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    From Farm to Legacy: Building Family Enterprises with Trevor MacLean

    enNovember 24, 2023
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    About this Episode

    In this episode of the Legacy Builders Podcast, we sit down with Trevor MacLean, a Partner at MNP's Agriculture team in Lethbridge. With over two decades of experience, Trevor is dedicated to providing creative, customized, and practical solutions to agricultural producers and agribusinesses throughout Western Canada. Drawing on his extensive background in agribusiness and financial services, Trevor excels in identifying key issues and crafting tailored solutions to manage risk, improve performance, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

    Trevor shares his motto of "be aware, be curious, and be inspiring," emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and leadership in both personal and professional life. The conversation delves into the challenges of family farm transitions, the complexities involved, and Trevor's unique approach to initiating a family chemistry meeting to navigate these sensitive discussions. He highlights the significance of finding alignment on the purpose of the enterprise, advocating for a strategy that involves planned, interdependent systems to protect family and ownership.

    Trevor's wisdom extends beyond the professional realm; he discusses the changing landscape of agriculture, the impact of technology, and the delicate balance between harvesting and planting wealth for future generations. As families embark on the challenging journey of succession planning, Trevor's insights serve as a valuable guide, reminding listeners that successful transitions require teamwork, vulnerability, and a focus on the long-term legacy.

    About Trevor MacLean

    Trevor MacLean, MBA, BMgt, is a dedicated Partner at MNP's Agriculture team in Lethbridge, bringing over 20 years of experience to provide specialized business and advisory services across Western Canada. With a focus on creativity and customization, Trevor empowers agricultural producers and agribusinesses by delivering practical solutions that enhance overall success. His role involves leveraging his extensive background in agribusiness and financial services to offer clients a unique and balanced perspective, excelling in issue identification and tailored risk management, performance improvement, and capitalization on emerging opportunities. Trevor's academic achievements include an MBA from Royal Roads University and a BMgt from the University of Lethbridge, specializing in accounting and co-op education. Beyond his professional pursuits, Trevor actively contributes to the local and agricultural community through various volunteer roles, showcasing a deep commitment to community development.

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

    Contact Trevor MacLean | Partner at MNP 

    Recent Episodes from Legacy Builders: Strategies for Building Successful Family Enterprises

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    In this episode, Judi Cunningham shares insights on building resilience when faced with adversity during strategic planning for family enterprises. We explore the importance of facilitating open and curious dialogue to understand differing perspectives, giving family members agency in conversations, and assessing what's truly important to make clearer decisions.

    Hear Judi's perspective on transforming unproductive communication into a constructive discussion over time, establishing clear family versus business roles to reduce confusion, and implementing information-sharing protocols as more households take ownership. She offers examples of leaning on wider communities or specialists like her Trella Advisory Group when alignment remains elusive internally.

    Throughout our discussion, Judi offers insightful takeaways to put into action - make room for open dialogue even when uncomfortable, clearly delineate family versus business roles, implement structures around information flow and decisions as ownership broadens, and don't hesitate to access outside help when stuck.

    About Judi Cunningham

    Judi Cunningham is the founder of Trella Advisory Group, a consulting firm that works with family enterprises and families of wealth. With a Master’s in Family Systems Counseling and over 25 years of experience, she excels in navigating complex family dynamics and business challenges. Judi’s strategic insight and facilitation skills help families find alignment and address tough decisions. Judi is known for her innovative educational initiatives. She pioneered the Family Enterprise Advisor Program, establishing global standards for professional advisors. In addition to her for-profit work, Judi volunteers her time to support multi-generational family success. She serves as the Chair of the Board for the Purposeful Planning Institute which helps advisors serve families of wealth and families in business.

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.

    Contact Judi Cunningham | Family Enterprise Consultant and Educator: 

    Perfectionism Paralysis: Crafting Adaptive Governance for Family Business Longevity

    Perfectionism Paralysis: Crafting Adaptive Governance for Family Business Longevity

    In this episode, Leah Tolton shares insights on business governance and ownership transitions for family enterprises. We explore the importance of flexibility in shareholder agreements, setting clear expectations around participation to prevent disputes, formalizing information flow as more households get involved, and not letting perfect planning delay progress. Hear Leah's perspective on navigating fair vs equal dynamics, protecting assets in marriages, and bridging generational risk profiles.

    How can transitioning from first to third-generation ownership be smooth? Leah offers examples of family and ownership meetings to align on goals. We also discuss prenuptial agreements, estate freezes, and special shares to balance liquidity needs across generations invested in the business.

    About Leah Tolton

    Leah has practiced corporate law for 30 years, with extensive experience advising family-owned businesses, lending clients, and real estate clients on a broad range of matters including business agreements, tax planning, equipment leasing, mergers and acquisitions, real estate joint ventures, business structuring, and reorganizations. Her practice emphasizes serving ultra-high-net-worth families and their companies across critical areas such as corporate governance, succession planning, reorganizations, strategic planning, risk management, and navigating mergers, acquisitions, and sales transactions.

    Additionally, Leah negotiates and drafts commercial contracts advises on private financing and syndicated lending arrangements, earned the Family Enterprise Advisor designation in 2023, and sits on the Board of Advisors of the Alberta Business Family Institute. This wide-ranging expertise and dedication to serving family enterprises equips Leah to provide tailored legal advice and counsel to family businesses seeking to establish continuity across generations.

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.

    Contact Leah Tolton | Partner at Bennett Jones: 

    Building Futures and Passing the Baton: Family Development for Seamless Successions

    Building Futures and Passing the Baton: Family Development for Seamless Successions

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    Gerry also provides invaluable perspective into the unique inclusion challenges facing non-family executives in navigating complex family dynamics. Tune in for critical lessons on the long view needed to enable both family and company to thrive across leadership eras now and for generations to come.

    About Gerry Meyer

    Gerry is the founder of Meyer Advisory Group. He is a highly experienced leader and enabler of organization effectiveness and transformation with 36+ years as an HR practitioner, consultant, and advisor. He provides trusted, authentic, and values-based leadership across a diverse range of business environments including public and private sectors, family enterprises, non-profit, real estate, high-tech, and professional services industries. He advises on a broad range of business issues including HR and business strategic planning, executive/leadership recruitment, next-generation development and succession planning, talent acquisition and retention, employee performance development and high potential programs, executive compensation and total rewards, and business and family governance. 

    His experience encompasses multiple business cycles in different industries including upswings and downswings – seeing both growth and recessionary markets and addressing the realities of each. Gerry holds a CPHR (“Chartered Professional in Human Resources”) and FEA (“Family Enterprise Advisor”) designation as well as a Bachelor of Economics and Labour Relations from Carleton University. 

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

    Contact Gerry Meyer | Founder & CEO Meyer Advisory Group: 

    Managing Family Enterprises: Succession & Board Dynamics with Barb Schimnowsky

    Managing Family Enterprises: Succession & Board Dynamics with Barb Schimnowsky

    In this podcast, Cory engages in a conversation with Barb, unveiling the intricate dynamics of family enterprises through Barb's extensive experience. Throughout their discussion, Barb sheds light on the varied yet common threads among family-owned businesses, particularly emphasizing the pivotal areas of succession and continuity planning. She underscores the often-overlooked aspect of thoughtful preparation, stressing the need for timely succession planning and urging families to commence this process well in advance.

    Barb's profound expertise shed light on the nuances of integrating external directors into family enterprises and the potential challenges that may arise during this process. The necessity for board evaluations, addressing potential dysfunctions, and aligning with family values emerged as key themes. Moreover, the conversation explored the role of the board chair, emphasizing the chair's responsibility to ensure everyone's voice is heard, thus fostering an environment of mutual respect and productivity.

    Throughout the conversation, Barb offered practical insights, emphasizing the delicate balance between control and integrating external perspectives. Her suggestions included mentorship programs, tailored coaching, and the integration of external voices, all aimed at guiding the next generation and facilitating smooth transitions within family enterprises. Furthermore, her approach emphasized a thorough understanding of the organization's current state, bridging alignment gaps, and preparing for the seamless integration of high-powered management teams.

    About Barb Schimnowsky

    Barb Schimnowsky is a Partner and leader in WATSON’s Board Director and Executive Search practice, boasting a robust background of over 25 years in executive search and human resources. Renowned for her expertise as a Certified Management Consultant and Family Enterprise Advisor, Barb's reputation stems from her exceptional ability to identify and recruit senior executives. Her personalized approach ensures a tailored match for every Director, Chair, and executive search, establishing her as an unparalleled connector between clients and their ideal candidates. During her tenure at KPMG, spanning two decades, Barb honed the delicate art and science of executive search, mastering the nuanced balance required for success.

    Throughout her career, Barb has triumphantly concluded numerous recruitment endeavors, placing adept candidates in diverse senior management and executive roles across various sectors and functions. Recognized for her commitment to understanding each client's needs and business, Barb is often perceived as an integral part of her teams. Outside her client engagements, she channels her passion for advancing the human resources domain by actively contributing to publications and groups within the executive search and HR sectors. Barb's affiliations include memberships in the Canadian Association of Management Consultants, Family Enterprise XChange, and the BC Human Resources Management Association. Her extensive community involvement also spans past Board positions in significant organizations like the Abbotsford Police Department, KidSport Abbotsford, 2004 BC Summer Games, Pacific Sport Fraser Valley, and the Surrey Library Board. Her contributions to the community have been recognized among Abbotsford's Top 100 Most Influential People, highlighting her multifaceted impact and commitment beyond her professional endeavors.

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

    Contact Barb Schimnowsky | Watson Board Advisors: 

    Generational Shifts: Shauna Feth's Guide to Family Succession

    Generational Shifts: Shauna Feth's Guide to Family Succession

    In this podcast episode, Cory engages with Shauna Feth, President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), delving into the pivotal value of family enterprises in communities. Shauna emphasizes embracing opportunities for growth and learning, drawing from her privileged experience within a multi-generational business family. She passionately highlights how family enterprises not only contribute financially but also socially and emotionally to communities. These businesses play a pivotal role, in giving back by supporting local economies, sponsoring events, and investing in various community projects.

    Shauna underscores the significance of support networks within family enterprises, advocating for open communication and shared experiences among members. She discusses the critical role of organizations like the Alberta Business Family Institute (ABFI) and Family Enterprise Canada in offering resources and guidance to family enterprises. These institutes facilitate learning opportunities and provide courses, webinars, and platforms for families to address vital topics like succession planning, leadership development, and estate planning.

    Furthermore, Shauna navigates the complexities of transitioning family businesses across generations. She highlights the importance of structured communication channels, comprehensive succession plans, and recognizing individual talents within the family to foster a seamless transition. Shauna emphasizes the need for continual adaptation and planning in family enterprises, encouraging proactive approaches to business growth and operational changes while maintaining strong familial and community ties.

    About Shauna Feth

    Shauna Feth, currently serving as the President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) since June 2022, brings a wealth of experience in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting family businesses. Before her tenure at ACC, she spent over a decade as the Executive Director of the Alberta Business Family Institute at the University of Alberta School of Business. With a strong foundation as a designated Family Enterprise Advisor™ and being part of a third-generation business family, Shauna has passionately promoted and advocated for entrepreneurs and business families for nearly 15 years.

    Her impactful initiatives include managing the Creating Pathways for Entrepreneurial Families Initiative, a collaboration funded by the University of Alberta and Rural Alberta’s Development Fund. Throughout this endeavor, Shauna facilitated ABFI programs and services, reaching out to over 8,000 constituents across the province, significantly enhancing the sustainability of rural family businesses and communities. Additionally, she has a diverse professional background, having ventured successfully into oilfield/pipeline consulting, maintenance, and construction, co-establishing and selling two companies. Currently, she co-manages an apiary and is deeply committed to the welfare of a thriving community of honeybees.

    Moreover, Shauna’s engagement extends to project and event management consulting, where she contributed to the success of notable Alberta events, including the Big Valley Jamboree, Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame's Grand Opening, and the Viking Cup International Hockey Tournament. A dedicated community volunteer, she has held various influential positions across multiple organizations, serving as Co-Chair of the Provincial Talent Development Task Force, Past Chair of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, and holding positions in boards and advisory roles for initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and family enterprises.

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

    Contact Shauna Feth | Alberta Chamber of Commerce: 

    From Farm to Legacy: Building Family Enterprises with Trevor MacLean

    From Farm to Legacy: Building Family Enterprises with Trevor MacLean

    In this episode of the Legacy Builders Podcast, we sit down with Trevor MacLean, a Partner at MNP's Agriculture team in Lethbridge. With over two decades of experience, Trevor is dedicated to providing creative, customized, and practical solutions to agricultural producers and agribusinesses throughout Western Canada. Drawing on his extensive background in agribusiness and financial services, Trevor excels in identifying key issues and crafting tailored solutions to manage risk, improve performance, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

    Trevor shares his motto of "be aware, be curious, and be inspiring," emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and leadership in both personal and professional life. The conversation delves into the challenges of family farm transitions, the complexities involved, and Trevor's unique approach to initiating a family chemistry meeting to navigate these sensitive discussions. He highlights the significance of finding alignment on the purpose of the enterprise, advocating for a strategy that involves planned, interdependent systems to protect family and ownership.

    Trevor's wisdom extends beyond the professional realm; he discusses the changing landscape of agriculture, the impact of technology, and the delicate balance between harvesting and planting wealth for future generations. As families embark on the challenging journey of succession planning, Trevor's insights serve as a valuable guide, reminding listeners that successful transitions require teamwork, vulnerability, and a focus on the long-term legacy.

    About Trevor MacLean

    Trevor MacLean, MBA, BMgt, is a dedicated Partner at MNP's Agriculture team in Lethbridge, bringing over 20 years of experience to provide specialized business and advisory services across Western Canada. With a focus on creativity and customization, Trevor empowers agricultural producers and agribusinesses by delivering practical solutions that enhance overall success. His role involves leveraging his extensive background in agribusiness and financial services to offer clients a unique and balanced perspective, excelling in issue identification and tailored risk management, performance improvement, and capitalization on emerging opportunities. Trevor's academic achievements include an MBA from Royal Roads University and a BMgt from the University of Lethbridge, specializing in accounting and co-op education. Beyond his professional pursuits, Trevor actively contributes to the local and agricultural community through various volunteer roles, showcasing a deep commitment to community development.

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

    Contact Trevor MacLean | Partner at MNP 

    Unlocking Family Business Legacies: A Conversation with David Blom

    Unlocking Family Business Legacies: A Conversation with David Blom

    In this engaging episode of "Legacy Builders," Cory Gagnon, your host, deepens our understanding of family business legacies with the guidance of the esteemed David Blom from Black Blackwood Family Enterprise Services. Together, they unravel the intricate fabric of generational continuity and the imperative task of defining, protecting, and evolving these unique legacies.

    David masterfully illustrates the need for family businesses to stay flexible, adapt to changing times, and spell out their legacy's essence. The story of a family constitution initially centered on entrepreneurship, then embracing excellence and accommodating diverse family visions, serves as a poignant example. Key themes include entrepreneurial spirit, pursuit of excellence, navigating conflicts, ever-evolving family narratives, and the delicate fusion of business and personal relationships. 

    Amidst these discussions, David underlines the vital role of nurturing relationships and establishing shared family perspectives, ultimately ensuring the enduring prosperity of family enterprises. This episode is a goldmine of wisdom, offering invaluable insights for anyone interested in securing the future of family businesses across generations.

    About David Blom

    Passionate about helping enterprise families gain strategic advantages to increase performance. Senior Advisor

    Inspired by working in his family’s glass construction company, David obtained a CA designation to help other enterprising families. Specializing in providing tax services, David has over 30 years of experience in providing estate and succession planning to enterprising families. Seeing how families and companies

    were negatively impacted by inadequate succession planning motivated David to obtain his FEA designation and develop his own enterprise advisory practice. Competence and caring

    A skilled family enterprise advisor, David wants Blackwood’s enterprising families to develop a clear picture of their purpose and long-term vision. 

    He is excited by the sense of calm and focus that a family gets when they see clarity in their future direction. Building from the big picture and working on the vital, but sometimes non-urgent matters, David helps families make consistent and better strategic

    decisions. His extensive experience in tax planning, governance, and business succession mean David can step back and look at all aspects of a problem or an opportunity and guide a plan that is specific to each family’s unique DNA. Passionate about conservation David is a passionate outdoorsperson and conversationist. Raised with the attitude that we all have a

    responsibility to leave the land in a better state than we found it, David has a 30-year volunteer career with Ducks Unlimited Canada working to conserve wetlands and protect clean water. After serving as president, David retired as Chairman of the Board in 2022.

    David especially enjoys his time with his wife Joann, children, and grandchildren in Calgary and Nova Scotia.
     

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

    Contact David Blom | Blackwood Family Enterprise Services: 

    The Happiness Factor: Exploring the Intersection of Family and Business Well-Being

    The Happiness Factor: Exploring the Intersection of Family and Business Well-Being
     

    In this episode of "Legacy Builders," Cory Gagnon navigates the intricacies of family and business well-being while unraveling the enigmatic "happiness factor." Happiness emerges as a pivotal component in the prosperity of family enterprises. It is shown that a content family, in which individuals find happiness, operates with enhanced effectiveness and communication, fostering commitment to both the business and one another. Notably, happiness also acts as a magnet for cultivating a positive company culture and attracting high-caliber employees and customers.

    Illustrating these principles, the episode recounts the journey of the Trudel family, who manage an organic farm and transform their business dynamics by addressing concerns and implementing systems that promote recognition and connection. The episode emphasizes the significance of shared visions, formal governance structures, role clarity, and robust succession planning in balancing the intertwined needs of family and business. This insightful discussion underscores the indispensable role of happiness in family enterprises and offers strategies to harmonize familial relationships and mitigate the repercussions of ineffective family dynamics.

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

    The Advisor's Perspective: Guiding Family Enterprises to Prosperity with Shauna Frederick

    The Advisor's Perspective: Guiding Family Enterprises to Prosperity with Shauna Frederick

    In this episode, Shauna Frederick, a renowned expert in family enterprise advising, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with host Cory Gagnon. The conversation begins with Shauna emphasizing the value of acknowledging uncertainty and the power of saying "I don't know." She underscores how this humility can be a key strength, especially for individuals, including women, entering family enterprises.

    The discussion then delves into the challenges faced by the rising generation in family enterprises. Shauna highlights the unrealistic expectation of immediate expertise and the importance of fostering a culture of learning and open communication within these businesses. The keywords here include "humility," "education," "communication," and "rising generation."

    The episode also explores the role of advisors in family enterprises. Shauna advises a collaborative approach, emphasizing the significance of advisors understanding the multifaceted dynamics within these enterprises. The key concepts discussed here include "family community," "listening," "relationship-building," and "comprehensive advice."

    About Shauna Frederick

    As a skilled Chartered Professional Accountant and Family Enterprise Advisor, Shauna has experience not only as a female entrepreneur, but as an on-the-go CFO who helps take the frustration and anxiety out of the accounting unknowns. Working with entrepreneurs from across a variety of sectors, Shauna helps them navigate the financial and accounting challenges that come with running a business.

    Shauna is passionate about entrepreneurship, diversity and advancing the rights of women and girls. She’s volunteered for various organizations in Treasury, Co-Chair and Chair roles. Shauna’s been able to connect with and learn from many female entrepreneurs, oversee committees across Canada, work with external partners and Government officials and co-lead the creation and delivery of a Girls’ Leadership Program, a

    5-week program focused on building leadership skills in girls.

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Contact: Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

    Contact: Shauna Frederick | The Finance Cafe: 

    Generation to Generation: Education as a Wealth Transition Strategy

    Generation to Generation: Education as a Wealth Transition Strategy

    Welcome to episode 6, where we unravel the intricacies of wealth transition and the vital role of family values in preserving legacies.  

    In this episode, we delve into the art of aligning family values with astute financial strategies. I bring over a decade of experience advising family enterprises to the forefront, sharing real-life stories that highlight the transformative power of values-driven wealth transition.

    Discover practical strategies such as tailored curriculum development and holistic financial literacy, and learn how experts like wealth advisors and estate planning lawyers can be your allies in achieving a seamless wealth transition.  

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    "Preparing Heirs: Five Steps to a Successful Transition of Family Wealth and Values" (book by Roy Williams and Vic Preisser)

    "Family Wealth Continuity: Building a Foundation for the Future" (book by Courtney Pullen)

    Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.  

    Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com

    LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon

    LinkedIn: Beacon Family Office

    Email: beaconfamilyoffice@assante.com

     

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