How do you grow a family business without losing the values that built it?

In this episode, John is joined by Michael O’Reilly, second-generation Managing Director of Pneumatics Group, for a walk-and-talk about his four decades in the family business. Michael reflects on its humble beginnings, why holding stock became a competitive advantage, and how learning every part of the company has been both a strength and a challenge.

Michael also shares the story of buying the business from his dad, navigating recessions and difficult family moments, and the important role his mam played in creating the heart and energy of the company. He explains why reputation, trust, and looking after people have remained central to how the family leads and grows the business.

John and Michael also explore the value of outside support, the impact of working with Deru, and how greater clarity and accountability have helped Michael focus on the areas where his time matters most. Michael discusses achieving the company’s most profitable years in decades, making decisions with greater confidence, and creating more space for his family and life outside the business.

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00:01:48 — Introducing Pneumatics

00:04:31 — The Early Days

00:05:43 — Why Holding Stock Pays

00:06:44 — Taking More Responsibility

00:08:08 — Knowing Everything: A Strength or Weakness?

00:11:43 — Reputation Is Our Goal

00:12:09 — Reputation Pays

00:14:11 — Being the Conscience of the Company

00:17:31 — Building a Brand

00:18:20 — Buying the Business Off Dad

00:21:42 — Overcoming Challenges as a Family

00:25:57 — The Role Our Mam Played

00:30:56 — Getting Support to Lead and Grow

00:33:23 — Working with Deru

00:41:16 — The Most Profitable Years in Decades

00:43:34 — Growing with Confidence

00:45:36 — How Michael Leads Outside the Business

00:49:05 — The Deru Mechanism

00:50:13 — What Surprised Michael About Deru

00:52:13 — What Michael Is Most Excited About