Derrick Hunter is the 2nd-generation CEO of Calgary-based Bluesky Equities. In this episode, we discuss how Derrick pivoted his family business from a concentrated to a diversified model. Starting in the Alberta oil patch, the business has now become a diversified portfolio of alternative investments, including private equity and venture capital.
KC Daya is the CEO and founder of Clifton Blake, a vertically integrated builder, lender, and operator of Multi-Family assets. We discuss the impact of his immigrant entrepreneurial parents and how this spills over into his parenting. We discuss how his first fund failed and the valuable lessons this taught him. As well, we discuss the transformational mergers that have made his business vertically integrated.
Jeffrey McCain is the 3rd generation of the McCain family and the President of Woodword Capital. In this episode, we discuss working outside the business on Wall Street and his motivations for returning to work with his family. Jeffrey shares his latest investment strategy and how family offices stand apart from traditional private equity. We discuss how his family onboards new family members and the role they are expected to play. Lastly, he shares salient advice from his grandfather, Wallace McCain, on charitable giving.
Ian Wilson is the 8th-generation President and co-owner of Wilsons. They are an Atlantic Canadian family with investments in the fuel industry, home security, and quick-serve restaurants. Ian shares the incredible history of their family business and how his own journey wove into the family story. As well, we dive into the sales of their retail fuel business and the motivation behind it. Lastly, we discuss what is next for the Wilson family as they chart a new direction.
Adrian Rocca is the CEO and founder of Fitzrovia. In this interview, he shares how being fired from Tricon set him on a path to build Canada’s largest rental apartment business. Adrian delves into the latest innovations of his portfolio and how to develop affordable housing in Canada.
Andrew Oland is the CEO and co-owner of Moosehead Brewery. He shares the incredible 6-generation family story of how the Oland family built a beer empire. He discusses how the family split into two branches and why his family did not sell their brewery. As well, he discusses how he and his brother work together every day as CEO and CFO without family dynamics becoming an issue.
Tony and Peter Nahas are the co-owners of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen. Their parents started the business shortly after immigrating from Lebanon. The brothers discuss how they streamlined their family business and unlocked huge growth through franchising. They also share their own struggles as leaders and what is next on their growth horizon.
Artificial Intelligence is dramatically changing the threat landscape for cybercrime. Generative AI is making hackers more efficient and giving them new capabilities that make their attacks harder to detect. In this episode, we discuss types of threats, why family business is at risk and tips to defend.
Matthew Cassidy is the President of Coach Atlantic, Maritime Bus and Ambassatours. Over the last 20 years, Matthew and his family have consolidated the bus industry in Atlantic Canada. We discuss his biggest challenges as a new leader. As well, Matthew tells all about their recent acquisition of Ambassatours.
Tony Falbo, an 81-year-old Italian immigrant, chronicles his entrepreneurial journey of building Mircom Technologies and successfully transitioning the business to his three sons. Through strategic focus and family collaboration, he transformed a small fire alarm systems company into an international enterprise. The interview offers a compelling blueprint for family business succession and entrepreneurial resilience.
Aakash Shah is the former CEO and owner of Vivify Specialty Ingredients. He shares how his father convinced him to join the struggling family business and turn it around. Aakash shares how we found balance with his brother and father. As well, how he brought in private equity to buy his family out. Lastly, he shares his plans for his newly minted family office.
Tammy Buss is a family business advisor and family business owner. Over her 30 year career, she has helped family businesses with estate planning, financial planning and succession. This has been informed by her own entrepreneurial journey as she sold her own business and currently works with her son.
Daniel Foch is the co-host of the Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast and Chief Real Estate Officer for Valery Real Estate. Daniel shares his view of where there are opportunities and risks in the Canadian real estate market. He discusses how he believes the government can incentivize home building. Lastly, he shares his experience working in his family business and the lessons he learned from his parents.
Ron Diamond is the founder of Diamond Wealth, a syndicate of 100 family offices. He shares his perspective of why many family offices should not exist, common risks they fall into, and how the transition of wealth from Baby Boomers is disrupting the capital markets. Ron delves into his entrepreneurial journey and how he built trust with family offices over time. As well, he discusses Tiger 21 and Chicago Booth’s new family office initiative.
Glen Creaser is a serial entrepreneur who sold his first tech company 2 years out of university. His new venture, Larry’s Catch, mixes his experience in tech with his family’s legacy in seafood to create a disruptive direct-to-consumer model. Glen shares his strategy and how his family’s history in the fishing industry influenced his approach.
Ferrero created some of the world's most beloved brands, including Nutella, Kinder Eggs, and Tic Tacs. In this episode, we explore how 2nd gen leader Michele Ferrero’s visionary leadership transformed Ferrero into a global powerhouse. Professor and author Luca Cottini joins us to discuss the unique culture and entrepreneurial genius that defined Ferrero’s success.
Mary Asante-Asamoah is the 2nd generation leader of Barbex Africa. They are a Ghana owned mining services and agriculture business. Mary shares the entrepreneurial story of her father who started as a mining employee and branched out on his own. She discusses the mindset required to be successful in Ghana. As well, she delves into her own journey from Canada to Washington, DC and eventually back home.
Brian Adams is a Family Office executive recruiter and podcast host. He explains what is a family office and how each one is slightly different. Brian explains the key positions and what makes an ideal candidate for a leadership role in a family office. Lastly, he shares some common mistakes and new trends that he sees with family office structures.
Luke Leon is the 4th generation of the Leon’s Furniture family. He shares their 115-year history and how each generation contributes to the next. Luke delves into the transformative acquisition of The Brick which was 2x the size of Leon’s at the time. He also shares his own story about the family business and the importance of a meritocracy.
Luke shares his perspective and experience on why the next generation struggles to find purpose in the family business. His theory is that the next-gen must be allowed to make their own mark on the business to be successful. They need to contribute to the strategy meaningfully and find a role that fits their own strengths and interests. This short episode is perfect for family business members worried about succession.
