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.

Andrew Ostrowski

Family is important, its really what drives me each day to be successful but also to build a company that my family wants to work for. My wife and I started this company back in 2017 and we both are active in growing the company today. I say that, but my dad keeps asking to work here and I’m not sure about that yet! But for my kids, I hope they fall in love with the business as much as I do. There are many great stories of family businesses and the kids wanting to take over and lead the next chapter in the company. Our family is young and growing; we have a 1-year-old with one on the way! Read more>>

Michele Franklin

We are a family of entrepreneurs. I currently am partners with my son in a painting business and my husband in his computer business and my financial business along with my ministry of helping people find their true identity. What works well is not controlling any situation.. sometimes you may have disagreements, but it is important to rise above that situation and not start getting mad, look at what is truly going on. My son and I have been in business for 8.5 years. We have had ups and downs but have overcome our disagreements. People want their own way but standing above that lie and looking at the bigger picture will encourage people to stay the course and not let disagreements stop the process of running a business. Read more>>

Luis Almario

Family businesses thrive on trust and shared vision. At Filardo Realty, my mom’s 15 years of expertise combined with my focus on tech keeps us strong, while Tropical Luxe, co-founded with a partner from Peru, focuses on Airbnb rentals. However, family businesses aren’t without challenges. When family dynamics blend into business, there’s potential for tension if roles aren’t clear or communication isn’t open. Setting professional and personal boundaries has been key for us to navigate any pitfalls, keeping respect and understanding central to our partnership. If my kids choose to join someday, I’d welcome it if they’re truly passionate. For me, each generation should honor the foundation while bringing something new. Read more>>

Anastasia Troianovych

I’ve been in the USA for almost 10 years without my family, and I realize how much I miss them. I would love to have a family business someday because I think it’s a great way to keep everyone happy, connected, and working together. It would give us a shared purpose, and I could show my kids how important it is to balance family and work in a meaningful way. Of course, there might be challenges, like separating personal feelings from business decisions and making sure everyone knows their roles. But I love the idea of having something that brings us closer, and I’d love for my children to be a part of it one day. It’s a way to pass down values and show them how to work hard while supporting each other. Read more>>

Ladonna Dempsey

I was born and raised on the Navajo reservation in southwest Arizona. Growing up, there wasn’t any large grocery chain stores or any shops in the small town of Pinon, Arizona. The nearest grocery store was over three hours away. However, my maternal grandparents owned a local grocery store and gas station, called “Chee Southwest Store”. We were well known in the area and had a great relationship with the community, especially with the elders who spoke only Navajo. As a family, we all had a part in maintaining the store and I learned alot at a young age. Family businesses work with trust, loyalty and teamwork. There may be disagreements along the way but in the end, we all want success for our small business so therefore, we all work hard to make it work. I was able to gain insight and valuable knowledge from watching how my aunties, uncles, grandparents and my mom worked everyday at our family business. Read more>>