Family Business Succession Plan Case Study | 840

On this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo sits down with Bruce Werner, third-generation business owner, entrepreneur, private equity partner, and founder of Kona Advisors, for a deep dive into the realities of family-owned and privately held businesses. Drawing on his personal journey from family manufacturing to advising middle-market companies, Bruce shares hard-won lessons about governance, succession planning, and the emotional complexity of leading a family business.

This candid conversation covers:

• The hidden dynamics that sabotage family business succession
• Why outside advisors can be the difference between chaos and clarity
• How to balance the roles of owner, leader, and family member without losing your mind
• The good, bad, and ugly of private equity from both sides of the deal table
• Why a structured “ownership strategy” matters more than ever for long-term value

If you work with family businesses or own one, this episode is a blueprint for thinking differently and leading more effectively.