We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josh Joseph a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Josh, appreciate you joining us today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?

In the world of family businesses, our story at Big Plan Holdings is one of intentional collaboration and shared vision. My family and I established the company following the successful exit from Grassroots Cannabis, driven by a desire to build something that leveraged our combined strengths and interests. This wasn’t merely a business decision; it was a familial one, where each member brought something unique to the table, creating a diversified portfolio that spans several dynamic sectors.

From the very beginning, my wife Tara and our daughters, Sydni and Sophie, have been integral to shaping the company’s direction and ethos. Their insights and passions have infused our business with a sense of purpose that transcends the bottom line. For example, Sydni’s recognition in the cannabis industry has been a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in this burgeoning field.

Running a family business like ours has its set of advantages and challenges. The trust and rapport we share as a family facilitate smoother decision-making and a unified approach to business. However, the potential for blurred lines between personal and professional life necessitates clear communication and defined boundaries to maintain the business’ integrity and our family harmony.

Would I want my children to join the business? They already have, and it’s been a rewarding experience to see them bring their passion and expertise to our collective endeavor. This involvement is not about obligation but about a shared commitment to the family’s legacy and the business’ growth. It’s crucial for family members to engage in the business out of genuine interest and the value they can add, fostering a culture of meritocracy and innovation.

The journey we’ve embarked on as a family has shown me that successful family businesses aren’t immune to evolution—in fact, they welcome it. Our decision to dip our toes into the world of music publishing with Edgehill Music Publishing and our upcoming bar and restaurant development in Nashville, are an embodiment of the adaptability that’s necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic market landscape.

As we continue sailing through our ventures, I want the Joseph family legacy to be one of balance—between values, innovation, and collaboration. Our journey at Big Plan Holdings tells the tale of a family united by shared goals, each one of us adding a different color to the canvas, as we make meaningful strides in diversified industries—from real estate to music publishing, to philanthropy, and beyond.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

GPT I’m Josh Joseph, the founder and CEO of Big Plan Holdings, a diversified family holding company based in Nashville, Tennessee. My journey into entrepreneurship began after a successful career in commercial real estate and the founding of Grassroots Cannabis, which we built into one of the largest privately-held cannabis companies in the United States before selling it for approximately $850 million in 2020. This venture into the cannabis industry marked a significant turn in my career, demonstrating the potential of strategic and opportunistic investment​​.

Big Plan Holdings, established with my family, reflects our collective ambition to create a legacy that extends beyond financial success. Our portfolio spans various industries, including real estate, cannabis, music and entertainment, sports, hospitality, fashion, and philanthropy. We’re committed to creating innovative solutions that resonate with our clients and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve​​​​.

What sets us apart is our unique approach to business, blending family values with professional management to foster a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. We solve problems by leveraging our diverse industry knowledge and extensive network, ensuring that our clients and partners benefit from our holistic and strategic perspective.

I’m particularly proud of how Big Plan Holdings has grown and diversified, embodying the ethos of a family business while achieving significant milestones, such as partnering with industry leaders and expanding into new markets. Our recent ventures, like the honky-tonk with Jon Bon Jovi and the Playdate restaurant concept, showcase our dynamic approach to business and our commitment to delivering unique experiences​​.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I would say that the best source of new clients for Big Plan Holdings has come from our strategic partnerships and network within the diverse industries we operate in. Leveraging relationships built from past ventures, especially in real estate and the cannabis market, has been pivotal. Our involvement in community and philanthropic efforts, like our work with the Joseph Family Foundation, has also significantly broadened our network, attracting clients who align with our values and vision.

Collaboration with industry leaders and engaging in high-profile projects have not only expanded our visibility but also established our reputation as a dynamic and innovative company. For instance, our partnership with Jon Bon Jovi for a honky-tonk in Nashville and our diversified ventures across different sectors have opened doors to new clients who are interested in what we bring to the table—innovation, integrity, and a family-driven approach to business.

In essence, our growth has been fueled by a combination of strong relationships, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision that resonates with clients looking for comprehensive and innovative solutions in their respective fields.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Empowerment, trust, and recognition are pillars of our management style. We empower our team members with the autonomy to make decisions, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership. Regular acknowledgment of their contributions reinforces their significance to our family and company. This environment of trust and appreciation builds a strong, motivated team committed to our shared vision.

Investing in our team’s growth, promoting work-life balance, and maintaining an open-door policy are practices that solidify our family-first ethos. We provide opportunities for professional development, encourage a healthy balance between work and personal life, and ensure that everyone’s voice can be heard.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bigplanholdings.com
• Instagram: bigplanholdings
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigplanholdings
• Linkedin: https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=da2689d956c1e751JmltdHM9MTcxMDgwNjQwMCZpZ3VpZD0zMzhkZTQzZS1mYzAzLTY1ZjctMDMyNC1mN2U0ZmRhZDY0NDQmaW5zaWQ9NTIwOA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=338de43e-fc03-65f7-0324-f7e4fdad6444&psq=big+plan+holdings+linkedin&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2NvbXBhbnkvYmlnLXBsYW4taG9sZGluZ3M&ntb=1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@big_plan_holdings