed sabbatical, joined by Tom, Beth, Shirley, and Kim for a heartfelt and honest conversation about what it really takes to mix family and business. We kick things off by sharing our most vivid childhood Thanksgiving memories, from big family suppers around fancy tablecloths and homemade pumpkin pie, to kitchen mishaps that still make us laugh today. But it’s not just nostalgia. We dig deep into the real-life ups and downs of running multiple businesses over decades. I open up about the crucial moments when we had to pivot, whether it was facing sudden drops in traffic, reimagining our offerings to fit changing customer demands, or the tough calls to close up shop when things just weren’t working. We talk honestly about reading the signs that it’s time to change course, how to build resilient teams, and what it’s like to adapt again and again sometimes with excitement, sometimes with pure grit. If you’re navigating the chaos of entrepreneurship (especially if you’re doing it with family), this conversation brings both wisdom and a big dose of real life. Tune in for true stories, practical advice, and a little bit of family flavor in every moment.

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!

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!