Real Stories.

Real Strategies.

Insights from Industry Leaders 

Gain insights from seasoned family business leaders as we explore the journeys, challenges, and strategies that power lasting legacies.

At Fusion we understand the heart of a family-run business because we work alongside them every day. We’ve seen the passion, the challenges, and the legacy-driven decisions that make family businesses so unique.

That’s what inspired our family business consulting interviews, a dedicated series where our lead business advisor sits down with real family business leaders to explore what truly drives success. From navigating generational transitions to scaling with intention, these conversations dive deep into the strategies, setbacks, and solutions that shape thriving family enterprises.

Each interview offers practical insights rooted in real-world experience, designed to help you lead with clarity, communicate with confidence, and build a business that lasts.

Family Business Spotlight: A Second-Generation Leader’s Journey of Growth and Legacy

Join Trevor McCandless, CEO of Fusion CPA, for an inspiring conversation with Jackie Carpenter, CEO of Ideal Restoration, Inc., in this Family Business Spotlight interview.🏆 In this candid discussion, Jackie opens up about how she’s built upon the strong foundation laid by her father, Butch Carpenter, and transformed the company into the Bay Area’s leading restoration firm. Jackie’s story highlights the invaluable task of stepping into the role of a second-generation business leader, overcoming challenges, and leveraging expert guidance to drive growth. https://www.familybusinessconsultan... 📢Through resilience, innovation, and a passion for the family legacy, Jackie shares key lessons and practical advice for anyone navigating the unique journey of leading a family business. Conversations like these with a family business consultant can help businesses grow and thrive by addressing challenges and leveraging expert guidance. Don’t miss this engaging dialogue full of stories, lessons, and expert advice that resonate with family business owners everywhere.💡 Watch this inspiring interview to gain actionable takeaways, learn from Jackie’s experiences, and get the motivation you need to take your family business to the next level! Discover real challenges, real successes, and real solutions in the Family Business Spotlight series. Watch the full playlist now! 🔗 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=P... _____________________________________________________________ Connect with Jackie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-... Connect with Trevor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmccand...

Family Business Spotlight: Succession Planning, Growth,and the Future of Multi-Gen Family Businesses

In this follow-up interview, Navigating the Complexities of a 100-Year-Old Family Business, industry experts dive into the essential strategies for multi-generation family businesses, covering topics like succession planning, leadership transitions, and sustaining growth. 🏆 📢https://youtu.be/I6z1ZuLMFBg Trevor McCandless (CEO of Fusion CPA), Thor Conklin (Client Engagement Manager), and Curtis Joseph (Analyst & Investor) share valuable lessons and insights on how family businesses can thrive across generations. Key topics: ✅ Effective succession planning for family businesses ✅ Overcoming challenges in multi-generation companies ✅ How to foster growth and preserve value in family businesses ✅ How Fusion CPA supports family business success Work with family business consultants: https://www.familybusinessconsultan... Conversations like these with a family business consultant can help businesses grow and thrive by addressing challenges and leveraging expert guidance. Don’t miss this engaging dialogue full of stories, lessons, and expert advice that resonate with family business owners everywhere.💡 Discover real challenges, real successes, and real solutions in the Family Business Spotlight series. Watch the full playlist now! 🔗 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=P... Connect with Curtis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-... Connect with Trevor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmccand... Connect with Thor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorcon...

Family Business Spotlight: 100 Years in Business

Navigating the Complexities of a 100-Year-Old Family Business – A Conversation with Curtis Joseph and Fusion CPA’s Trevor McCandless Free Guide: Family Business Tax & Accounting Essentials: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/fo... 👉Expert Tips to Scale Your Family Business: https://calendly.com/d/3y5-fx9-z64 In this insightful video, Trevor McCandless, CEO of Fusion CPA and seasoned Family Business Consultant, sits down with Curtis Joseph, who recently sold his century-old family business in St. Louis. Having connected at the Mainstreet Conference, this conversation delves deep into the unique challenges and intricacies of running a multi-generational family business. 📢 Discover real challenges, real successes, and real solutions in the Family Business Spotlight series. Watch the full playlist now! 🔗 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=P... Curtis shares his personal journey of being a part of running a family business, shedding light on the emotional and operational complexities of sustaining a legacy over a century. Family businesses like Curtis’s bring culture and values to generations of families, enriching their communities and maintaining a strong sense of identity. #FamilyBusiness #LegacyBuilding #ConsultingInsights Timestamps: 0:00 – The Realities of Family Business Discussing dynamics, legacy, and the challenges of mixing family with business. 2:15 – Growing Up in a Century-Old Dealership Early exposure, lessons from childhood, and carrying forward tradition. 5:03 – Returning After College & Career Shift How marriage, finance work, and family events led back to the business. 10:01 – Hands-On Roles & Lessons from Mentors Learning operations, service, and values from multi-generational leaders. 16:00 – Selling the Business & Facing Health Challenges Tough decisions, health struggles, and navigating the pandemic. 25:19 – Life After the Sale & New Directions Shifting into finance, seeking purpose, and building future opportunities. Conversations like these with a family business consultant can help businesses grow and thrive by addressing challenges and leveraging expert guidance. Don’t miss this engaging dialogue full of stories, lessons, and expert advice that resonate with family business owners everywhere.💡 🔍https://www.fusiontaxes.com/service... Connect with Curtis : https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-...

Family Business Spotlight: Can $100M Family Businesses Survive the Next Generation?

In this compelling conversation, we sit down with Christian Bauer, Manager at GFM Capital, as he shares his unique journey through the complexities of family business leadership. From navigating partnership disputes to structuring multi-generational wealth, Christian offers candid insights on governance, communication, and the delicate balance of family dynamics in business. Discover how: ✅ Clear governance and shareholder agreements can prevent costly conflicts. ✅ Transparent communication builds trust across generations. ✅ Intentional legacy planning ensures continuity beyond the founder’s vision. Whether you’re a family business leader, consultant, or entrepreneur, Christian’s lessons—from Guatemala to global ventures—reveal how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Work with family business consultants: https://www.familybusinessconsultan... Watch/Listen now to learn how to strengthen your family enterprise for the future! We conduct more interviews like this in the Family Business Spotlight series, uncovering real challenges, successes, and solutions. Watch the full playlist now! 🔗 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=P... Get in touch with our team 📞https://calendly.com/d/3y5-fx9-z64

Family Business Spotlight: Solomon Brothers Jewelers—A Legacy of Fine Jewelry Since 1983 💎

In this insightful video, Trevor McCandless, CEO of Fusion CPA, and Thor Conklin sit down with Jaron Solomon, who took over Solomon Brothers Jewelers in 2016 while working alongside his uncles, mother, and other family members. They discuss his journey to leadership, the transition process, challenges faced, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Plus, Jaron shares his vision for the future—will he be preparing the next generation to take over? They dive into how a clear succession plan ensures business continuity, with strategies for smooth ownership transfer and next-generation leadership development. At Fusion CPA, our family business consulting team follows a 12-month blueprint to help you plan for scenarios like succession, leadership transitions, and financial security. Trevor and Thor from the Fusion CPA team also offer expert insights into how consulting can help family businesses scale, navigate challenges, and plan for long-term success.📞https://calendly.com/d/3y5-fx9-z64 👉https://www.fusiontaxes.com/service... Conversations like these with a family business consultant can help businesses overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities. Plus, they offer a roadmap for future-proofing a family legacy while adapting to industry shifts. 📌 Subscribe for more conversations on family business growth & strategy! Discover Timeless Elegance – Explore https://www.solomonbrothers.com/ Legacy in Jewelry Today! ----- Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaron-s... https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmccand... https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorcon...

Family Business Spotlight: The Trust Formula for Multi-Generational Success

🎙️ "Work with family? It’s the best way—if you can." – Robert Hanssen In this Family Business Spotlight, Trevor McCandless, CEO of Fusion CPA, sits down with Robert Hanssen, Owner of Cubicool International, to explore: ✅ How a father-son-brother trio built a thriving refrigeration empire across Africa ✅ The challenges & rewards of running a family business across continents ✅ Why trust & defined roles are the secret to multi-generational success ✅ Private equity, partnerships & succession planning—lessons from 20+ years in business From banking burnout to leading a 10-company conglomerate, Robert shares the highs, lows, and hard-won wisdom of keeping family and business aligned. 🔊 Listen now—whether you’re in a family business or exploring the dynamics! We conduct more interviews like this in the Family Business Spotlight series, uncovering real challenges, successes, and solutions. Watch the full playlist now! 🔗 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=P... Get in touch with our team 📞https://calendly.com/d/3y5-fx9-z64 Work with family business consultants: https://www.familybusinessconsultan... #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SuccessionPlanning #GlobalBusiness #EO

Family Business Spotlight: 5th Generation Leadership in a 150+ Year Insurance Legacy

In this insightful interview, Zachary Sutherland, the 5th generation leader of Sutherland Insurance, sits down with Trevor McCandless, CEO and family business consultant, to share the journey of running a 150+ year-old family business. From its humble beginnings in 1870 to navigating modern challenges, Zachary delves into the complexities of multi-generational leadership, succession planning, and the delicate balance of family dynamics in business. Key discussions include: 👉The Evolution of Ownership: Zac shares how he transitioned from an SAP (Sponsored Associate Program) to a full owner, highlighting the importance of trust and gradual integration into leadership roles. 👉Family Legacy and Structure: Learn how the Sutherland family has managed to keep the business thriving through five generations, including the pivotal role of Zac’s grandmother, who saved the business by obtaining her insurance license. 👉Succession Planning: Zac and Trevor explore the challenges of transitioning leadership, the importance of clear communication, and the role of trusts and advisors in ensuring fairness and continuity. 👉Growth and Modernization: Discover how Zac has balanced tradition with innovation, from hiring key roles like HR to embracing technology while maintaining personalized customer service. 👉Lessons for Family Businesses: The conversation dives into the importance of documenting expectations, preparing for the unexpected, and ensuring the business can thrive even in the absence of key leaders. This interview is part of an ongoing Family Business Spotlight series, where we sit down with leaders of multi-generational businesses to uncover their unique stories, challenges, and strategies for success. Be sure to check out our other interviews with inspiring family business leaders! 📽️https://2ly.link/25A41 📌 Whether you’re a first-generation entrepreneur or part of a long-standing family enterprise, Zac’s story provides inspiration and practical advice for navigating the unique challenges of family-owned businesses. https://www.fusiontaxes.com/service... Ready to take your family business to the next level? Reach out to us for expert consulting services tailored to your unique needs. 📞https://calendly.com/d/3y5-fx9-z64 ___________________________ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary... https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmccand... https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorcon...

How Each Generation Sees It Differently | Family Business Spotlight

"Multi-generational success doesn't mean passing down one business - it's about cultivating an entrepreneurial legacy." In this candid conversation, Josh Grossfeld, Founding Partner at AGENCY and Trevor McCandless, CEO at Fusion CPA explore: ▪️How entrepreneurial values transcend specific companies ▪️Why Josh chose not to take over his father's political consulting firm ▪️The real challenges of blending family and business ▪️Raising the next generation of business builders (whether they join your company or not) Josh shares his journey from working in his dad's office at age 12 to building his own thriving firm, while Trevor reveals insights from working with countless family businesses and how each is unique. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Lifestyle businesses vs. scalable ventures - knowing which you're building 2️⃣ How to pass down entrepreneurial values without pressure 3️⃣ When walking away might be the best decision for everyone 4️⃣ Creating intentional family-business boundaries 💡 "It's not about the business - it's about the entrepreneurial legacy." - Josh Grossfeld Whether you're in a family business, considering joining one, or building your own path, this conversation will give you valuable perspective. 🔔 https://www.familybusinessconsultan... Want more wisdom from family business leaders? Watch our full interview series here: https://2ly.link/25A41 What's your family business story? Join the conversation below! 👇 _____________________________________________________ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshgro... https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmccand...

Father & Son Startups: Lessons in Leadership, Pivoting & Family Business

Scott Roulet shares his incredible father-son startup family business journey, building AI-powered content and adtech ventures from the ground up. Get an unfiltered look at the unique dynamics, from navigating candid disagreements and drawing lines between father and son to the crucial lessons learned about leadership, delegation, and the true meaning of business continuity. 📣Download your FREE guide: Tax & Accounting Essentials for Family Businesses! https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/fo... 👉Get expert advice on scaling your family business: https://calendly.com/d/3y5-fx9-z64 In this insightful episode of the Family Business Spotlight series, host Trevor McCandless sits down with Scott Roulet to discuss his unique experience co-running two innovative ventures alongside his son: Welcome Innovations, a SaaS platform disrupting the construction industry, and Edisource, an AI-powered content solution for media companies. Discover real challenges, real successes, and real solutions in the Family Business Spotlight series. Watch the full playlist now! 🔗 A Second-Generation Leader’s Journey of Growth and Legacy: https://youtu.be/HscH1YiYb-M?list=P... Can $100M Family Businesses Survive the Next Generation? https://youtu.be/XhqpHnks4zY?list=P... The Trust Formula for Multi-Generational Success: https://youtu.be/5X9FdNmVn7g?list=P... #FamilyBusiness #StartupLessons #Entrepreneurship Timestamps: 0:00 – Background and Early Ventures Discusses professional experience split between corporate and entrepreneurial roles, early ventures with son, and introduction to adtech. 3:04 – Launching New Businesses Formation of Welcome Innovations and Edosource, the focus areas of each, and son's evolving role in product, marketing, and AI development. 8:00 – Father-Son Dynamics in Business Explores the challenges and benefits of working with a family member, handling conflicts, and maintaining professional boundaries. 11:00 – Roles, Responsibilities, and Organizational Structure Clear division of duties, handling sales vs. product management, and ownership structure including equity allocation and voting rights. 23:00 – Learning from Wins and Mistakes Reflections on pivots, optimism, perseverance, tactical wins, and learning from external feedback versus internal biases. 38:20 – Seeking Honest Feedback and Advisors Challenges in finding unbiased advice, importance of trusted partners, and thoughts on peer groups and entrepreneur networks. 📌https://www.familybusinessconsultan... Enjoyed this deep dive into family business leadership? Subscribe for more inspiring stories from multi-generational entrepreneurs and stay tuned for Trevor McCandless’ upcoming book on generational family businesses and workshops ahead! Connect on LinkedIn: Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottro... Trevor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmccand... Thor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorcon... Don’t forget to comment below if you’re part of a family business and share your own experiences!