What makes a family business survive into its 2nd and 3rd generation? With so many new challenges arising over the years, it can get more and more difficult to succeed as time goes on. It takes a high degree of street smarts and business strategy to pivot when necessary and persevere through the ups and downs. Just so happens the man who’s like a 2nd father to me is not too bad at these things – meet the latest podcast guest, Howard Shear! Episode #51 of the Wild Business Growth Podcast is HERE and features the Owner of Lakeside Laundry Equipment and A.L.L. Laundry Service, who’s led his family business into its 2nd and 3rd generation. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite audio platforms – subscribe and leave a 5-star review if your family has a family business!

What is the Wild Business Growth Podcast?

Hear how entrepreneurs & innovators unleash creativity to grow bigger and better businesses. Hear from an exciting new guest every single Wednesday morning who’s turning wild ideas into wild growth. Guests include startup founders, product inventors, social media influencers, and much more. Hosted by our digital marketing dude Max Branstetter – that’s me!

Episode #51: Howard Shear – Family Business, Lakeside Laundry Equipment & A.L.L. Laundry Service

Howard Shear, the Owner of Lakeside Laundry Equipment and A.L.L. Laundry Service, joins the show to share his journey leading his 2nd and 3rd-generation family business. Howard is like a 2nd father to me: our families grew up across the street from each other, went to endless dinners and vacations together, and I even shadowed him for 2 weeks during my Senior Project in high school. It was incredibly special sitting down with Howard at his house (see picture below) during a visit back home to discuss his story and life lessons. Howard is one of the most caring, selfless, transparent, and funny leaders you’ll ever meet. This episode covers everything from how Howard was introduced to the laundry business to life lessons from Howard’s father Leon, a Holocaust survivor. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • How to run a successful family business
  • Why you should embrace failure
  • How technology has changed the laundry industry
  • The importance of fostering business relationships
  • Why you should have to go on vacation
  • How to start a conversation with anyone
  • Why you should have a cool business card
  • The best restaurant in Cleveland

Connect with Howard at Howard@ALLLaundryService.com, on Facebook, and at 216-475-2040, ext. 103.

Enjoy the show and rock out to “Pinball Wizard!” Check out the show notes and picture below for much more detail.

Show Notes

  • Intro
    • [0:31] Email me at max@hippodirect.com for help starting and building your own podcast
    • [0:44] Connect with Howard at Howard@ALLLaundryService.com, on Facebook, and at 216-475-2040, ext. 103
    • [1:06] Lakeside Laundry Equipment and A.L.L. Laundry Service
    • [1:30] We go back to Solon, Ohio (see picture below)
    • [2:04] Howard’s background
    • [2:53] Macke Laundry
    • [3:11] David Kirschenbaum
    • [3:24] April Vending
    • [4:01] Lessons from Howard’s parents
    • [5:15] Howard’s father Leon Shear, Lessons from a Holocaust Survivor
    • [7:03] How Leon approached business after coming to America
    • [7:58] Microbacteriology

Howard Shear Max Branstetter Lakeside Laundry Equipment A.L.L. Laundry Service Wild Business Growth Podcast Hippo Direct

How do I start a podcast?

How’d you like a podcast of your own? Email me at max@hippodirect.com with questions on any part of the podcasting process:

  • Podcast Planning
  • Podcast Production
  • Podcast Promotion
  • More!

I’ll provide some helpful resources that have been instrumental in getting the Wild Business Growth Podcast up and rolling and connecting with high-quality guests. Ready to get Wild?

Aaaaaaaand that’s all for another family business edition! Who’s sharing their story next? Get stoked for a new super duper guest every single Wednesday morning. Let us know any guests you’d like to see on the show and follow along for your favorite marketing tips, business tips, and podcasts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. You’ll especially enjoy this list of the favorite books of Wild Business Growth Podcast guests. Sign up for the Hippo Digest email newsletter to receive wild marketing ideas every single week. Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!