For some, family businesses mean spending more quality time with their families, financial freedom and so much more while for others it feels like a prison sentence. There are so many pros and cons, positives and negatives and so we wanted to create a space for folks who have experiences with family businesses to discuss the pros and cons.

Maggie Helmholdt

I have a big heart for family businesses. I grew up in one, I work in one, and I’ve worked in others! I currently manage my mom’s consignment store. But before I managed things, you could find me running through the racks playing dress up. Through my college years I worked in another consignment store that was also run by a woman and her daughters. After college I spent nearly a year serving in a children’s home in Belize that was run by a husband, wife and their family. Read more>>

Brenda Torres

We are a family owned, mother-son business. We both come from military backgrounds, and a desire to have control and ownership of our deliverables and time. Interestingly, my son is a balance to all that we do, in the sense that he can focus more on tasks when his time is fluid (often at 3am!) While I am more structured and adhere to a more of a 9-5 schedule, I love being able to count on him for times when I am networking, shaking hands, and collaborating with local groups and non-profits. Read more>>

Jessica Dixon

My thoughts on family businesses are that, it is extremely important to teach your children how to self employ themselves and find something that they can create and make there own. Giving them the freedom to have the option to choose their path in life. It won’t be easy but it’s definitely obtainable with the proper tools and support to create and successfully establish a family business. Read more>>

Lisa Gates

Business is in my blood. I get excited talking about goals, objectives, key performance indicators, metrics, business ideas, and new concepts. My Dad is an entrepreneur. So is my mom and my brother. And so am I. My Dad used to tell me, “Always have a business on the side. If you’re lucky, your side gig will become your main job.” Read more>>

Juliana Cancelo

When introducing ourselves to new customers, my mom and I have a comedy routine we default to: I’m the President of the company, she’s just the Secretary…but she’s still my mom. When setting up the company’s financial structure, we made me the President because I’d be handling the administrative tasks. Read more>>

Tracy Zipay

When I started my pet sitting business, I figured it would be a sole proprietorship, me and me only. I didn’t anticipate the need to have others working with/for me, and I certainly never thought my children would be interested. They’re successful in their own rights, and highly independent. Read more>>