Stepping into a multi-generational family business comes with its own unique pressures—especially when you’re balancing legacy, innovation, and the realities of working alongside family. How do you grow a company that’s nearly a century old while still creating space for new ideas, new industries, and the next generation of leadership?

In this episode, Andrew Tjernlund shares the story behind his family’s 88-year-old manufacturing business and how it evolved from HVAC production into a diverse operation spanning Amazon distribution, licensing partnerships, warehousing, and emerging ventures. From navigating cousin partnerships and succession planning to embracing e-commerce and entrepreneurial experimentation, Andrew offers an honest perspective on adapting a legacy business for a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, we explore:

• Growing and evolving a fourth- and fifth-generation family business
• Expanding from traditional manufacturing into Amazon and e-commerce distribution
• Balancing long-standing family dynamics with modern business innovation
• Working alongside cousins across different generations and leadership styles
• Why adaptability is essential for long-term business survival
• Creating opportunities that attract younger talent and future leaders
• Managing succession planning, ownership transitions, and buyout conversations
• Building a workplace culture focused on flexibility, trust, and employee retention
• Navigating entrepreneurship inside an established family enterprise

What’s been your experience working with family—or stepping into an established business?

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Co-hosts: Gershon Morgulis & Robert Moskovits
Guest: Andrew Tjernlund