In this episode of Open For Business, hosts Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen speak with Bill Wilson, founder of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California, about building and leading a successful multigenerational family business.

Bill shares how an early career setback in finance ultimately led to an unexpected opportunity to purchase land in Southern California’s Temecula wine region with his parents and siblings. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working alongside family members, sharing lessons learned from decades of growing a business together. He highlights the importance of bringing in trusted consultants and advisors who can provide objective, expert guidance when personal relationships make it difficult to maintain a neutral perspective.

Bill also reflects on his family's entrepreneurial journey, the sacrifices required to grow their business, and the values that have helped them navigate change while preserving both the company and the family relationships behind it.

Ken Himmler joins Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen for a compelling conversation about the blind spots that often prevent business owners from building lasting wealth through their companies. Drawing on decades of experience advising entrepreneurs through growth, succession and liquidity events, Ken explains why success requires more than intelligence or hard work -- it demands the right advisors, the right strategy and the right mindset at every stage of the business lifecycle.

Ken shares why growing companies must continually elevate the sophistication of their advisory teams, moving from “Little League to the Big Leagues” as the stakes grow higher. He explores how a cohesive team of cross-disciplinary advisors can help owners expand intelligently, strengthen cash flow, prepare for a successful exit, and align business decisions with long-term personal goals.

The episode also examines the personality traits common among the most successful business owners, why emotional intelligence often matters more than traditional credentials, and how overconfidence can quietly limit exponential growth. Stuart, Norman, and Ken discuss why net worth without healthy cash flow can create a false sense of security, why succession planning should begin far earlier than most owners realize, and why the next generation of leadership is not always found within the family.

Packed with practical insight and real-world perspective, this episode is an essential listen for business owners seeking to build not only greater wealth, but a more meaningful and sustainable life.

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In this return appearance on the Open For Business podcast, Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen are once again joined by Medal of Honor recipient and former investment executive Colonel Jack Jacobs. This time, he provides valuable insights into the impact of current global geopolitical conflicts on middle-market and small businesses. Colonel Jacobs addresses the resilience of the equity markets, why the midterm elections are less predictable in 2026, and why businesses must carefully husband resources in the current climate. He also discusses why big business has an obligation to the larger economy, though most transactional activity occurs in small and medium-sized businesses, and why the “American experiment” remains durable.

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