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In this episode your host Natalie Kling sits down with Andrew and Allie Taylor—spouses, co-CEOs, and founders behind Conveyance Solutions (ERP implementations for industrial distributors) and Orange Kiwi (family-business consulting). They unpack Andrew’s shift from sole CEO to sharing the reins with Allie—what it cost in control and “relational equity,” and what it unlocked in scale and systems. You’ll hear their simple but powerful shorthand—“squiggly line vs. straight line”—for balancing entrepreneurial improvisation with operational discipline, and how a family “safe word” (“albatross”) protects home life from shop talk. Allie frames why emotional intelligence (self-awareness, other-awareness, self-regulation) is a core performance driver in family firms, while Andrew illustrates how “rational” debates (like upgrading an ERP) often mask identity and control concerns. They share candid lessons on working with three of their six kids in the business, the dangers of enablement and artificial harmony, and why embracing community and grace—for yourself and each other—keeps a multigenerational enterprise healthy. Yes, you'll recognize the practiced sense of "therapy" in their personal and professional structure and that's no wonder. It's quite intentional, actually. "Allie" is Dr. Allie Taylor and holds a PhD in psychology. Enjoy the episode.

To learn more about Orange Kiwi, you can visit the website: www.ockiwi.com

If you would like more information about Conveyance Soutions, visit: www.conveyance365.com

Chapter Summaries

(00:00) Navigating Challenges in Family Businesses
Andrew and Allie share their experience as co-CEOs of their family business, discussing the challenges of scaling and balancing spontaneity with necessary systems.
(10:03) Navigating Emotions in Family Businesses
Balancing family dynamics and business operations in family-run enterprises, using "albatross" as a safe word, and the importance of emotional intelligence.
(18:25) Navigating Family Business Dynamics
Family businesses face challenges blending dynamics, navigating conflict, and adapting to generational resistance.
(28:32) Balancing Family Dynamics in Business
Family businesses led by first-generation founders struggle with transitioning to modern systems and balancing family involvement with individual aspirations.
(38:45) Family Business Challenges With Grace
Entrepreneurial families face mental health challenges, coping behaviors, and the role of luck in achieving success.
To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE