What does it take to transform a small family business into a major player in the beverage industry? Discover the incredible legacy of NorCal Beverage, beginning with Shannon Deary-Bell's grandfather, who turned his Coca-Cola salesmanship into the entrepreneurial foundation of Hires Bottling in 1937. You'll hear the story of Shannon's father and uncle, who made the courageous decision to sell their profitable stocks to protect the family business and its employees, embodying a people-first philosophy that has defined NorCal's journey and continuing legacy. You'll also hear of the tenacity and determination of Shannon as a young manager having to deal with the complexity of "busting" a union that misrepresented itself to the employees. Her pursuit of what was the right thing to do, let to a much greater acceptance from her employees and family alike.

Uncover the strategic genius behind NorCal's significant pivot in 2007, when the company shifted focus from bottling popular brands like Dr. Pepper and Snapple to co-packing. This bold move led to lucrative partnerships with major brands like Arizona Tea, Red Bull, Monster, and Gatorade, propelling NorCal to new heights. We delve into how Shannon's insistence for a particular seat at luncheon led to a critical meeting with the CEO of Red Bull in France that opened doors to substantial opportunities, highlighting the company's resilience and adaptability in the face of industry challenges.

Finally, we explore the complexities of family business dynamics, focusing on succession planning, leadership transitions, and the difficult and emotional decision to sell the business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear Shannon's son Riley, explain his personal account of returning to the family fold to save jobs and his reflections on the pressures and rewards of taking on a leadership role in a newly developed company. Shannon and Riley discuss the importance of personal accountability, hard work, and seizing growth opportunities while maintaining a people-centered approach. Dedication and passion continue to drive their new venture setting the stage of familial business success once again.

To learn more about NC Equipment Solutions visit https://nceqs.com/
or you can contact them at:
Dispatch & General Inquiries: (916) 372-7700; fsd@NCEQS.com
Accounts Receivables: (916) 374-2657; AR@NCEQS.com
Accounts Payables: (916) 372 7700 ext. 2436; AP@NCEQS.com

Episode Highlights
(05:32 - 06:00) The Power of Community
(13:57 - 15:01) Trust and Communication in Relationships
(18:14 - 19:19) Meeting Red Bull CEO in France
(21:59 - 23:40) Succession Planning for Company Presidency
(25:58 - 27:02) Father-Son Relationship and Business Sale
(32:51 - 34:20) Company Restructuring Saves Jobs
(37:46 - 39:09) Family Business Responsibilities and Rewards
(44:25 - 45:41) Navigating Entrepreneurship at a Young Age

Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Building a Family Business Legacy
NorCal Beverage's history, family commitment, and employee safeguarding, from Shannon's grandfather's vision to her taking over the business.

(15:03) Succession Planning and Co-Packing Success
NorCal Beverage's strategic pivot to co-packing led to partnerships with Arizona Tea, Red Bull, Monster, and Gatorade, driving growth and resilience.

(23:06) Navigating Family Business Sale and Transition
Selecting the next president of a family business, selling during COVID-19, and aligning with company values.

(33:16) Business Transition and Family Values
Riley, a recent business management graduate, joins family business to lead equipment solutions division and support empl

Can you imagine hopping freight trains across the country to build a business empire during one of the toughest times in American history? Join your host, Natalie Mariani-Kling, as she welcomes David Lawson, President of Lawson Mechanical, who recounts the extraordinary story of his grandfather, transforming from a resilient South Dakota youth into the founder of Sacramento's leading mechanical construction firm. From surviving the Great Depression to learning essential trades during World War II, this is a narrative of ambition and tenacity that laid the groundwork for a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

David shares the rich history of Lawson Mechanical, spanning three generations of leadership and innovation. The discussion covers the unique skills each generation brought to the table—from his grandfather's pioneering business strategies to his father's expertise in mechanical systems and people management. David's own path, marked by a blend of political acumen and historical insight, showcases a modern approach to maintaining and growing a family business. This episode is not only a deep dive into the critical moments that forged their legacy but also a testament to the transformative power of education and early exposure to industry.

Navigating the complexities of leadership transitions within a family business is no small feat. David opens up about the emotional and practical challenges he faced moving from a political career to operations management, eventually becoming the president of Lawson Mechanical. Natalie explores the delicate balance of supporting a cohesive company culture while empowering family members to find their own paths. Using Lawson Mechanical as a lens, the conversation moves to the broader implications of what truly defines a family business versus a business owned by a family, highlighting how meaningful contributions from multiple families strengthen the organization's identity. This is an insightful conversation about preserving purpose and navigating the intricate balance of family and business.

To learn more about Lawson Mechanical visit: https://www.lawsonmechanical.com/contact/
For more information about the Family Business Center visit: Capital Region Family Business Center website
To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit website: River City Bank

Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Legacy of Lawson Mechanical Firm
David Lawson shares his grandfather's journey from South Dakota to California, and how their family business evolved over 80 years.

(08:45) Generational Business Success and Growth
Three generations of a family business, with a foundation in management, mechanical systems, and community projects.

(15:12) Navigating Leadership Transitions in Family Business
Navigating California politics, transitioning to operations management in a family business, and finding purpose as president.

(28:16) Family Business Success and Culture
Challenges and responsibilities in a family business, proving worth, unique perspectives, cohesive culture, and working on the business.

(39:26) Defining Family vs Business Ownership
Family business vs. business owned by family, using Lawson Mechanical as a case study, embracing multiple families to strengthen identity.

HIGHLIGHTS
(04:37 - 05:25) Gas Station Ledger Reflections Over Time
(10:51 - 11:44) Legacy of Strong Employee Relationships
(14:11 - 15:11) Benefits of Grad School in Career
(17:15 - 18:34) Family Business Traditions and Growth
(22:45 - 24:05) Navigating Family Business Succession Challenges
(29:00 - 30:47) Family Business Succession Planning
(34:15 - 35:22) Legacy of Excellence in Business
(41:38 - 42:27) Fam

Today's episode displays a wonderful tale of a company's heart and soul as Don Clark, the second-generation co-leader of the family-operated Clark Pacific, takes us behind the scenes of a business that has stood the test of time. Here's your opportunity to learn from a legacy of innovation and resilient leadership as we follow the company's transformation from its early days as a manufacturer of prefab construction products to a robust pillar in the construction industry. Don's account of his and his brother's ascent to the ranks of co-CEOs, under the guiding influence of their father's fervor, is not just a story—it's an inspiring blueprint for nurturing a family business across the decades.

Venture with us into the core of family-centric leadership, where work-life harmony paints the daily canvas, and discover the delicate dance of co-running a company with a sibling. As Don describes the art of balancing brotherhood with business, we uncover the value of external coaching and the far-reaching impact it has on preserving family ties within the company framework. This episode is not merely an overview; it's an insightful guide into the intricacies of multi-generational success and the strategies that have fortified Clark Pacific's familial foundation.

Our discussion reaches a crescendo as we celebrate the innate strengths that give family businesses an edge over corporate behemoths. Don passionately illustrates how a culture of care and personal support not only cements long-term careers but also fosters an environment where employees thrive like family. If you've ever wondered about the ingredients that make family enterprises resilient through economic ebbs and flows, this episode serves up the answers, highlighting how they adapt, support, and triumph through each challenge. Join us for a heartening exploration into the world of family business, where every success is built on the shoulders of shared values and strong relationships.


For more information on Clark Pacific, you can visit their website: https://www.clarkpacific.com/

For more information about the Family Business Center visit: Capital Region Family Business Center website

To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit their website: River City Bank