Do you run or work for a family business? If so, we’d love to hear from you for our family business series. In this series, you’ll find insights, stories and a discussion of the pros and cons of family businesses.

Mary Beth van der Horst

Some of the smallest successful businesses have to rely on family to get by. When profits are thin and the need for labor is high, it’s your loved ones that step up to support a the passion they see in your heart. Building a business from scratch without a lot of money to cushion the beginning years is tough. I would have to call my frame shop something of a family business even from day one when it was just me, but 3.5 years later it is growing and entangling more and more of my family. Read more>>

Thomas Smiley

My wife and I have a family business, taking family portraits at Ski Resorts. It’s intense! We really put all our eggs in one basket. When business is doing well, it’s GREAT! But when it is not going well the opposite is true. Read more>>

Deborah Herman

I come from a long line of business owners and entrepreneurs. My father created his business out of necessity. He had worked in sales and sales management for several companies and built them into tremendous success. But he had heart disease, and during his last employment, while he was recovering from a severe heart attack, the company stripped him of everything. The biggest mistake they made was not having him sign a non-compete. After all, he had done most of the innovation the company had enjoyed. By the following year, he and my brother not only started their own company, but they attended the bankruptcy sale of the previous company, and my father bought his customized desk, which now sits in my brother’s home office. My father, may he rest in peace, taught me the value of resilience, an essential ingredient in any family business. Read more>>

Devin Peek

Working in a family business is rewarding, but can be exhausting as well. The biggest hurdle in a family business is differentiating between personal and professional feelings. I own a pizzeria called “The Place Pizza” with my 3 brothers. We have been open for 14 months, and within that time there have been some very rewarding moments, and probably the biggest arguments we have had our whole lives. We have been able to overcome most arguments and the key is to forgive, learn, and move on quickly. The restaurant industry can be brutal on small business owners. Read more>>

Natalie De Ranieri

I am who I am because of a family business. My grandparents came from Italy and started a business in San Francisco in 1956 called A.Silvestri Company. We have a concrete factory that makes fountains, planters, benches, garden furniture , and figurines. My mom and her sister have been running it since my grandfather passed and while he was alive. I started working since I was in my mother’s womb. I love being around water and I think it is because of my exposure to water fountains. Read more>>

Heather Bise

I love the fact that I can share aspects of the cookie business with both of my daughters as well as my husband. They all pitch in when I need them, even my 7-year-old loves to help and it makes me feel like it’s such a group effort. On the flip side, sometimes it’s difficult to explain to my youngest daughter when she can’t help because the skill level is out of her range. It’s not an easy side gig, but I love the fact that it shows my girls that I can work hard and persevere under pressure. Read more>>

Eleía & JoLee Coleman

We love that our hair accessory line is a family business! Our mom includes us in the product making process and allows us to come up with our own designs. Sometimes we get a little messy but it’s all apart of the process! Mom takes care of all the important details and dad helps with packing orders. Everyone has a hand to help build the business. Read more>>

Emily Smith

Family businesses are and interesting story. Little Hands Garden was started with our growing family in mind. We have nine children and my husband came up with “Little Hands” just from all of the young children that we had helping to build this business. To be honest, there are a lot of aspects of this business that I could have never done alone. The kids have helped right beside me for many years getting this dream launched and even now as they are starting their own careers they still are so supportive. Read more>>

Katie Webb

Coming from an entrepreneurial household, I am a big proponent of family businesses! There is something special about sharing the small business journey with those who are closest to you. When family businesses are structured well, they can provide a tangible sense of unity and a common goal. That being said, I’ve found that the most important piece of blending business and family is an ability to release expectations. Read more>>