Host: Cooper Biersach

In this episode, Cooper Biersach is joined by Chris Maslin — VP of HR and Organizational Development at The Biltmore Company—to unpack the essential elements of a strong family employment policy. Together, they explore how intentional policy design can reduce conflict, clarify roles, and support rising generation development. Listeners will walk away with a practical framework, key questions to ask, and strategies for balancing family harmony with business needs. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing policy, this conversation offers both insights and action steps to help you build a policy that truly works.

Additional Resources!

The Family Enterprise Center

Get Connected

Cooper Biersach chats with Ted Wentz of Quadratec about his unique path back to the family business—one that began with launching his own venture first. Ted shares honest reflections on the gritty realities of entrepreneurship, earning your place in a family firm, and the importance of “doing the time” before stepping into leadership. They also dive into navigating relationships with family members and leading non-family employees in a way that’s both effective and inclusive.

Other Episode Notes

The Family Enterprise Center

Get Connected

Cooper Biersach interviews Cathy Carroll—author of Hug of War and President of Legacy Onward—for a deep dive into polarity thinking. They explore how to move beyond either/or mindsets into both/and conversations that unlock new possibilities for families and leaders. The episode features real-life examples of common polarity tensions and how to navigate them, plus a walkthrough of polarity mapping with worksheets linked in the episode notes.

Episode Notes:

• The Family Enterprise Center
• Legacy Onward
• Hug of War
• Illustrated Polarity
• Get Connected

Cooper Biersach sits down with Josh Gentine (MBA ’13) to explore his path back to the family business, Sargento, and the parallel journey he’s built as a family business consultant. Josh shares insights on balancing multiple professional identities, fostering two-way communication across generations, and engaging next-gens in ways that reflect their passions and strengths—not just tradition. From personal experience to professional frameworks, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how clarity and curiosity can strengthen family enterprise for the long term.

Episode Notes

• Josh Gentine
• Cooper Biersach
• The Family Enterprise Center
• Get Connected

Cooper Biersach sits down with Durant Bell to unpack the long road home to the family business, Bell Partners. After building a successful career and reaching the partner track at an outside firm, Durant made the difficult decision to return—but on his own terms. He reflects on choosing not to come back right away, even when his family hoped he would, and how that decision shaped his leadership. From starting over to proving himself within the organization, Durant shares honest insights on building trust, navigating family dynamics, and what it really takes to lead in a multigenerational business.

Episode Notes

• Durant Bell
• The Family Enterprise Center
• Bell Partners
• Get Connected

• Cooper Biersach sits down with Steve Miller to dive into his research on next-generation leaders in family businesses. They share insights on when—and how—to start meaningful conversations with next-gens, the value of gaining outside experience, and the benefits of rotational programs within the family firm. Plus, they explore the critical role emotional and social intelligence play in leadership development. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation packed with actionable advice for families planning for the future.

Episode Notes:

• Steve Miller
• The Family Enterprise Center
• Get Connected

Episode Notes

• • Course Codes for Family Business Curriculum at UNC-Chapel Hill
    • BUSI 503 / MBA 843A: Introduction to Family Business
    • BUSI 512 / MBA 843B: Ownership and Governance
  • Cooper Biersach
  • Lauren Willets
  • Steve Miller
  • The Family Enterprise Center
  • Get Connected