We welcome T.J. Russell, the chairman and fourth-generation owner of Cloverdale Foods. The Mandan, North Dakota-based food company creates high-quality, flavorful meat products that include bacon, sausage, deli meats, and snacks.

In our conversation, we talked about how the 110-year-old company reached the Century Club and what lessons and philosophies have been handed down through generations. We also discuss how Cloverdale formed an advisory board in 2023 as well as what it takes to have a high-functioning executive team made up of both family and non-family key leaders.

Want to learn what key areas your family business should focus on next? Take the Family Business Checkup! After answering several prompts, the Family Business Checkup will give you scores on the key indicators of family business success and point you in the right direction for what you should focus on next. The Checkup is free and available here: www.fambus.org/resources

Join PFBA for an action-packed two-days full of family business inspiration and motivation that’ll transform your thinking around communication, succession, relationships, and the future of your family business at the 2025 Annual Family Business Conference, including the Taste of Family Business event Tim mentions in this episode. Now at the Steel District – Canopy by Hilton in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you’ll want to register for your tickets at the lowest price of the year. Learn more and register: www.fambus.org/2025conference

Do you know what one of our highest rated programs is? Live Case Studies! In a Live Case Study, your family will work with a team of professional advisors who have expertise working with family businesses to analyze your family business and provide you with a roadmap for the future of your business tailored to each of your family members. Participation in a Live Case Study is a no cost benefit of membership to Prairie Family Business Association. Learn more about the Live Case Study process and read how they’ve impacted other family businesses: www.fambus.org/live-case-study

Family Business Connection will be 10 episodes featuring stories from all kinds of family business leaders that guide the family businesses to thrive for generations.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Thompson Law!

We welcome Tim Meagher, owner and Chief Operating Officer of Vanguard Hospitality, a family business behind some of the most popular restaurants in the Sioux Falls area including Minervas, Grille 26, and Morrie’s Streakhouse.

In our conversation, we talk about how the COVID pandemic caused massive changes to Vanguard’s food suppliers causing the company to pursue partnerships with local producers, most of which are family owned and operated. Not only does Vanguard prioritize the freshest, most sustainable, and seasonal food, they’re supporting family farms, ranches, and producers. Tim shares his story of how Vanguard navigated massive change that ultimately transformed how their family business secured their food supply by investing in local partners.

Want to learn what key areas your family business should focus on next? Take the Family Business Checkup! After answering several prompts, the Family Business Checkup will give you scores on the key indicators of family business success and point you in the right direction for what you should focus on next. The Checkup is free and available here: www.fambus.org/resources

Join PFBA for an action-packed two-days full of family business inspiration and motivation that’ll transform your thinking around communication, succession, relationships, and the future of your family business at the 2025 Annual Family Business Conference, including the Taste of Family Business event Tim mentions in this episode. Now at the Steel District – Canopy by Hilton in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you’ll want to register for your tickets at the lowest price of the year. Learn more and register: www.fambus.org/2025conference

Do you know what one of our highest rated programs is? Live Case Studies! In a Live Case Study, your family will work with a team of professional advisors who have expertise working with family businesses to analyze your family business and provide you with a roadmap for the future of your business tailored to each of your family members. Participation in a Live Case Study is a no cost benefit of membership to Prairie Family Business Association. Learn more about the Live Case Study process and read how they’ve impacted other family businesses: www.fambus.org/live-case-study

Family Business Connection will be 10 episodes featuring stories from all kinds of family business leaders that guide the family businesses to thrive for generations.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Thompson Law!

We welcome Brittney Ray, a fifth-generation owner and chair of E. Ritter & Company, a portfolio of businesses in agriculture, telecommunications, fire and life safety, and information technology services across seven states. In our conversation, we take a deep dive into the Ritter family’s family council from her perspective as a married-in. You’ll hear Brittney describe how she’s navigated being a married-in leading the family council, how they’re building a family culture of respectful conflict, and how they’re casting a vision that ensures the family wants to stay in business with each other for generations to come.

Want to learn what key areas your family business should focus on next? Take the Family Business Checkup! After answering several prompts, the Family Business Checkup will give you scores on the key indicators of family business success and point you in the right direction for what you should focus on next. The Checkup is free and available here: www.fambus.org/resources

Family Business Connection will be 10 episodes featuring stories from all kinds of family business leaders that guide the family businesses to thrive for generations.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, JPMorgan Chase!