Episodes

Most family business owners know whether sales are up or down. They know if cash feels tight, payroll feels heavy, or expenses seem to be creeping higher. But many still find themselves asking the same question: Where is the money going? In this episode, Jim Berner explores why revenue alone does not tell the full story and why understanding your financial trends, benchmarks, and hidden profit opportunities is essential for long-term success. You'll discover: • Why a growing business can stil...

Strong communication is one of the most important drivers of a healthy family business, but it is also one of the easiest places for tension, frustration, and misunderstanding to build. In this episode, Jim talks about how the family business DiSC® profile will give teams a practical way to improve communication, reduce friction, and get high-impact results. When leaders understand how different people process information, respond to pressure, make decisions, and engage in conflict, conversation...

What separates average teams from exceptional ones? Carrie Nelson breaks down how a simple habit of sharing real stories of effort, care, and grit, has transformed culture inside a fourth-generation family business. This episode is an example of putting core values into daily action. Listen now for your next family business breakthrough! Are you a family business owner? Improve your business TODAY with our time tested and tailored solutions: Visit our website to get started at www.AskMeridian.co...

When is the best time to sell your family business? In this episode, Jim breaks down the top three reasons owners sell their business so that you can get a better idea of when to sell yours. Tune in for a grounded, insightful conversation about understanding what the best steps are for family business owners looking to sell in the next 12 months or in the next decade. Listen now for your next family business breakthrough! Are you a family business owner? Improve your business TODAY with our time...

What does it take for a next-generation leader to honor decades of family legacy while still driving innovation and growth? In this episode, Jim sits down with Marshall Rabil, grandson of the founders and now CEO of Hubs Peanuts, to explore how he’s blending tradition, community impact, and modern leadership inside a 70-year-old family business. Marshall shares how his grandmother’s original blister-fried peanut recipe shaped an entire industry, why core values matter more than ever during a le...

When Is It Time to Sell the Family Business? Deciding to sell your family business can be one of the hardest and most emotional decisions an owner will ever face. In this episode of Family Business Breakthroughs, host Jim Berner sits down with Ken Koger, Partner at Meridian Associates, to pull back the curtain on what really happens during the sale process. With over 30 years serving multi-generational companies, Meridian has guided countless families through business valuations, transitions,...

What happens when you sell your family company—then have to win it back? Jodi Scott, CEO of SpryLife and cofounder of Green Goo, tells the riveting story of selling to a “values-aligned” acquirer, watching it unravel, firing her entire legacy team in under 24 hours, and battling for 18 months to buy the business back in December 2024. Rooted in health psychology and integrative medicine, Jody blends science and soul to build plant-based, efficacy-first products that grew from farmer’s markets ...

What happens when a family business faces a turning point no one saw coming? In this episode of Family Business Breakthroughs, host Jim Berner sits down with Gary Flynn, CEO and co-owner of M. Dumas & Sons—an iconic Charleston retailer with roots dating back to 1917. When third-generation owner David Dumas developed a degenerative eye disease that left him blind, he was faced with a heart-wrenching decision: close the doors on his grandfather’s store or trust someone outside the family to carry...

Succession can make or break a family business. When done well, it builds trust, preserves relationships, and strengthens the company for generations. When mishandled, it can fracture families and sink businesses. In this episode, cohosts Jim Berner and Sheila Janan talk with Betsi Bixby about a real family business that almost lost everything by trusting the wrong partner. You’ll hear how a father, who doubted his children’s abilities to run the company, handed power to an outside executive w...

Many family businesses grow, expand, and build wealth — but behind the scenes, debt quietly piles up. For some, it becomes a way of life. But it doesn’t have to. In this episode, cohosts Jim Berner and Sheila Janan talk with Betsi Bixby, who shares real-life stories of family businesses that believed debt was just part of doing business until they realized it was holding them back. You’ll hear how owners overcame millions in debt, identified where their cash was tied up, and started building r...

High turnover was draining this family business to the tune of over $2 million a year. They thought their only problem was finding enough warm bodies to fill positions. But the real issue ran deeper: hiring without culture fit and onboarding without support. In this episode, Jim Berner and Sheila Janan talk with Betsi Bixby about how this company transformed its approach to hiring and culture. You’ll hear how they applied the Meridian Method to streamline hiring, improve onboarding, reward perf...

When a young Next Gen leader took over his family’s wholesale business, he swore he’d never get into retail. But fate — and a repossessed store — had other plans. In this episode, Jim Berner, Sheila Janan, and Betsi Bixby share the real-world story of how this leader overcame fear, leaned on Meridian’s systems and coaching, and grew his convenience store portfolio from 1 to 15 (with a goal of 25). You’ll learn how culture became his competitive advantage, how he attracted the right people, and...

In this final episode of our Money Matters mini-series, we tackle the often misunderstood world of financing for family businesses. Host Jim Berner sits down with Meridian’s founder, Betsi Bixby, to explore what really drives lending decisions, how to avoid overpaying, and why debt can be a powerful tool—or a major risk. Betsi shares real stories from the field, insights from her banking career, and actionable advice on managing banker relationships, understanding risk, and preparing your busin...

Profits and cash aren’t the same—and understanding that difference is key to running a thriving family business. In this episode, Jim Berner and Meridian founder Betsi Bixby explore smart, creative strategies for increasing profitability, from analyzing trends to uncovering hidden opportunities in your community (or even your payables!). You’ll learn: The key difference between cash and profit (and why both matter) How one family business funded tennis courts with their profit goals Creativ...

Cash and profitability are not the same thing—and ignoring that truth can sink a business. In this episode of Family Business Breakthroughs, host Jim Berner sits down with Betsy Bixby, founder of Meridian Associates, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of business: cash. From decades of experience helping family companies thrive, Betsy shares the critical difference between having a profit and having available cash—and why so many business owners miss the mark. You’ll learn: What “...

In today's episode we will be discussing the third component of people, Execution. We are joined by Betsi Bixby, the Founder of Meridian Associates with over 30 years of experience supporting family businesses. You'll hear Betsi’s insights on: Fostering accountability among team members Why execution fails Balancing short term needs with long term goals Reflecting on failed goals How to improve execution Self reflection Reflecting on success Getting to the long term goal Are you a fami...

In today's episode we'll be discussing the best ways to conquer people issues with leadership. We are joined by Betsi Bixby, the Founder of Meridian Associates, with over 30 years of experience supporting family businesses. Listen in for insights on: Qualities that make a high performing leader Communicating goals Improving leadership skills Understanding communication styles Handling resistance Measuring effectiveness Creating positive leadership throughout your business Teaching futur...

In today's episode we will be discussing the best ways to conquer people issues with culture. We are joined by Betsi Bixby, the Founder of Meridian Associates with over 30 years of experience supporting family businesses. Listen in for insights on: How culture can impact a company How turnover and culture correlate Key elements to a strong culture The benefits of a strong culture Core values How leaders can implement a strong culture How to improve engagement and moral Tracking and reta...

In today's episode we will be discussing the third component of vision, systems. We are joined by Betsi Bixby, the Founder of Meridian Associates with over 30 years of experience supporting family businesses. We will be getting Betsi’s insight on: What a system is Why a good system is important Importance of documentation How do these systems support vision and structure What a bad system causes Questions to ask about your system Are you a family business owner? Improve your business TODA...

In today's episode we will be discussing the second component of vision, structure. We are joined by Betsi Bixby, the Founder of Meridian Associates with over 30 years of experience supporting family businesses. We will be getting Betsi’s insight on: Why structure is important Creating an optimal structure The need to change structure with growth How to pinpoint structural problems How much businesses can save from restructuring Indicators of structural problems How a bigger company can m...

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Betsi Bixby, the Founder of Meridian Associates, who has over 30 years of experience supporting family businesses. One of the key components of the Meridian Method is vision strategy, and we’ll be gaining Betsi’s insights on: Why vision strategy is so important Common mistakes family businesses make Why Meridians approach is so impactful Questions to ask in a strategy meeting How to communicate in strategy meetings Why it’s importan...

You may not shoot webs or leap tall buildings, but as a family business, you do have superpowers—ones that give you a real edge in today’s market. In this episode, Jim breaks down what makes family-owned businesses uniquely powerful, from building authentic customer trust to creating workplaces where people feel like family—not just numbers. You’ll hear surprising stats, real-life examples, and a clear call to action: own your identity as a family business and make it known. You’ll discover h...

There is no better person to interview about next-gen family leaders than a next-gen leader. In this episode, we’re joined by Sheila, the next-gen owner of Meridian Associates! Listen as she shares her insight on: The process of succession Having a professional and personal relationship Traversing the bumps that come along with family business Transitioning to working with family The positive impacts on your relationship working with family Separating business from your personal life Navi...

Are you conducting exit interviews the right way? Discover the must-ask questions that can help you avoid costly mistakes in your family business!