What does it take to build a business that lasts generations — and keeps its people for decades?

On this episode, we sit down with Derek Volk, third-generation owner of Volk Packaging Corporation, to hear how his family grew a thriving packaging business rooted in loyalty, purpose, and service. With nearly half of his team staying 10+ years (and some over 20!), Derek shares lessons on leadership, family dynamics in business, and why their company culture keeps both customers and employees coming back.

Plus: how a humble box business became a leading economic indicator in the region — and what every family business should know about succession and legacy planning.

Tune in to hear:
✔️ The origin story of Volk Packaging
✔️ Secrets to long-term team loyalty
✔️ Derek’s top 3 tips for family business success

Thank you to Rachel Muma of Muma Manufacturing for providing this episodes outro.

Catch the vodcast version on YouTube @BlueRootsinc

#FamilyBusiness #Leadership #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessLegacy #ManufacturingExcellence #VolkPackaging #Podcast

Succession planning is one of the most critical—and complex—challenges facing family businesses today. How do you prepare the next generation while honoring the past? How early should you start? What pitfalls must you avoid?

In this insightful conversation with John Ursin, the Managing Partner of Schenck Price, we explore:

✅ Why succession planning is essential for survival and growth
✅ The most common mistakes businesses make (and how to avoid them)
✅ How family dynamics impact leadership transitions
✅ The future of succession planning in a changing business landscape
✅ Practical first steps every business owner should consider

Whether you're leading a legacy company or building one for the future, this episode is packed with wisdom you can't afford to miss.

#FamilyBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #NextGenLeadership #LegacyBuilding #BusinessContinuity #Podcast

We’re joined by powerhouse sisters Dominique Waples-Trefil, JD and Dr. Flora Waples — the dynamic duo behind RESTOR Medical Spa, one of Denver’s top medical aesthetics and functional medicine practices.

From walking away from law and medicine to build a brand that’s redefining aging, to navigating the challenges (and joys) of working with family, Dominique and Flora share the real story behind their success.

We dive into:
💡 How they scaled RESTOR to 3 thriving locations (and counting)
👭 What it’s really like to be in business with your sibling

🧩 How clearly defined roles and open communication are key to working well together
📈 Scaling RESTOR and planning for the next generation
💬 Their top tips for family-run businesses

If you're in business with family — or thinking about it — this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now

Catch the vodcast version on YouTube @bluerootsinc

#FamilyBusiness #WomenInBusiness #MedicalAesthetics #Entrepreneurship #SisterFounders #Podcast#Communication #Leadership

This week on the podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Burrows, professor of Entrepreneurship at Smith School of Business, to explore the unique dynamics of family businesses.

We dig into:

💬 Why family communication is the biggest success—or failure—factor

🧠 The shift from entrepreneurial illbeing to wellbeing

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Succession vs. continuity: what's the real difference?

🔍 Why understanding family science is key to business succession

🧒 How childhood chores like cleaning, filing and phone-answering creates future CEOs

🧠 The accidental vs. intentional entrepreneur

Whether you're leading a multigenerational business or wondering how to start the conversation with your kids, this episode is packed with insights.

🎧 Tune in now!

Catch the vodcast version on YouTube @bluerootsinc

#FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SuccessionPlanning #Wellbeing #NextGenLeaders #BusinessLegacy #Podcast

Jane Antoniak, Strategic Communication Consultant, sits down with podcast host, author and advisor Tammy Buss to talk about her powerful new book: Dream it, Build it, Pass it on: How to Align Values, Vision, Mission.

They discuss:

- Why don’t more first-generation businesses stay in the family?- Are we avoiding the hard conversations?- How can values-based vision—and some honest planning—change the future?

In this candid episode, Tammy shares how her workbook-style book helps families and business owners get real about legacy, prevent regrets, and start mapping out what matters most—before it’s too late. From estate planning to family dynamics, Tammy offers tools, perspective, and heart.

🛠️ “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror.”
💬 “Keep it in the family”—why this motto matters now more than ever.

🎧 Tune in and take the first step toward a legacy that lasts.

Catch the vodcast version on YouTube @bluerootsinc

#FamilyBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #Legacy #TammyBuss #Podcast #BusinessValues #VisionAndMission #EstatePlanning #DreamItBuildItPassItOn

What does it take to steward a 114-year-old family business through change while staying true to your values?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Amy Stein—former executive and fourth-generation family member of Henry’s, Canada’s largest independent imaging retailer. Amy shares her journey of growing up in a multi-generational business, leading through transformation, and ultimately guiding the family through a major transition with the sale of the company in 2023.

We explore:
🔹 What it really means to carry the weight and pride of legacy
🔹 Navigating family dynamics at work—what worked, what didn’t, and what she’d do differently
🔹 How Amy blends strategy, governance, and heart to drive social impact through the Pixel Foundation
🔹 Tips for other family businesses on communication, defining roles, and maintaining balance
🔹 Why purpose matters—especially in philanthropy and succession

Amy brings lived experience, sharp insight, and deep integrity to this conversation. Whether you're part of a family business, leading through change, or just love a story about values-driven leadership—you’ll want to hear this.
📺 Catch the vodcast version on YouTube @Bluerootsinc



#Podcast #FamilyBusiness #Leadership #Legacy #Philanthropy #BusinessStrategy #WomenInLeadership #HenrysCanada #AmyStein #PixelFoundation

🎙️ New Podcast Alert:

In this episode, we chat again with Wendy MacIntyre, Founder of Resolve HR. Running a family business comes with unique challenges — and having the right policies in place can make all the difference. In this episode, we dive into the essential procedures every family business should consider, from conflict resolution and succession planning to confidentiality, employment standards, and decision-making clarity.

💬 Topics include:

• Why formal policies matter more in family enterprises

• Navigating complex family dynamics with clear decision-making

• Creating fair family employment policies

• Succession planning across generations

• Best practices for communication, governance, and dispute resolution

Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen your family company’s foundation, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you balance family values with business success.

Thank you to Alice Watson of BDC for this episode's outro.

📺 Catch the vodcast version on YouTube @Bluerootsinc



#FamilyBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SuccessionPlanning #FamilyGovernance #Entrepreneurship #HRStrategy  #ConflictResolution #FamilyBusiness

What happens when burnout leads to breakthrough? 💧✨

In this episode, we chat with the inspiring founder of Voda Retreats, Rebekah Streeter Rad about her powerful journey from running a family-owned bed and breakfast to building a wellness brand with purpose.

She opens up about how personal experiences with burnout shaped the mission behind Voda Retreats, and how her background in her family's daycare business continues to influence her approach to leadership, balance, and self-care. 🧘‍♀️👶

We dive into:

• Navigating the pressures of multigenerational family businesses

• Practical tips for incorporating self-care into your day — without guilt

• Bringing wellness into corporate spaces

• And what it means to lead with authenticity, vision, and values 🌱

Whether you're in a family business, launching a new venture, or just need a reminder to take care of yourself — this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world wisdom.

📺 Catch the vodcast version on YouTube @Bluerootsinc

Rebekah also hosts a podcast called Calm Currents, featuring short and soothing 5–10 minute meditation sessions designed to easily fit into your daily routine.

#WellnessEntrepreneur #FamilyBusiness #BurnoutToBreakthrough #NewPodcastEpisode #WomenInBusiness #SelfCareForLeaders