The Family Biz Show - Episode 49
Building a Multi-Generational Family Business That Thrives Through Transition
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What does it really take to grow a family business across generations—without losing alignment, control, or purpose?
In this episode, the Sessler family - Jane Shaffer and Brian Sessler shares the real story behind building a multi-generational business that not only survived transition—but expanded to support over 100 families. From early days with a single tractor to becoming a leader in demolition and environmental services, their journey highlights the power of long-term planning, innovation, and disciplined growth.
You’ll hear how the second generation navigated succession under pressure, how the third generation earned their roles from the ground up, and how the family made strategic decisions—like launching new companies and investing in leadership development—to ensure continued growth. This conversation offers a clear look at what it takes to balance legacy, leadership, and expansion in a family business.
“We knew what fed three families couldn’t feed eight. So we had to think differently, grow differently—and build something that could support everyone.”
Jane and Brian Sessler
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Key Takeaways
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âžś Growth requires more than one revenue stream.
The Sessler family realized early that one business couldn’t support multiple generations, leading them to launch new companies and diversify strategically.
âžś Succession planning must start earlier than you think.
Their transition planning began years in advance, giving both generations time to prepare, align, and build the structures needed for long-term success.
âžś Next-generation leaders must earn their place.
G3 started at the bottom—sweeping floors and working job sites—which built credibility, operational knowledge, and respect across the company.
âžś External advisors accelerate clarity and better decisions.
By bringing legal, financial, and business advisors together in the same room, the family avoided delays and made more cohesive strategic decisions.
âžś Strong culture extends beyond the family.
Supporting over 100 employee families reinforced the importance of values, leadership, and treating the entire team as part of the legacy.
➜ The goal isn’t to be the biggest—it’s to be the best.
G3’s focus on excellence, hiring great people, and continuous improvement defines their long-term vision more than size or scale.
Guests Appearing in this Episode
Jane Shaffer
Past President of Sessler Excavating and Wrecking, who led growth and guided the company through multi-generational transition.
Brian Sessler
President of Sessler Environmental Services, driving expansion and innovation as part of the third-generation leadership team.
