That's Life: Running a Family Business in a Changing Industry | The Stramaglio Show | Episode 21

On this episode of The Stramaglio Show, Mike welcomes Paul Hanna, founder and CEO of Blue Technologies, and Lauren Hanna, his daughter and a 15-year veteran of the company, for a candid conversation about building a business, bridging generations, and what it really takes to work with family. Paul traces Blue Technologies back to its first day in 1995. Thirty years later, the business is still growing, still single-line with Konica Minolta, and now navigating one of the most exciting and challenging chapters in its history. Lauren brings a perspective that is equal parts analytical and human. She talks about learning to communicate new ideas without putting her dad on defense, leaning on the team around her, and why she still loves an industry that never gives her the same day twice. Together, they cover AI adoption, vendor relationships, the value of peer groups like CDA, and why the next generation is here to help solve what comes next. Timestamps 00:00:00 Blue Technologies History and Origins 00:03:45 Lauren’s Path into the Business 00:07:15 Navigating Working Relationships 00:13:48 Industry Outlook and Mentorship 00:21:12 The Impact of Peer Groups 00:26:03 Leveraging AI in Business 00:31:25 Vendor Partnerships and Final Reflections Guest Links Blue Technologies: https://btohio.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Show Links Learn more about Stramaglio Consulting: https://stramaglioconsulting.com/ Facebook:   / nextweekslifepodcast   Instagram:   / nextweekslifepodcast   LinkedIn:   / next-week’s-life-podcast   Youtube:    / @thestramaglioshow