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.

Meagan Shockley

Owning a family business seemed like a walk in the park at the start. We were blindsided at the speed bumps and obstacles we came across as our business grew. I co-own The Rolling Fork with my husband, and our relationship was put to an ultimate test throughout the beginning stages of our business. It took a lot of heart to heart conversations to come up with a system that worked well for both of us and our employees. One being my brother in law. Read more>>

Nick Droste

Family is a foundational cornerstone to my business. It began in my childhood, gaining a love of baking by watching my grandmother in the kitchen. My siblings and I loved to experiment and try new recipes as teenagers, each of us exploring the joy of cooking in our own way. Throughout my career in the Army, I loved hosting events and feeding my military brothers and sisters as well. When I met my wife, cooking and innovation were subjects we connected deeply on. Read more>>

Madelyn Posey

As a mom of two boys ages 5 and 2 I think about family business a lot. Running your own business means not being able to go home and turn work “off”. It is something you constantly think about, dream about, plan and worry about. In many ways it is like another child. Read more>>

Elizabeth Arango

I have such a heart for Family businesses. There is something so special to me to walk into an establishment and see multigenerational family members working in their store together. From the time I was a little girl I remember going to “help” my Mom at her bookstore when she had to work on the weekends. I would bring my bag of toys and coloring books to stay occupied but I remember how much I wanted to be my Moms little helper. She would have me stock the book shelves or bag items that customers had purchased. Read more>>

Bart Horton

Century Farm Winery began in 2003 with the initial planting of grapes then we opened our tasting room in 2007. CFW was founded by Carl and Jo O’Cain as a retirement hobby that grew out of control and has just celebrated our 15th year in business. I am Bart Horton the son of Jo O’Cain, and I entered the family business in November 2017. My wife, Neka, manages our tasting room and I am responsible for managing our vineyard and the wine making process. We have a wonderful staff that supports in the sales room and production. Read more>>

Tyler Jorgensen

Owning and running a family business with multiple family members can be rewarding as well as difficult to navigate. There are many reasons for this. When it comes to being rewarding, we get to hang out with each other everyday. We can have conversations about many different things and make sure the other is doing well. Not many people get to spend the kind of time with their family as we do. On the other hand, it can be very tricky if you allow it to be. Read more>>