In this episode of Chit Chat with Derek & Cat, we sit down with Stacy Stitham, Managing Partner at Brann & Isaacson ⚖️, to explore the intersection of law and family business. As a fifth-generation Maine attorney, Stacy shares her journey from growing up in a small-town law practice to leading a nationally recognized firm.

We dive into the unique legal challenges that family-owned businesses face—from succession planning to protecting intellectual property 💼. Stacy offers practical insights on how Brann & Isaacson supports these enterprises, ensuring they thrive across generations. Her experience in civil and commercial litigation, as well as leadership roles in organizations like the Maine State Bar Association, brings valuable perspective to the evolving family business landscape.

🎙️ Tune in to hear Stacy’s inspiring story of leadership, legacy, and legal savvy—and walk away with tools to help your family business flourish.

In this special kickoff episode of Chit Chat with Derek and Cat, your hosts—Catherine Wygant Fossett and Derek Volk—turn the mic on each other to share their own family business journeys, the inspiration behind the podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes.

Catherine, Executive Director of the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB), and Derek, CEO of Volk Packaging Corporation, have worked with and within family businesses for decades. Now, they're teaming up to explore the stories behind Maine’s most fascinating family-run companies.

Together, they chat about:

• Why family businesses are the backbone of our economy—making up over 80% of businesses nationwide

• The unique dynamics, values, and legacy that make family-run companies so resilient

• The joys and challenges of working with loved ones

• How businesses navigate succession, growth, and generational change

• And what listeners can learn from real families building real businesses

Whether you’re in a family business, love small business stories, or just enjoy authentic conversations, this episode sets the stage for a podcast full of insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.

🎙️ Real conversations. Real families. Real business.