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 is your post estate plan, plan?

How do you use insurance as a efficient tool when planning for your business and family's future?

Join me as I chat with Erin Prohaska,  Partner at Continuum Legacy Partners, where we explore how to use insurance strategically and look at how to use tools and tactics to ensure longevity of family business assets.

Thank you to Barb Muma, of Muma Manufacturing, for this episode's outro.

How do you understand the changing employment legislation and policy needs? Is your Family Business big enough to need these?

What can you do to protect your family business as your need for more employees grows?

Join me as I chat with Yola Ventresca, Managing Partner at Lerners LLP, where we explore tips to developing employment policies and complying with employment legislation to protect your family business. 

Thank you to Marty Britton of Britton Management Profile Inc, for this episode's outro.

How do you take over the business when there no plan?

What if there is no documentation? No processes and procedures, no job descriptions, no manuals to guide you.

Join me as a I chat with Marty Britton, President & CEO of Britton Management Profile Inc. about her journey and struggles of jumping feet first into running her family business she wasn't working in.
Thank you to Kimberly Cura of Lerners LLP for this episode's outro.

How does the next gen forge their own path in the family business?

How do they follow their passions back to the family business?



Join me as I chat with Luke Hansen-MacDonald, President of HanMac Capital, about their family business journey through their entrepreneurial passions. Dive into all the dynamics that make up a successful family business succession.



Thank you to Charlie Smith of the Kool Group for this episode's outro.

Marketing. Its a huge cost.
How does a family business use marketing to build profit?



Join me as a I chat with Marcia Barnes, Founder and CEO of Valve+Meter Performance Marketing, where we explore the benefits and strategies to use marketing effectively in a family business.



Thank you to Steve Beauchesne, of Family Enterprise Canada, for this episode's outro.

How do Family Businesses evolve?
What options are there for Family Businesses besides succession?



Dive into the history of a family business as I chat with Steve Beauchesne, former owner of Beau's Brewery, where we explore the ups & downs, the growth & evolution that lead to business sale.



Thank you to Kyle Larkin from Grain Growers of Canada for this episode's outro.

When is the right time to enter a family business?

How do you navigate working with siblings?

Join me as I chat with Charlie Smith, Operations Manager of the Kool Group (Joe Kools, Tobbagan Brewery, Fellini Koolini and Runt Club), where we deep dive into the rich tapestry of this London Ontario family business that has been serving delicious meals and creating cherished memories for over 40 years.

Thank you to  Anne-Marie Flinn from Champion Change Agency for this episode's outro.

what would it look like to have a system driving the value of your small to medium business?



EOS- what is it?



Join me as I chat with Jeff Jans, Professional EOS Implementer, about all things EOS and the value of bringing vision, traction, and health to your business to meet and exceed your goals.



Thank you to Hilary Mackie, of BlueRoots for this episode's outro.

Did you know in Canada over 97% of farms are family-owned? That is over 190,000 farms!

Join me as I chat with Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of the Grain Growers of Canada and Andre Harpe, former Chair of the Grain Growers of Canada, to explore strategies for the farming industry to overcome the unpredictable changing landscape to keep family farms in the family.

Thank you to Jeff Jans of EOS Worldwide.com for this episode's outro.

With the start of 2025, how do you begin on a new path for your business?

Do you declare a New Year's resolution or do you set new goals?

Join me as I chat with AnnMarie Flinn, Founder of Champion Change Agency, about getting back to values to create a business mission for 2025 and how to motivate your leadership team for a positive mindset. 

Don't miss these tips for unlocking potential in leadership!

Thank you to Andre Harp of Grain Growers of Canada for this episode's outro.

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

AH. Those pesky New Year's resolutions.

It's a love-hate relationship many have with New Year's resolutions, highlighted by staggering statistics showing that only 9% of people succeed in keeping them.

Instead of vague resolutions, join Tammy Buss as she explores setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely—to ensure accountability and a clear path to success.

As we step into 2025, let’s prioritize meaningful conversations and actionable plans for a brighter future, especially in family business succession planning.

The BlueRoots team would like to wish you a happy and prosperous New Year's!

The holidays can be tricky when family and business mix. Join us as we share tips for keeping the festive spirit alive while setting healthy boundaries!



In this short episode, we’ll cover:

• Business Talk Off-Limits: Designate times and places where work discussions are off the table.
• Creating Business Zones: Set specific areas for business talks to keep family time free from work.
• Scheduled Business Hours: Plan ahead for any necessary business discussions to minimize stress.
• Fun Family Activities: Discover engaging activities that foster connection and create lasting memories.
• Cell Phone Boundaries: Learn how to limit distractions from technology during gatherings.
• 
  

Tune in for practical advice on making your holiday get-togethers joyful and harmonious!

The BlueRoots team would like to wish every one of you a Happy and Joyous Holiday Season!

What is the Family Enterprise Canada?

What do they do?

How do they support family businesses in Canada?

How do you join?

Join me as I chat with Steve Beauchesne, CEO of FEC,  where we deep dive into the benefits of family businesses joining the FEC and the programming you can get involved in for support.

Thank you to Laurie Lashbrook of Ivey Business School, for this episode's outro.

What happens when you're an entrepreneur but break away from the family business?

How?

What's next?



Join me as I chat with Nathan Yeung, of Find Your Audience, about how he grew outside of his family business to channel his talents into growing his own organization.



Thank you to Nicole Novick of BlueRoots Inc for this episode's outro.

What are subject matter experts?

We can't know everything about everything- especially when a business grows and evolves over time. How do you identify when it is time to bring in an expert to get a project off the ground to success.

Join me as I chat with Barbara Kephart of Projects Pivot about the importance Family Businesses identifying when a project needs help with implementation from a Project Manager.

Thank you to Lori Circelli of All Figured Out for this episode's outro.

What could happen if every female was empowered by looking and feeling their best?

How does it start? How can one idea evolve and grow into a successful family business?

Join me as I explore the evolution success of Hangar9 with Jo-Ann Fisher & Emily Ferguson. Where did they start? Where are they now? Where are they going?

Imagine a legacy of empowering females- what an accomplishment!



www.hangar9.ca



Thank you the Greg Tuer from Detailing & Designs for this episode's outro.

Have you ever felt alone in the unique challenges you face as a family business? Have you ever wondered if there is some kind of resource for family businesses? a way to connect with other family businesses going through the same pains as you?



Join me as I chat with Angie Jones, Director at the University of Toledo Business Center about the programming, community and resources available to Family Businesses.



Thank you to Jane Antoniak, from Antoniak Communications for this episode's outro.

Why are family conversations about the business so important? 

Can your children run the family business together?

Join me as I chat with Bryan White, Co-President of Ardent Industries Ltd, where we explore his family business story and discuss what running a business is like as Co-President with his brother.

Thank you to Lori Collins of Buss Financial Group for this episode's outro.

Surrounding yourself with an advisory team is crucial for family business owners and their success.



By building a diverse group of experts, business owners can navigate challenges more effectively and capitalize on opportunities.



Join me as I chat with Chris Delaney, author of the Naked Opus, exploring the essential steps to create a powerhouse advisory team that supports your family business's vision and legacy.



To reach out to Chris or to purchase the Naked Opus, please visit his website Inception Family Wealth Press - Wealth, Planning, Estate.



Thank you to Brian Van Arnem of Integrity IT for this episode's outro.

How do family businesses thrive and grow?

How do they beat the odds that 1 in 3 family businesses won't make it to the 3rd generation?

Join me as I chat with Matt Nielsen, a third-generation shareholder, director and executive for Nielsen-Massey Vanillas Inc., Managing Director of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas International BV and Managing Director of Nielsen Real Estate BV.

Listen as we dive into the complexities faced and how he and his family have learned to grow and conquer together.

Thank you to Joan Tanner of Buss Business Solutions for this episode's outro

Ever wondered what it’s like to build a business — and a legacy — with your family? 🍇

Join Greg and Yannick Wertsch of Between the Lines Winery as they share the story of their family’s journey from their winemaking roots to creating one of Ontario’s leading wineries! 🍷

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and rewards of running a business as brothers, how they manage family dynamics, and their vision for the future, including succession planning for the next generation.

Whether you’re part of a family business, an entrepreneur, or just love a good success story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. ✨

Find the vodcast version on YouTube @Bluerootsinc 🎥

#FamilyBusiness #WineryLife #BusinessSuccess #PodcastNewEpisode 🎧

What generation is the largest in today's workforce? How is the changing the way companies need to address their employees?

Join me as I chat with Melody Gratic of Xcelmil about the different generations in the workforce, and how companies can attract, recruit and retain Millennials and Gen Z as the Boomer generation retire.

Thank you to Barbara Kephart of of Projects Pivot for this episode's outro.

You've built a business, but is it a family business? Is it a business you want to bring your family into?



Join me as I chat with Shawn Bellefeuille of Retirement by Design & Buss Financial Group about the difficulties faced when bringing family into the business and how to overcome them.



If you would like to reach Shawn, you can email him at shawn.bellefeuille@dfsin.ca 



Thank you to Andrew Moss of BDO for this episode's outro.

Company culture- we've all heard this term used before, but have you ever considered why it is so important?



Join me as I chat with Steve Utech of Illumyx, a people analytics and culture consultancy, about the importance of learning how people work to create a company culture that will achieve your organization's purpose.



Thank you to Martha McDonald of National Bank for this episode's outro.



How important is it to have a clear and written down plan and to have conversations with your family before your passing?

Join me and Chris Delaney as we dive into part 2 of a case study on the Libfield $4-billion dollar family feud. Could Teodor have prevented his sons from ending up in court?



If you missed part 1, you can find it on The Business of Family 2 weeks ago!



Thank you to Tyler Smith of Buss Financial Group for this episodes outro.

Why is it so important that women focus on empowering each other in the business world?



How can women achieve this without feeling like they are in competition?



Join me as I chat with Barbara Kephart of Projects Pivot, while we chat about how we met and how we can continue to grow a community of empowered women.



Thank you to Chelsea McPhail of Buss Business Solutions for this episode's outro.

What happens if you choose not to plan for your business and family?

What happens when you do not share or write down your wishes for your family?



Join me and Chris Delaney as we dive into part 1 of a case study on the Libfield $4-billion dollar family feud. Could Teodor have prevented his sons from ending up in court?



Let's break it down in this 2 part Case Study.



Thank you to Myra Tuer of Detailing and Design for this episode's outro.

What is it like to grow up in a family business?

Our hope at BlueRoots is to help Family Businesses plan years in advance for what the exit of Gen 1 will look like. What happens if that plan is not in place?



Join me as I chat with Trevor Lively, 2nd Generation Owner of Blue Jay Irrigation & Sprinkler as we explore what happens when you fail to plan and the struggles that need to be overcome.



Thank you to Susan Gobel of Scaling Management Consulting Group for this episode's outro.

What is a family meeting?



Join me as I chat with Chris Delaney, author of the Naked Opus, about the importance of having regular family meetings and how to have successful ones that benefit your family and your business.

To reach out to Chris or to purchase the Naked Opus, please visit his website www.familywealthpress.com



Thank you to Craig Linton of Norquay Developments for this episodes outro.

How do you survive working with your parents? your children?



Every generation in the workforce brings a new perspective and set of skills. Join me as I chat with Melody Gratic of Xcelmio, about the unique challenges multigenerational family businesses face and how you can leverage the next generations talents to grow your business.



Thank you to Amy White of Lastig (www.lastig.cc) for this episodes outro.

How do you separate the dinner table from the boardroom table?



How do you bring the next generation into the family business?



Join me as I chat with Lisa & Emily Ferguson from Hangar9 about their journey navigating the complexities of bringing the next generation into the family business, & how to differentiate family and business.



Thank you to Rhonda Bernardi of Nova Vita Hair Studio & Esthetics for this episode's outro.

What if your family business could change lives and give back to your community?

Join me as I sit down with Jody Steinhauer, Chief Bargain Officer of the Bargains Group and founder of Engage and Change, where she shares her journey from entrepreneur to social advocate. Discover how Jodi’s initiatives—like survival kits for the homeless and employee-led charitable programs—show the power of business to create real social impact.

Whether you’re part of a family business or passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical ideas to help you give back and grow with purpose.

Thank you to Yola Ventresca of Lerners LLP for this episode's outro.

Find the vodcast version of this episode on our YouTube @Bluerootsinc

what is charitable giving?

how does planning your charitable giving benefit you?

Join me while I chat with Shawn Bellefeuille owner of Retirement by Design and Buss Financial Group, as we explore the impacts of giving while living and planning for your estate gifting.

If you are looking to reach out to Shawn you can contact him at shawn.bellefeuille@dfsin.ca

Thank you to Michele Bolton from MY911, for this episode's outro.

Success comes from building the right team around you. Identifying the business goals helps you build your team from the outside, in.



Join me as at chat with James Coolidge of Ahria Consulting about making sure you look at all aspects of business building.



Thank you to Lisa Ferguson of Hangar 9 for this episode's outro.

Why does every business coach tell you that networking is the key to your business's success?



Join me as I chat with Barbara Kephart, founder of Projects Pivot and a project management expert, where we explore how to positively boost your business with the right networking.



Thank you to Chris Kulbaba of Response Generators for this episode's outro.

The ownership circle often overlaps with the family and the business circle. The waters can be murky, and at times it is difficult to know what hat you are wearing.



Join me as I explore how to successfully distinguish between ownership of the business and working in the business with Shawn Bellefeuille owner of Retirement by Design and Buss Financial Group.

If you are looking to reach out to Shawn you can contact him at shawn.bellefeuille@dfsin.ca



Thank you to James Coolidge of Ahria Consulting for this episode's outro.

Money and family is messy.



If you leave things unsaid (or even undocumented) you are setting up your family for a volcano of emotions at a time they don't need the added stress.



Join me as I chat with Sandra Pollock, author of Don't Leave a Mess and founder of Trimaran Advisory, about the complexities and importance of making sure your family is aware of your wishes and they are documented.

If you are looking for more information, please reach out to Sandra at sandy@trimaranadvisory.com





Thank you to Graham Henderson from the London Chamber of Commerce for this episodes outro.

Perhaps the most complicated of the 3 cicles is the business circle.



Let's dive into the complexities of navigating what it means to be in the business circle of a family business.

 Join me as  I chat with Lori Collins, a business integrator, on the complexities of working in a family business, but not being a in the family. 

What makes a business a Family Business?

When does a business go from paying the bills to supporting your family for generations to come?

Can advisors and the financial industry also be a family business?

Join me while I chat with Martha Macdonald, a wealth advisor from the Douglas Macdonald Wealth Management Group at National Bank about her journey to joining her Father in his practice.

Thank you to Greg Langford from Buss Business Solutions for providing this episodes outro.

Have you ever wondered WHY you do what you do?

In a Family Business, you have FAMILY and BUSINESS that you must mesh together- this can be complex and stressful.

Join me while I chat with Brett Thompson,  a Print certified communication consultant as we chat about the benefits of using the Print Assessment tool within a Family Business.

You don't ever plan to build a successful Family Business- it just happens!

Have you ever felt alone when struggling through your family business dynamics?

Join me as I chat with Terry & Justine Zavits, a mother-daughter duo that grew, transitioned, and sold their business to become, Zavits Insurance & Wealth- a HUB International Company.

Thank you to Jared Zaifman of the London Home Builders Association for providing this episodes outro!

Have you ever felt like you needed a psychologist to sift through all the family's dirty laundry?

How do you even bring in a professional to help work through the complicated issues that family businesses face?

Join me as I chat with Dr. Donna Marino, Family Psychologist and Executive Coach about overcoming the complicated dynamics to make sure the family and the business are aligned and thriving.

How do you keep the peace in succession planning to avoid family disputes?

Join me as I sit down with estate litigation lawyer Kimberly Cura, a partner at Lerners LLP, where she pulls back the curtain on the complex world of family estate disputes. We dive deep into the potential landmines of estate planning, family business succession, and the critical importance of communication.

Learn how well-intentioned decisions can lead to costly legal battles, and discover practical strategies to protect your family's legacy and relationships. 

Whether you're a business owner, parent, or family member, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating the delicate terrain of inheritance and family dynamics.



Thank you to Mike Bossy of Bossy Nagy Group for this episode's outro.

Communication Tools aren't just personality tests- they help to identify how someone can achieve the most out of their time.

Kolbe Assessment looks at how people take action when given a task.

Join me as I dive deeper into the benefits of Kolbe Assessments with Brett Thompson, a Kolbe Certified Consultant.

Have you ever looked at your business from the 3 different perspectives?

If you took a step back and looked at the business from a different perspective, would you make the same decisions? Would you be able to communicate better with the key family members that make your business run?
Join me while I chat with Chis Delaney, where we explore the business, family and ownership circles and how they can communicate effectively with each other. Chris is a Trust and Estate Practitioner, Lawyer and author of The Naked Opus.

There are 3 Circles of a family business: Family, Business and Ownership.

These circles intertwine. Your place in this model influences your perception of the business and the family.

What is it like to sit in the family circle, but not be in the family business?

Join me while I chat with Caverleigh Tuer, my daughter-in-law, who has been surrounded by family businesses her whole life and her perspective of supporting without joining them.

Communication is hard.

The dynamics of a family are hard.

When you add in the complexities of a family business it can be a recipe for disaster.

Join me as I welcome back Brett Thompson, a communication guru, while we chat about what communication tools can help with keeping family and business members on the same page and the benefits of introducing them into your family business.