Exploring Trust and Leadership Transitions
A new podcast series hosted by Family Enterprise USA is shedding light on the experiences of women navigating leadership roles in family-owned businesses. The second episode of the series, titled “The Voice of Family Business on Capitol Hill,” is now available on Spotify and other platforms. This installment features insightful discussions with Katie Jeremiah, CEO of Aggregate Resources Industries, and Paetra Orueta, Executive Vice President of Blazer Industries, as they delve into the complexities of building trust and managing transitions in family enterprises.
Hosted by Pat Soldano, President of Family Enterprise USA, the series addresses barriers, challenges, and opportunities for women in family businesses. Soldano, also President of the Policy and Taxation Group, emphasizes the importance of advocacy for family-owned businesses in Washington, D.C.
Jeremiah highlights the critical role of trust in leadership, stating, “You need to earn trust fast, and first impressions are key.” Her company, Aggregate Resources, employs 94 staff and provides rock drilling and contractor services across western states and Hawaii. Orueta reflects on overcoming initial ownership dynamics in her family business, Blazer Industries, which employs 160 people and manufactures modular buildings in Oregon. “My brother and I initially faced challenges as co-owners, but we’ve since navigated those issues successfully,” she shares.
Managing Transitions and Regulatory Changes
Leadership transitions within family businesses often come with unique challenges, as highlighted in the episode. Jeremiah recalls a gradual transition process when her parents handed over leadership, stating, “We avoided massive changes and built trust with customers to ensure a smooth shift.”
Both Jeremiah and Orueta point to regulatory hurdles as ongoing challenges. Orueta describes the difficulty of staying compliant with ever-changing housing market regulations, noting, “Meeting new code requirements state by state is our top issue.” Similarly, Jeremiah underscores the uncertainty surrounding tax policies as a major obstacle, particularly when planning significant investments in heavy equipment. “Consistency in tax policies is crucial for long-term planning and growth,” she says.
Soldano also highlights the broader implications of regulatory and tax inconsistencies for family businesses. She emphasizes the need for stable policies to foster growth and sustain the economic contributions of family enterprises, America’s largest private employers.
Podcast Series and Advocacy for Family Businesses
The podcast series aims to spotlight the voices of women leaders while addressing critical issues in family-owned enterprises. Its first episode featured discussions with Paula Lafferty, CEO of SnoTemp, and Lauren Doll-Sheeder, Managing Partner of Doll Distributing, exploring leadership and generational transitions in different industries.
Family Enterprise USA, a bipartisan 501(c)(3) organization, has been advocating for family-owned businesses since 2007. Through initiatives like this podcast, the organization promotes the growth and sustainability of multigenerational enterprises by engaging with Congress and addressing policy concerns.
To listen to the latest episode and stay updated on future installments, visit the Family Enterprise USA Podcast on Spotify. Subscribers can gain insights into the evolving landscape of family businesses and the pivotal role of women leaders in shaping their futures.
