Episode 9

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Published on:

25th Feb 2026

Beating the Third Generation Curse

Episode Summary

What does it take to break the “third generation curse” in family business?

Jamie McGregor joins us on the shop floor at McGregor Metal to talk about legacy, leadership, and reinvention. As a third-generation leader, Jamie carries the weight of a 60-year manufacturing company while navigating modern pressures like automation, workforce changes, and selective growth.

This conversation dives into culture, humility in leadership, the discipline of saying no to the wrong work, and why success is about more than hitting a revenue milestone.

Key Topics

  1. The myth and reality of the third generation curse
  2. Leading a family business without entitlement
  3. Culture principles that actually show up on the floor
  4. Retention vs revenue vanity
  5. Selective growth and disciplined customer choice
  6. Private equity, ownership transitions, and what gets lost
  7. Reinventing manufacturing in Middle America
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About the Podcast

NextGen Strategies
Welcome to the NextGen Strategies Podcast, the podcast for modern strategies to help family-owned, small businesses grow and compete.

Join long-time friends Grant Covault, marketing strategist and owner of GC Strategies, and Tyler Davis, CPA and owner of DAT CPA, as they interview subject experts on a variety of subjects such as leadership, marketing, finance, operations and much more.

If you are a current business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone looking to get the scoop on the latest and greatest happenings in the world of business, this pod is for you!

About your hosts

Tyler Davis

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As a CPA and financial strategist, I leverage my knowledge in finance and accounting to help small businesses and individuals thrive in a rapidly changing market. Check us out at www.datcpa.net

Grant Covault

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As a FCMO (Fractional Chief Marketing Officer) serving small businesses around the country, I'm blessed to be able to use my God-given skills to help businesses and their leaders creatively compete in ever-changing and difficult markets. Check us out at www.thegcstrategies.com and connect with me on Linkedin!