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.

Shamrika Renee

Family business can be a source of pride, stability, and long-term success. It can be a unique and rewarding experience that combines the strength of family ties with the pursuit of entrepreneurial success. It can bring together shared values, a deep sense of loyalty, and a long-term vision. However, it is not without its own set of unique challenges and potential pitfalls. Read more>>

Rica Nadine

Family businesses are not for the weak at heart. Dealing with family and business requires strategy and patience. I have had the pleasure of owning and starting many businesses with my family in the digital media industry. While it seems easy because most families have boundaries and they know each other. It can become challenging because business is about supply, demand, and profit. Read more>>

Julie Munn

Gwinn Road Design is a mother/daughter business. I, Julie, am Ashley’s mother. We have been together since day one. What works well…… we have a relationship that is incredibly open and honest. This makes it easy to communicate in all aspects during the work day. We also know each other so well. This is a benefit because we are two very different personalities and we balance each other. Read more>>

Benjamin Naderi

Family businesses have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. One of the main advantages is the sense of shared purpose and commitment to the business, which can create a strong bond and a deep level of trust among family members. Read more>>

 Ryan Stevenson

As a family owned business this is a topic that is near and dear to our hearts. When my wife Nicole and I started this company back in 2020 it was nothing more than a passion project. Nicole joked I should sell my seasonings and for my birthday she bought me a business license and Shore Smoke Seasonings was born. Read more>>

Keandria Washington

I love family businesses, especially the one I’m creating. It feels good to know that all my hard work will pay off through my children, children’s children’s and it makes me so proud and honored that God gave me the opportunity to build my own legacy. In my opinion family businesses can have advantages and disadvantages like most businesses the difference is you’re working with family. Read more>>

Ashley Reller

Family is what inspired us to start our business in the first place and continues to play an important role when operating our business. We wanted to have more time to spend together as a family. With both my husband, Dan, and I in full-time careers, we spent so much of our time in the office or on the computer. Read more>>

Brittany Cark

I love family businesses and find they are essential in our society. It feels good to feel like you are making a positive contribution to your community and society. However, it stressful because when you are a family business you don’t always have a whole bunch of support from your family. My son does help with our business and I make it a point to let him know that this is his business too. Giving him a sense of pride and ownership in building our brand and business. Read more>>