Episode 33: Resilience & Innovation - Burger Rehabilitation's 46 Years in Healthcare. Artwork

A Seat at the Table

Welcome to A Seat at the Table, Trials and Triumphs of Family Business, hosted by Natalie Mariani Kling, a 4th generation family business owner. This program is a creation of The Capital Region Family Business Center, a non-profit agency whose purpose is to help family businesses grow and prosper.One thing about being a part of a family business, is that it’s unique. Family businesses often began very simply, with a person who had an idea. Rarely were these people educated in business or finance, they usually didn’t have big investors, sometimes, they didn’t even speak English. But they saw an opportunity that could support their family, and so they started.Once these family businesses grow and are handed to 2nd, 3rd, 4th generations, there are not only the complexities of any growing business, but also the dynamics of family and relationships and navigating things like, which family member will be CEO, should this year's profits be reinvested or distributed? Differences in opinions can complicate Sunday night dinners, estate planning, who wants to keep running this business, preserving a legacy, entitlement, privilege, imposter syndrome…but there can also be magic.In a time where we want to KNOW the people behind a brand, and where authenticity and trust play a big part in our purchases as consumers, having a family that runs and operates a business over generations can create a very special culture where its success is built on relationships from vendors to employees to customers.On this podcast, expect real conversations with real family business members about what it’s like to be in a family business, run a family business, and the trials and triumphs of taking it into the next generation.

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A Seat at the Table

Episode 33: Resilience & Innovation - Burger Rehabilitation's 46 Years in Healthcare.

March 06, 2025 • Capital Region Family Business Center • Episode 33

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Imagine growing up in a family business where your weekends were spent in a rehab clinic, with the promise of "one more minute" being more a mom’s mantra than a reality. This episode brings you into the heartwarming and often hilarious world of the Burger family, the minds behind Burger Rehabilitation Systems. Carol Burger, the pioneering founder, joins us with her sons, Sean and Eric, to share their inspiring journey from a tight-knit family operation to a successful enterprise with over 200 employees. The conversation is rich with nostalgia as they recount tales of childhood antics, unexpected lessons learned alongside a pizza parlor, and even the time the Folsom Zoo called for help with a bear named Ursula.

As the business has evolved, so have the roles and dynamics within the Burger family. Carol reflects on the unplanned path that led her to entrepreneurship and the resilience required to navigate the healthcare industry's shifting landscape. Sean and Eric candidly discuss how they carved out their own niches within the company, balancing individual passions with family expectations. From sports performance clinics to diversifying skill sets beyond clinical roles, the brothers highlight the importance of innovation and respect in transitioning leadership to the second generation. Their story offers valuable insights into the complexities and opportunities of running a family business.

Healthcare industry challenges are numerous, from administrative burdens to high clinician turnover rates, but the Burgers present a hopeful perspective on the future. They tackle tough subjects like work-life balance and the competitive job market while celebrating the profound impact of dedicated care. Personal stories, including that of a long-term client whose life was transformed through therapy, underscore the deep sense of purpose that drives their work. With every triumph and setback, the Burger family exemplifies the power of perseverance, the importance of a supportive network, and the joy of small victories along the road to success.

For more information on Burger Rehabilitation, you can visit the website HERE.

Chapter Summaries

(00:00) Burger Rehabilitation Systems Family Introduction
The Burger family shares their roles and the history of their family-run business, which offers various healthcare services in the Sacramento area.

(09:19) Growing Up in the Family Business
Childhood memories, family involvement, and unique experiences in the early days of the Burger family business.

(18:53) Evolution of Family Business Roles
Family tradition, stability, and diversifying skills shape career paths in healthcare within a family-run company.

(24:12) Navigating Family Business Autonomy and Control
Carol and her sons reflect on their journey in a family business, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, leadership challenges, and mentorship.

(32:14) Navigating Family Business Vision
Transitioning leadership in a family business, balancing personalities and perspectives, generational shift, establishing clear path for second generation's leadership.

(45:02) Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare
Healthcare industry challenges include high costs, insurance complexities, clinician turnover, and evolving attitudes towards work-life balance.

(53:43) Family Business Encouragement and Support
Persistence, continuous learning, and small victories contribute to personal growth and development.

To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE