The Welsh Wire: Being a Non-Family Leader in a Family Business ft. Dave Russell from Hastings Hot Line Tools & Equipment

This month’s The Welsh Wire podcast, sponsored by the Family Business Alliance, features an engaging conversation between Sheri Welsh and Dave Russell, President of Hastings Hot Line Tools & Equipment.

Russell offers a unique perspective on what it means to be an outsider—a non-family member—leading a family-owned company. His story is one of opportunity, patience, and respect for the culture that makes family businesses thrive.

His journey with Hastings began during his college summers at Michigan State University, when then-owner Larry Baum offered him a job in the shop. Years later, Baum called him back, and Russell returned, drawn by the company’s strong foundation, community connections, and long-standing stability. Today, after a decade as President, he continues to lead with both humility and vision.

Rather than trying to overhaul the company’s culture, Russell focuses on fine-tuning it. He emphasizes balancing tradition with progress.

“You don’t want to stay in the past with everything; you need to look at the future with what you’re doing. If you just come in and want to change the culture now, you’re going to lose all your family because we truly do look at everybody in this building as part of family,” Russell said.

For Russell, successful leadership in a family business comes down to a few key principles: humility, patience, and honesty. He makes decisions by presenting facts clearly, without spin, and by seeking buy-in from family stakeholders before moving forward.

“Don’t put an angle on anything, just say this is what it is, this is what it’ll get us, and this is what we need to do,” he said.

Russell’s experience highlights both the challenges and the rewards of leading a family-owned company as a non-family member. His story is a reminder that leadership grounded in respect, truth, and collaboration can strengthen both culture and performance.

Listen to the full conversation, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Welsh Wire on iTunes for more engaging interviews with West Michigan business leaders.