In this episode of the Mixing Family and Business Podcast, I’m joining Kim, Shirley, and Tom as we head way back into childhood memories. We swap stories about our favorite birthday meals (spoiler: homemade noodles, chicken, and a legendary lemon cake), those classic small-town surprises, and the simple joys of old bikes and “sloppy” chocolate cupcakes at school.

I open up about what birthdays were like when you shared them with Christmas (and siblings!), and why sometimes, birthdays just meant new jeans or a flannel shirt—and that was enough.

But business lessons are never far away. We get real about the toughest customer service moments we’ve faced—like the time an ice cream cake ended up flying, or when a “brown swagger” mix-up at the meat counter left us both laughing and learning. I share the hard-won wisdom of listening, keeping your cool, and knowing when to have a memory like a goldfish (shoutout to Ted Lasso for that one!).

If you’ve ever found yourself dealing with difficult customers, juggling family dynamics in your business, or just wanted a reminder that even the pros make mistakes (and survive to tell the tale!), you’ll relate to every minute.

Tune in for real talk, some good laughs, and practical advice on bridging generations in your business and family.

Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.

We down with Kim, Tom, and Shirley to swap stories about Fourth of July traditions on the Iowa farm, grandma’s fried chicken, backyard fireworks, and big family gatherings. Then, we dive into the realities of working with Gen Z: what motivates them, what challenges come with managing them, and why things like technology and social skills are shifting the workplace in new directions.

Tune in for real talk, some good laughs, and practical advice on bridging generations in your business and family.

Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.

Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Join me as I sit down with Kim, Tom, and Shirley to look back at how our family's small businesses grew while staying true to our local roots. We share stories from our early days, how Father's Day wasn’t always a big deal, and the changes that come with going from knowing every customer to running stores across several towns. If you want a real look at balancing growth with community connection, this episode’s for you.

We also discuss the challenges of keeping that personal touch as we expand, how we rely on local managers, and the importance of adapting systems to keep our team and customers connected. Whether you're just starting out or growing fast, you’ll find insights you can use on your own journey.

See you next time on Mixing Family and Business.

Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.

Make sure to check out our website to learn more!