How do you run a thriving business with your siblings—without losing your sanity or your bottom line?
In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, Mark McKenzie, CEO of Docqmax, shares the gritty, inspiring story behind his family’s 50-year journey in the printing industry. From navigating family dynamics and hard conversations to staying innovative through digital disruption, Mark brings honest insight on how to lead with integrity and pivot with confidence.
He and host Jane Gentry dive deep into why CEOs must protect the business like a king on a chessboard, how automation and AI are reshaping legacy industries, and the uncomfortable—but necessary—truth about letting go of people who no longer fit.
Episode Highlights
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- (04:26) How a family of 10 built a 50-year business
- (07:00) How a consultant and peer group helped their family business avoid implosion
- (11:05) “Business is business, family is family”—managing both without losing either
- (12:01) The democratic decision-making model that governs their toughest calls
- (13:23) When it’s time to let a family member go—and how they handled it
- (16:11) “Protect the king”—the mindset shift by Seth Makowsky that changed how Mark leads
- (18:36) Why you must operationalize hard decisions before you need them
- (19:55) “Make them available to the industry”—a kinder, wiser way to let go
- (22:56) The training philosophy every CEO needs to adopt—no matter the risk of turnover
- (27:00) The importance of pivoting—fast—to stay relevant in a legacy industry
- (33:27) Adding new services the right way—listening to customers, not vendors
- (36:53) How one thousand-dollar mistake led to an eight-year, high-value client
- (39:35) “Everybody’s in sales”—and why young professionals need to realize it early
- (41:53) What Mark wishes he’d done 20 years ago—and what he tells himself now
Whether you’re leading a family business or scaling through industry shifts, this conversation will leave you with real-world tactics and refreshing perspective.
Episode Guest
About Mark McKenzie, Partner at Docqmax Digital Printing
Mark and his three brothers are second-generation business owners who manage and operate Docqmax Digital Printing, serving Metro Atlanta businesses with their printing needs since 1975. Being Atlanta’s business printer for more than 49 plus years has allowed Mark to build a vast network of business professionals, friends, and clients. With this experience as a successful entrepreneur working in the dynamics of a family-owned organization, Mark understands the needs of business owners, C-level executives, Directors, and their professional teams when promoting and delivering their company’s brand. He delivers on time with real solutions and quality products that promote your brand and image every company needs.
About Jane Gentry
Jane Gentry has had a successful 30-year career as a CEO, Business Consultant, Executive Coach, and Keynoter. Jane formed her practice in 1999 and since then has partnered with her clients to improve growth, profitability, client retention, employee retention, leadership capabilities and business value.
Jane leverages strategies including the proprietary Value Blueprint to enable business owners and leaders to successfully create healthy organizations, plan for succession or sell their businesses for the highest possible market value. Jane is considered one of the top voices in leadership and sales.
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CEOs Unscripted
Where Real Talk Drives Real Growth And Delivers Real Results For Mid-market Leaders.
Welcome to CEOs Unscripted, the podcast where real talk drives real growth and delivers real results for mid-market leaders. Each episode offers an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at the wins, the losses, and the playbooks shared by CEOs, founders, and executives. Grab a seat and join us for unscripted, honest conversations about what it takes to lead, grow, and scale in today’s business landscape.
