Family Owned: A Legacy Leadership Podcast

Host Clay Dibrell sits down with father-daughter duo Lee Lampton and Amy Walker to explore the origins of Ergon. Listen to Part 1 Now!

Lee and Amy discuss the lessons learned and how they’ve strengthened their professional and personal relationship. Listen to Part 2 Now!

The final installment of this conversation focuses on how Ergon keeps family members involved and engaged with the business. Lee and Amy share the structures, traditions, and mechanisms that ensure the family remains connected to the company’s success. Listen to Part 3 Now!

Ana Lampton Triplett, documentary producer and granddaughter of Ergon, Inc.’s founder discusses the critical role of family governance longevity. Listen to Part 1 Now!

Part two of the conversation delves into the personal side of family business dynamics. Ana shares insights on maintaining open communication, setting boundaries, and cultivating trust – essential pillars for ensuring a thriving enterprise. Listen to Part 2 Now!

Assistant Professor of Management Chelsea Sherlock explores the concept of social emotional wealth in family businesses. Chelsea and Clay discuss how families can balance financial success with emotional ties, ensuring long-term business sustainability. Listen Now!

Clay Dibrell sits down with Eddie Coleman, General Manager of Complete Exteriors, to explore how non-family employees interact with family members in a family-owned business. Listen to Part 1 Now!

Growth is exciting, but sustaining it requires a strong foundation. Eddie Coleman explains how Complete Exteriors has expanded since 2007 by staying committed to three core values: All In, Servant’s Heart, and Own It. Listen to Part 2 Now!

A common concern in family businesses is whether non-family employees have real opportunities for growth. Eddie Coleman discusses how Complete Exteriors addresses these challenges and ensures that career advancement is based on merit, not last names. Listen to Part 3 Now!

Host Clay Dibrell sits down with Connie Hollins, founder of D. Rollins Funeral Home to discuss how she and her son, DeSanto Rollins, continued the family’s funeral home legacy after the passing of DeSanto’s father, who owned three funeral homes. Listen to Part 3 Now!

Transitioning a family business to the next generation takes careful planning and trust. In this episode, Clay speaks with the mother-son duo on their approach to succession planning, balancing tradition with innovation, and ensuring the business continues to serve the community for generations to come. Listen to Part 2 Now!

Host Clay Dibrell kicks is joined by George and Jason Hester of Navitas, a wealth advisory firm specializing in generational wealth transfer. They explore the fundamentals of succession planning, discussing the importance of early preparation and key financial strategies to ensure a smooth transition. Listen to Part 1 Now!

In part two, the Hesters dive into the emotional and relational complexities of family business succession. They discuss real-life challenges, including managing expectations, fostering trust between generations, and handling difficult financial conversations with family members. Listen to Part 2 Now!

The final installment of this conversation focuses on long-term sustainability. George and Jason share expert insights on tax planning, investment strategies, and legal considerations that help families safeguard their businesses and wealth for future generations. Listen to Part 3 Now!

Walter Davis, professor of management and William W. Gresham Entrepreneurial Professor, joins host Clay Dibrell to discuss succession planning and leadership transitions in family businesses. Walter provides expert insight into why early planning is key and how families can effectively navigate generational leadership changes. Listen Now!

What happens when it’s time to transition your family business? Clay Dibrell is joined by Marc Littlecott, Advancement Director for Estate and Planned Giving at Ole Miss. Learn why planning ahead is crucial, how integration impacts the sale of a business, and what every business owner should consider—whether selling soon or decades from now. Listen Now!

Clay Dibrell sits down with Dennis Coker, Managing Director at Founders Advisors. Whether you’re looking to scale, bring in outside investment, or transition leadership, this episode unpacks the essential strategies to ensure long-term success. Listen to Part 1 Now!

What’s next for your family business? In this episode, Clay and Dennis discuss the different transition paths available to business owners—whether it’s stepping away, selling, or expanding. Gain expert insights into making informed decisions that align with your goals and legacy. Listen to Part 2 Now!

Clay and Dennis dive into the critical factors to consider when transitioning your family business, from maintaining family harmony to ensuring a smooth leadership handoff. Listen to Part 3 Now!

In a special episode, host Clay Dibrell switches roles and becomes the guest. Interviewed by Chelsea Sherlock, Clay shares his research on how strong stewardship fosters innovation in family businesses. He explores strategies for long-term growth, leadership development, and maintaining a competitive edge across generations. Listen Now!

Jordan Bryan and Dudley Wooley, leaders at Ross & Yerger, join Clay Dibrell to break down the different types of insurance that family businesses need. They discuss strategies for protecting family assets, mitigating risk, and ensuring long-term business security. Listen Now!

In part two, Jordan and Dudley demystify complex insurance terminology and provide best practices for ensuring businesses have the right coverage for their employees. They also discuss the legal and financial considerations family businesses should keep in mind. Listen Now!

Donna Bruce, CPA and partner at Forvis Mazars (formerly FORVIS), joins host Clay Dibrell to discuss the tax implications of different business structures. She breaks down the pros and cons of various organizational setups and offers guidance on choosing the best structure for long-term financial success. Listen Now!

Clay Dibrell sits down with Bruce Walt, a partner at HORNE. From strategic planning to investment banking and risk management, learn how family businesses can leverage expert insights to drive long-term success. Listen to Part 1 Now!

What makes a family business strong across generations? Bruce Walt dives into the importance of company culture, integrating younger family members, and aligning family values with business strategy. Discover key insights on employee engagement, generational transitions, and building a legacy that lasts. Listen to Part 2 Now!

Kap Primos of Butler Snow shares his expertise on business exit strategies. In this episode, he breaks down the essentials of creating an effective succession plan, buying and selling assets, and ensuring a smooth transition when it’s time to step away from the business. Listen Now!

Clay Dibrell sits down with Oscar, EA, and AK Miskelly to discuss the origins and growth of Miskelly Furniture. This episode highlights the company’s evolution and how they balance business expansion with maintaining strong family ties. Listen to Part 1 Now!

The furniture industry is constantly evolving, and Miskelly Furniture is no exception. The Miskellys discuss how they navigate changes in consumer behavior while staying true to their brand’s legacy. Listen to Part 2 Now!

The smooth functioning of family-owned businesses heavily relies on their employees, making them an integral part of the operation. However, it is the management that sets the foundation for success. Clay and the Miskelly family discuss emphasizing the vital role of family support within and outside the business. Listen to Part 3 Now!

Clay Dibrell sits down with Jina & Jason Daniels, the founders of Jax-Zen Studios to discuss the early days of their small business. Listen to Part 1 Now!

The Daniels dive deeper into the realities of running a small, family business, especially when the next generation isn’t interested in taking over. Listen to Part 2 Now!

In the final episode, Clay, Jina & Jason discuss expanding beyond their family to build a strong team. They discuss the values they look for in employees and the challenges of hiring outside the family while maintaining their brand and values. Listen to Part 3 Now!

Host Clay Dibrell speaks with Webb Wilson, CEO of Kemmons Wilson Companies Management, and Tate Wilson, CEO of Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation, about the rich legacy of their family’s business and philanthropic work. Discover how the current generation is shaping the future while honoring the past.

Giving back is more than just donations—it’s about lasting impact. Clay, Webb, and Tate dive into the philanthropic efforts of the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation, highlighting key initiatives in Memphis and lessons for other family businesses looking to make a difference.

What does it take to lead a multi-generational family enterprise? In the final episode, Clay, Webb, and Tate discuss company structure, leadership transitions, and how the next generation is driving both business growth and philanthropy in a modern world.