Growing Up, Getting Stuff Done, and Chasing Siblings With Vacuums

Some of the best stories we told this week were about how childhood shapes us, even if we don’t realize it at the time. Tom dove right into memories of growing up on a farm, sharing how you just did whatever was needed - feeding animals, digging thistles, hauling hay. Even as kids, there was no “oh, do you want to help?” It was, “grab a shovel and get moving.” And honestly, I think that’s a vibe a lot of us still bring to work today.

Then there’s Shirley, who kept it real about Saturday house chores and sisterly competition. If you’ve ever dusted with a sibling, had kitchen duty, or made up excuses to dodge outdoor chores (“I just washed my hair!”), you’ll feel seen. All jokes aside, it was about teamwork and accountability, a lesson that hasn’t changed, no matter how easy it is to ask ChatGPT for advice.

Have a story like this from your childhood? Leave me a comment or send an email at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com I want to hear what weird chores defined your work ethic.

Before YouTube Taught Us Everything

We spent a fair amount of time reflecting on how much “figuring things out” used to just mean...figuring things out. Tom and Shirley both reminded us that learning how to run a business used to mean learning everything by hand. You needed to add up sales tax with a chart, balance the ledger by hand, and if you messed something up, well, good luck, that was a lesson learned.

There’s a kind of grit you build from all that trial and error. Sure, it would’ve been easier to have a video walk-through or a handy explainer, but man, once you got it, you never forgot it.

If you miss (or don’t miss!) the days of handwritten checks and carbon copies, let me know on our contact page. Am I the only one who remembers that sound of the old register?

Adapting to Change: Why "Easier" Isn’t Always Easier

Fast forward to now, Kim and I talked about just how quickly things move. Back in the day, you’d get a new cash register system every, what, six to seven years? Now, at Dairy Queen, there’s a software or process update every month. We’ve got tools, training videos, and step-by-step tutorials for everything...but there’s also a ton more to keep up with.

Kim pointed out how much these quick videos help when something small changes, seriously, if you haven’t had someone record a “how to close books for deliveries” video yet, you’re missing out. Still, as Brian Hahn reminded us, just watching a video isn’t enough. The only way you really learn is by jumping in, making a few mistakes, and adjusting.

Our Best Advice: Don’t Overthink It

We wrapped things up with some advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the constant whirlwind of running a business. Bottom line? Take a breath and DO something. As Tom said, sitting around worrying is a waste, try, fail, and adjust. Kim kept it simple: “Jump off the cliff. It’ll be fine.” Honestly? She’s right.

If you make the wrong decision, you’ll at least know what not to do next time. Action beats anxiety, every time.

Got a question or want some advice from our panel? Email me or and get a shout-out (or maybe a little tough love) on our next episode.

Thanks for letting me share the real talk and the family lessons this week. Remember: the tools might be different, but the hustle is still the same. Let’s keep learning (and laughing) together.

Check out episode 71 right here!

Till next time.