E28: Creating a Global Franchise – Laura Coe, Snapology

by Laurie Barkman | Dec 22, 2020 | Exit Value, Innovative Growth, Succession Stories Podcast

Listen to the episode: Ten years ago, Laura Coe and her sister launched their company, Snapology. She was inspired to create a social and educational outlet for kids to fuel her sons’ curiosity for learning outside the classroom. Laura shared how they discovered a...

E25: Launching a Startup in a 90-Year Old Company – Janet Wischnia

by Laurie Barkman | Nov 24, 2020 | Exit Value, Innovative Growth, Strategic Planning, Succession Stories Podcast

Listen to the Succession Stories podcast: Janet Wischnia is an Owner and former CEO of her family’s 90-year old company, Thomaston Mills. In 2019, they launched an e-commerce startup called American Blossom Linens. The new venture brought the “Made In USA” commercial...

E23: The Power of Connecting with Lou Diamond

by Laurie Barkman | Nov 17, 2020 | Innovative Growth, Sell or Transition, Succession Stories Podcast

Listen to the Podcast: This episode focuses on the power of connecting to create business value. Lou Diamond, CEO of Thrive Loud, is a performance mentor for sales, marketing, and leadership teams. This has been a tough year and not everyone is thriving. Authenticity...

E21: Embracing a New Landscape | Elizabeth McCormick, UniGlobe Travel Designers

by Laurie Barkman | Oct 27, 2020 | Innovative Growth, Sell or Transition, Succession Stories Podcast

Listen to the episode: Laurie Barkman speaks with Elizabeth Blount McCormick, 2nd generation CEO of UniGlobe Travel Designers. Elizabeth discussed the challenges of COVID-19 on her firm, and how focusing on client service, relationships, and fresh ideas are creating...

E20: Shaping a Successful Next Act After the Sale – Evan J. Segal

by Laurie Barkman | Oct 13, 2020 | Exit Value, Innovative Growth, Sell or Transition, Succession Stories Podcast

Listen to the episode: On this episode, Laurie Barkman speaks with Evan J. Segal, General Partner of 412 Venture Fund. Evan shares how he grew his third generation manufacturing company and sold it to a strategic buyer. He also tells how he created a meaningful next...

E19: Rediscovering Your Entrepreneurial Vision – Sean Ammirati

by Laurie Barkman | Sep 29, 2020 | Exit Value, Innovative Growth, Strategic Planning, Succession Stories Podcast

Listen to the episode: Shift your focus from maintaining your business to reimagining. Laurie Barkman is joined by Sean Ammirati, Co-Founder and Director of the Corporate Startup Lab and Partner at Birchmere Ventures. Listen in as they discuss how mature companies can...