Chit Chat with Derek and Cat

Welcome to another episode of Chit Chat with Derek and Cat! Today, we sit down with Eddie Woodin, a dynamic family business owner, passionate philanthropist and newly published author of ‘Overflowing Abundance’. Eddie opens up about leading his manufacturing company through tough times, embracing resilience and how his faith inspired his generous approach to business and life.The conversation also delves into Eddie’s charitable initiatives, from supporting seniors and their pets to championing

In this video podcast episode, we sit down with Larry Grondin, 3rd-generation (now 4th!) leader of RJ Grondin & Sons, a Maine-based powerhouse in heavy civil construction. 🛣️🏗️From dairy farming roots to multimillion-dollar site development projects, Larry shares how the business has evolved across generations — with 💪 strong family values, 💡 intentional succession planning, and 📈 strategic growth.We dig into:✨ Lessons learned from 65+ years of family business👨‍👩‍👦 Navigating succession

🍎 Episode 4: Rooted in Tradition with Matt McAdam of McDougal OrchardsIn this debut episode of Chit Chat with Derek and Cat, we visit the rolling hills of Southern Maine to talk with Matt McAdam, seventh-generation owner and orchard manager of McDougal Orchards—a family farm that’s been thriving for nearly eight generations.Matt shares the story behind his family's deep agricultural roots, what it means to run a modern-day pick-your-own orchard, and how McDougal Orchards invites families to slow

n this enlightening episode of Chit Chat with Derek & Cat, we sit down with Dr. John Austin—Dean of the Honors College at the University of New England and a partner at Dynamic Foresight. Dr. Austin is renowned for his expertise in human performance and leadership, and he brings a wealth of knowledge on how businesses can navigate uncertainty through strategic foresight.We delve into the distinction between forecasting and foresight, exploring how organizations can move beyond reactive change

In this episode of Chit Chat with Derek & Cat, we sit down with Stacy Stitham, Managing Partner at Brann & Isaacson ⚖️, to explore the intersection of law and family business. As a fifth-generation Maine attorney, Stacy shares her journey from growing up in a small-town law practice to leading a nationally recognized firm.We dive into the unique legal challenges that family-owned businesses face—from succession planning to protecting intellectual property 💼. Stacy offers practical insights

In this special kickoff episode of Chit Chat with Derek and Cat, your hosts—Catherine Wygant Fossett and Derek Volk—turn the mic on each other to share their own family business journeys, the inspiration behind the podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes.Catherine, Executive Director of the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB), and Derek, CEO of Volk Packaging Corporation, have worked with and within family businesses for decades. Now, they're teaming up to explore the stories