Beyond The Family Business
Family Office President, Luke Hansen-MacDonald, explores lessons, strategies and stories from the world of family business.
Episodes
Investing for Purpose and Profit | Jen McCain, Irie Capital
In this episode of Beyond the Family Business, I sit down with Jen McCain, a proud Maritimer from Florenceville, New Brunswick, and a third-generation member of the McCain family. Jen shares her own journey of building an identity outside of the family business, becoming an entrepreneur, and then stepping into a more active ownership role within one of Canada’s most iconic family enterpri
Canadian Investor, Founder of EQ Bank & Family Office Leader | Iqbal Kassam, Zynik Corporation
Iqbal Kassam is one of Vancouver’s most successful investors. He is the founder of EQ Bank and Chairman of Zynik Corporation, his family office. In this interview, we discuss how his youth in Kenya and London shaped him as a leader. We delve into his first success in Canada which became EQ bank. He shares valuable lessons on how to think as an entrepreneur. Lastly, he explains his latest
Evolving from Family Business to Family Office | Luke Hansen-MacDonald, HanMac Capital
In this episode, the tables are turned on host Luke Hansen-MacDonald as his cousin, Colin Michael MacDonald (COO of Micco Group of Companies), takes over as the interviewer. They dig into the history of Luke's family business Clearwater Seafoods and what it was like to sell this legacy business in 2021. Luke discusses his early entrepreneurial venture in the music video industry and why h
Diamond Diving Family Business in South Africa | Michael Cooke, Westcoast Gems
In this episode, Michael Cooke—second-generation owner of Westcoast Gems—takes us inside the high-risk, little-known world of offshore diamond diving along South Africa’s rugged coastline. He shares how his father entered the industry and forged an unlikely partnership with a biracial diver during apartheid-era South Africa, defying social norms of the time. Michael reflects on stepping i
How War Transformed This Family Business | Peace by Chocolate, Tareq Hadhad
In this episode, Tareq Hadhad, CEO of Peace by Chocolate, shares the extraordinary story of his family business, from surviving the Syrian war to rebuilding their lives and company in rural Nova Scotia. He reflects on his role as a storyteller, the power of resilience, and how purpose helped transform hardship into hope. Tareq also offers practical advice for other immigrant entrepreneurs
Taking Over The Family Business in Your Early 20s | Mack Csaszar, UCEL Inc.
Mack Csaszar is the 3rd generation CEO of UCEL Inc. They are a family business based in Toronto that focuses on industrial elevators and construction lift systems. Mack has grown the family business across Canada and into the USA. In this episode, we dive into the story of taking over the family business as a young man. Mack shares what was the most valuable experience and where he spent
My Cousin, Colin MacDonald, and I Debate Investment Company Structures | Micco Group of Companies
My cousin Colin Michael MacDonald is the COO of his family business, Micco Group of Companies. Much like my family business, they are invested in private businesses, real estate and marketable securities. Today we debate the pros and cons of our two distinct approaches to an investment company. Micco is much more hands on with their operations, whereas my business uses distributed leaders
Investing in Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Mining & Outlook | Chris Ritchie
Chris Ritchie is the former President of SilverCrest, a mining firm that sold for $2.5B CAD in 2024. In today’s episode, we discuss the fundamentals of the precious metals market. Chris explains the major differences between investing in a mining business and precious metals. He shares tips on how to buy gold or silver. Lastly, we discuss the outlook for precious metals given the recent m
Where to Invest in 2026 According to JP Morgan's Annual Report
In this episode, I provide a clear, plain-English summary of J.P. Morgan’s 2026 Outlook—“Promise and Pressure.” We walk through the major themes shaping markets, including AI’s investment boom, global fragmentation, and a shifting inflation regime. Along the way, I add my own commentary throughout from a family office perspective, focusing on what these trends could mean in real-world dec
Danielle Saputo: Finding Your Own Voice as Next Gen in a Family Business
What does it really take for the next generation to find their own voice in a family business?In this episode, I speak with Danielle Saputo, third generation of the Saputo family and author of I Am Enough, about identity, expectations, and engagement across generations. We discuss why some next-gen family members choose a different path, how families can better support those decisions, an
Lee Bragg: Inside the Bragg Group’s Investment Strategy (Eastlink, Inland & Oxford Frozen Foods)
In this episode, Lee Bragg, Vice Chair of Eastlink and member of the Bragg Business Family, shares how a Nova Scotian family business grew from its rural roots into a diversified enterprise spanning telecom, frozen foods, and airport services. Lee explains the group’s disciplined approach to risk, return, and diversification—and why capital allocation, not just entrepreneurship, sits at t
Ben Hertzman: Navigating Tariffs & ReShoring Supply Chain in a Family Manufacturing Business
Ben Hertzman is the 2nd Gen President of Progress Luv2Pak and Gather Packaging. They specialise in premium retail packaging for customers across North America. We discuss Ben’s offshore supply chain and how he has become an expert in navigating tariffs. He also shares how his team has recently reshored part of their manufacturing to Toronto. We discuss the ingredients that have made his
Pierre Somers: Building A Family Owned Investment Firm (Walter Group)
Pierre Somers is the founder of Montreal-based Walter Group and the third generation of his entrepreneurial family. Their story begins in Germany in the early 1900s with the building of locomotives. We delve into the complex journey of his family and how they had to reinvent themselves many times. We discuss the Walter Group’s investment strategy and how Pierre has attracted top talent. L
Creating a Family Legacy that Lasts Generations (Derrick Hunter)
Derrick Hunter is the 2nd-generation CEO of Calgary-based Bluesky Equities. In this episode, we discuss how Derrick pivoted his family business from a concentrated to a diversified model. Starting in the Alberta oil patch, the business has now become a diversified portfolio of alternative investments, including private equity and venture capital.
KC Daya: Building a Vertically Integrated $1B Real Estate Firm
KC Daya is the CEO and founder of Clifton Blake, a vertically integrated builder, lender, and operator of Multi-Family assets. We discuss the impact of his immigrant entrepreneurial parents and how this spills over into his parenting. We discuss how his first fund failed and the valuable lessons this taught him. As well, we discuss the transformational mergers that have made his business
Jeffrey McCain: The Next Generation of the McCain Foods Family
Jeffrey McCain is the 3rd generation of the McCain family and the President of Woodword Capital. In this episode, we discuss working outside the business on Wall Street and his motivations for returning to work with his family. Jeffrey shares his latest investment strategy and how family offices stand apart from traditional private equity. We discuss how his family onboards new family mem
Ian Wilson: Selling the Family Business & Charting A New Direction
Ian Wilson is the 8th-generation President and co-owner of Wilsons. They are an Atlantic Canadian family with investments in the fuel industry, home security, and quick-serve restaurants. Ian shares the incredible history of their family business and how his own journey wove into the family story. As well, we dive into the sales of their retail fuel business and the motivation behind it.
Adrian Rocca: Building Canada’s Largest Purpose Built Rental Business
Adrian Rocca is the CEO and founder of Fitzrovia. In this interview, he shares how being fired from Tricon set him on a path to build Canada’s largest purpose built rental business. Adrian delves into the latest innovations of his portfolio and how to develop affordable housing in Canada.
Andrew Oland: 6 Generations of Moosehead Brewery
Andrew Oland is the CEO and co-owner of Moosehead Brewery. He shares the incredible 6-generation family story of how the Oland family built a beer empire. He discusses how the family split into two branches and why his family did not sell their brewery. As well, he discusses how he and his brother work together every day as CEO and CFO without family dynamics becoming an issue.
Nahas Brothers Build Franchise QSR Business
Tony and Peter Nahas are the co-owners of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen. Their parents started the business shortly after immigrating from Lebanon. The brothers discuss how they streamlined their family business and unlocked huge growth through franchising. They also share their own struggles as leaders and what is next on their growth horizon.
AI-Powered Cyber Attacks Threaten Family Business
Artificial Intelligence is dramatically changing the threat landscape for cybercrime. Generative AI is making hackers more efficient and giving them new capabilities that make their attacks harder to detect. In this episode, we discuss types of threats, why family business is at risk and tips to defend.
Matthew Cassidy: Consolidating the Bus Industry with Dad & Brothers
Matthew Cassidy is the President of Coach Atlantic, Maritime Bus and Ambassatours. Over the last 20 years, Matthew and his family have consolidated the bus industry in Atlantic Canada. We discuss his biggest challenges as a new leader. As well, Matthew tells all about their recent acquisition of Ambassatours.
Tony Falbo: Founder of Mircom Passes the Torch to His Three Boys
Tony Falbo, an 81-year-old Italian immigrant, chronicles his entrepreneurial journey of building Mircom Technologies and successfully transitioning the business to his three sons. Through strategic focus and family collaboration, he transformed a small fire alarm systems company into an international enterprise. The interview offers a compelling blueprint for family business succession an
Aakash Shah: Next Gen CEO 20x Sales of Family Biz
Aakash Shah is the former CEO and owner of Vivify Specialty Ingredients. He shares how his father convinced him to join the struggling family business and turn it around. Aakash shares how we found balance with his brother and father. As well, how he brought in private equity to buy his family out. Lastly, he shares his plans for his newly minted family office.
Tammy Buss: Family Business Advisor, CEO & Grandmother
Tammy Buss is a family business advisor and family business owner. Over her 30 year career, she has helped family businesses with estate planning, financial planning and succession. This has been informed by her own entrepreneurial journey as she sold her own business and currently works with her son.
Daniel Foch: Opportunities & Risks of Canadian Real Estate in 2025
Daniel Foch is the co-host of the Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast and Chief Real Estate Officer for Valery Real Estate. Daniel shares his view of where there are opportunities and risks in the Canadian real estate market. He discusses how he believes the government can incentivize home building. Lastly, he shares his experience working in his family business and the lessons he learn
Ron Diamond: Why Most Family Offices Shouldn’t Exist
Ron Diamond is the founder of Diamond Wealth, a syndicate of 100 family offices. He shares his perspective of why many family offices should not exist, common risks they fall into, and how the transition of wealth from Baby Boomers is disrupting the capital markets. Ron delves into his entrepreneurial journey and how he built trust with family offices over time. As well, he discusses Tige
Glen Creaser: Tech Entrepreneur Disrupts Seafood Business
Glen Creaser is a serial entrepreneur who sold his first tech company 2 years out of university. His new venture, Larry’s Catch, mixes his experience in tech with his family’s legacy in seafood to create a disruptive direct-to-consumer model. Glen shares his strategy and how his family’s history in the fishing industry influenced his approach.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Empire of Chocolate: The Ferrero Family Story with Luca Cottini
Ferrero created some of the world's most beloved brands, including Nutella, Kinder Eggs, and Tic Tacs. In this episode, we explore how 2nd gen leader Michele Ferrero’s visionary leadership transformed Ferrero into a global powerhouse. Professor and author Luca Cottini joins us to discuss the unique culture and entrepreneurial genius that defined Ferrero’s success.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Mary Asante-Asamoah: Ghana's 2nd Gen Mining & Agriculture Leader
Mary Asante-Asamoah is the 2nd generation leader of Barbex Africa. They are a Ghana owned mining services and agriculture business. Mary shares the entrepreneurial story of her father who started as a mining employee and branched out on his own. She discusses the mindset required to be successful in Ghana. As well, she delves into her own journey from Canada to Washington, DC and eventual
Brian Adams: What is a Family Office? How do you select a Family Office leader?
Brian Adams is a Family Office executive recruiter and podcast host. He explains what is a family office and how each one is slightly different. Brian explains the key positions and what makes an ideal candidate for a leadership role in a family office. Lastly, he shares some common mistakes and new trends that he sees with family office structures.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Luke Leon: Canada's $3 Billion Furniture Family Business
Luke Leon is the 4th generation of the Leon’s Furniture family. He shares their 115-year history and how each generation contributes to the next. Luke delves into the transformative acquisition of The Brick which was 2x the size of Leon’s at the time. He also shares his own story about the family business and the importance of a meritocracy.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Why Succession Fails - And How To Fix It
Luke shares his perspective and experience on why the next generation struggles to find purpose in the family business. His theory is that the next-gen must be allowed to make their own mark on the business to be successful. They need to contribute to the strategy meaningfully and find a role that fits their own strengths and interests. This short episode is perfect for family business me
Anthony Broccolini: Next Gen CEO of Montreal’s Real Estate Empire
Anthony Broccolini, CEO of Broccolini, shares how his family's real estate and construction business has successfully transitioned through three generations, evolving from a small home-building company to a diversified real estate developer. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining family values, embracing challenges, and providing early exposure to the next generation. Looking ahead,
Jim Spatz: Escaping The Holocaust, Med School & Real Estate Development
Jim Spatz, Owner of SouthWest Properties, shares the story of how his parents narrowly escaped the holocaust in Poland. He delves into his father’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons about business. As well, he shares his own journey as an ER doctor and what led him to rejoin the family business. Finally, Jim shares his vision of how he wants to differentiate his real estate.https://lnk.
Scott McCain: McCain Foods Chairman & Family Office Leader
Scott McCain is the 2nd generation of the legendary McCain Foods family. He grew up working in the family business and now holds the role of Chairman. Scott shares his extensive experience in family office strategy. We discuss how he is working with his children on succession, investment, and philanthropy.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Assessing Land Banking Opportunities with Chandler Haliburton
In part 2 of our interview, Chandler discusses how he evaluates land banking opportunities that have multi-residential development potential. He discusses the importance of zoning, density and offsetting carrying costs. Chandler also shares his recent land bank success that netted him a 6.5x return in 6 years.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Assessing Multi-Res Real Estate Properties with Chandler Halliburton
In this episode, we discuss the best tips for assessing a potential residential real estate investment. Our guest, Chandler Haliburton, is an expert with 10+ years as a real estate broker and investor. Luke and Chandler discuss cap rates, net operating income, financing and property management. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview focused on residential real estate investment. https://ln
Andrew Donaldson: 6th Gen CEO of 160 Year Old Timber Business
Andrew Donaldson is the CEO of Donaldson Group. They are one of the UK’s oldest and largest timber companies. Andrew shares the 160 year legacy of their family including what it was like during WW1. He explains his experience growing up in the business and what roles led him to take the CEO role. Andrew also dives into the outlook of the UK housing market.
5 Ways to Prepare for Selling Your Business
Luke draws on his experience in the private equity space to share 5 ways to prepare your business for sale. These areas of focus will help improve the value and likelihood of a sale. https://lnk.to/fambiz
Private Equity vs Public Equity Investing
This episode is perfect for listeners wanting to learn the differences between private equity and public equity investing. Luke covers a brief history of each investment type and delves into the expected returns, liquidity, diversification, control and fees for these two asset classes. The data referenced can be seen in the YouTube version of this video including citations.https://lnk.to/
Martin Roll: Lessons from 650 Family Business Interviews
Martin Roll is an experienced global business strategist, senior advisor and facilitator to Fortune 500 companies, Asian firms, family-owned businesses, and family offices. He has mentored more than 650 individual next-generation leaders from global business families and family offices in private, confidential 1:1 conversations.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Rebecca Kacaba: Democratizing Capital Raising
Rebecca Kacaba is the CEO and Co-Founder of Dealmaker, one of Canada’s fastest growing companies. She discusses her entrepreneurial journey and the impact Dealmaker is having on the world of capital fundraising. Rebecca also shares her family business roots and what she hopes for her children.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Michael Peters: First Nations Entrepreneurship
Michael Peters, CEO of Glooscap Ventures, leads the economic development arm of Glooscap First Nations. He leverages his family business background to grow and diversify the investments of his community. Their investments include renewable energy, defence shipbuilding and seafood.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Juan Lopez: Escaping Pablo to Build An Animation Empire
Juan Lopez, Founder of Atomic Cartoons discusses their family-owned media company's global expansion, his personal journey of migration and cultural identity and the challenges of navigating complex cultural contexts, emphasizing the importance of values, personal growth, and respect for creative values in business and personal life. https://lnk.to/fambiz
Ross McNeil: Saving the Family Menswear Business
CEO & Owner of Duggers Menswear explains the origins, defining moment and success of his business. This episode touches on father & son dynamics and customer service.https://lnk.to/fambiz
How To Make The Most Of Charitable Giving
Luke discusses his vetting process for not-for-profits. He discusses common risks and how to make the biggest impact with your donations.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Should you own investments directly or indirectly?
Luke explains his philosophy on directly managed and indirectly managed investments. He contrasts the benefits and risks of each. These are Luke’s opinions and do not reflect the opinions of his businesses.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Classified Pt 2: Lessons from a HipHop Family Business
Juno Award Winning Rapper Classified explains the unique benefits and challenges that come from 20 years of working with family. He dives into the dynamic with his brother. He shares his hopes for future collaborations with his daughters. Class finishes with a bombshell that this may be his last album ever...https://youtu.be/C6SWKDxzDGI
Classified Pt 1: Multi-Platinum Rapper & Entrepreneur
Luke “Classified” Boyd explains learning the hiphop business, how he created a defensive moat by starting out independent and how AI and social media are affecting music.https://lnk.to/fambiz
How We Mitigate Conflict In Our Family Business
The back bone of conflict mitigation for Luke has been communication and transparency between family members. Luke explains what this looks like in practice and shares some tips that can help other family’s reduce friction between members.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Connie McInnes Pt 2: Building a Brand That Customers Will Remember
Connie McInnes, CEO & Founder of R Studios, discusses how she built her fitness brand and a team that keeps customers coming back for more.https://lnk.to/fambiz
Connie McInnes Pt. 1: CEO Balances Motherhood & Entrepreneurship
Connie McInnes, CEO & Founder of R Studios, dives into her struggle with balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. At the time of this interview, she was pregnant with her second child and about to open her largest studio yet. She also explains how her parents had a lasting impact on her career.Watch the video podcast HEREContact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
Rob Steele: Building an Automotive Empire
Rob Steele explains his journey of building one Canada’s largest auto dealer roll-ups. He dives into his new Texan expansion and some hard truths about the EV market.Watch the video podcast HEREContact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
Adarsh Shah Pt. 2: Working Outside and Inside the Family Business
Adarsh explains his journey from Michael Porter’s Monitor Group to a small Kenyan business to CEO of FoamCo in Canada. He also dives into his hopes for his own kids and how they engage the next generation of their family.Watch the video podcast HEREContact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
Adarsh Shah Pt. 1: Lessons from 116 Year Old Indian-African Family Business
From escaping dictators to growing a business on 5 continents, Adarsh explains the incredible story of his family business and their approach to keeping aligned across geographies and cultures.Watch the video podcast HEREContact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
7 Pros & Cons of Family Owned Businesses
Luke explores his view of the positives and negatives of family business including nepotism, family baggage and employee trust.Watch the video podcast HEREContact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
Leslie Bishop Pt. 2: 4th Generation Expectations for Her Children
Leslie Bishop discusses her own career path and how that informs her approach to engaging the next generation of her family.Watch the video podcast HEREContact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
Leslie Bishop Pt. 1: Great Granddaughter of Canadian Entrepreneur, RA Jodrey
Leslie Bishop discusses the legacy of her great grandfather RA Jodrey and how the business has evolved over the last 100 years.Watch the video podcast HEREContact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
3 Lessons from the Oldest Family Business, Hoshi Ryokan
Luke discusses 3 lessons he learned from researching the 1300 year old Japanese family owned business, Hoshi Ryokan.Watch the video podcast HEREContact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
Nirav Gandhi Pt. 2: Immigrant Millionaire Lives with his Parents
Nirav Gandhi discusses how he finds balance living and working with his brother, parents, sister-in-law, wife and kids.Watch the video podcast HEREContact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
Nirav Gandhi Pt. 1: Immigrant Entrepreneur Builds $100M E-Comm Business
Nirav Gandhi explains his journey moving to Canada as a young boy from India and how he built a $100M e-commerce business with his brother.Watch the video podcast HERE Contact: BeyondTheFamilyBusiness@gmail.com
Trailer
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