In this episode of Beyond the Family Business, I sit down with Jen McCain, a proud Maritimer from Florenceville, New Brunswick, and a third-generation member of the McCain family. Jen shares her own journey of building an identity outside of the family business, becoming an entrepreneur, and then stepping into a more active ownership role within one of Canada’s most iconic family enterprises. We discuss what it means to be a responsible next-generation owner, why ownership is a skill that has to be developed over time, and how family values like community, stewardship, and integrity are passed down — but also need to be openly discussed and intentionally practiced. Jen also shares her perspective on purpose-driven investing, the role of capital in supporting Canadian entrepreneurs, and why doing good and generating strong returns do not have to be in conflict. This is a thoughtful conversation about identity, responsibility, community, and the evolving role of the next generation in a family business.

beyondthefamilybusiness.com

Iqbal Kassam is one of Vancouver’s most successful investors. He is the founder of EQ Bank and Chairman of Zynik Corporation, his family office. In this interview, we discuss how his youth in Kenya and London shaped him as a leader. We delve into his first success in Canada which became EQ bank. He shares valuable lessons on how to think as an entrepreneur. Lastly, he explains his latest thesis in the industrial manufacturing sector that seeks to attract top talent through huge profit sharing and employee benefits. This is an illuminating discussion about entrepreneurship, thoughtfulness and legacy.

In this episode, the tables are turned on host Luke Hansen-MacDonald as his cousin, Colin Michael MacDonald (COO of Micco Group of Companies), takes over as the interviewer. They dig into the history of Luke's family business Clearwater Seafoods and what it was like to sell this legacy business in 2021. Luke discusses his early entrepreneurial venture in the music video industry and why he decided to join Clearwater Seafoods. He delves into his biggest challenges and what is most exciting on the horizon for his family business.