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 who secretly undermined the family and fostered a culture of fear and distrust.

Betsi shares how Meridian helped uncover the truth, rebuild trust, clarify leadership roles, and transform the company culture, saving both the family and the business.

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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.com

or call us at 817-594-0546

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 real financial freedom.

Betsi explains the three biggest culprits that drain cash, the mindset shifts that lead to lasting change, and the emotional relief of running a business free of crushing debt for owners, employees, and future generations.

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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.com

or call us at 817-594-0546

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 performance, and build a workplace people wanted to stay in — achieving full employment in just 18 months.

If you’re tired of the revolving door in your business, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you hire smarter and retain your best people.

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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.com

or call us at 817-594-0546

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 how smart diversification fueled his growth — all while staying true to his values.

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.com

or call us at 817-594-0546

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 business for smart, sustainable growth.

Whether you're planning for expansion, considering debt reduction, or navigating succession, this episode is a must-listen for every family business leader ready to take control of their financial future.

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.com

or call us at 817-594-0546

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
• Creative ways to grow revenue—starting right inside your own books

Discover what’s possible when family business owners think bigger, serve better, and turn their purpose into profit.

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.com

or call us at 817-594-0546

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 “true cash position” really means (and how to calculate yours)
• The 3 metrics that make or break your cash flow
• How often you really need to review your cash—daily, weekly, or monthly?
• Real stories of cash flow blind spots that cost businesses hundreds of thousands
• How the 7 Quick Cash Fixes book has helped owners unlock millions

Whether you’re leading a thriving company or navigating financial stress, this episode is packed with insights you can act on immediately.

Listen now and grab your copy of 7 Quick Cash Fixes:

https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Cash-Fixes-Business-Unbridled/dp/1495465136

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.com

or call us at 817-594-0546

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 family business owner? Improve your business TODAY with our time tested and tailored solutions:

Visit our website to get started at www.AskMeridian.com

or Call us at 817-594-0546