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.

Madeline Barbera

When I began my professional career, owning a business wasn’t on my radar at all. Growing up, my father ran a dental practice in a small town in Massachusetts. Nearly every day, he made his short commute to the office, cared for patients, inevitably ran late, and returned home to our family each night. Watching him work, it was clear that he took his time with every appointment—not just to provide care, but to truly listen. He asked patients about their lives, their families, and their work, making each visit feel personal. His practice wasn’t just about dentistry; it was about building relationships, meeting people where they were, and creating a welcoming space. I saw firsthand how deeply connected he was to his patients and how much he loved his work. Read more>>

Hydia Baldwin-adon

Family businesses are deeply important because they often carry a sense of tradition and shared purpose that strengthens relationships within the family. One of the best things about family businesses is the trust and long-term commitment that family members bring to the table. This allows for a strong, cohesive vision and a deep investment in the business’s success. However, there are challenges as well. Family dynamics can sometimes get in the way of decision-making, especially if personal relationships start to affect professional ones. Succession planning can also be tricky, as it’s hard to balance the right skills with family expectations. Still, when done right, family businesses can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. I would want my children to join our business because their ages, gifts, and unique perspectives can bring a refreshing dynamic to the business and our outreach. Read more>>

Jessica Cousin

Family businesses can be both very rewarding, but at the same time challenging. In order for a family business to be successful, there needs to be a sense of trust, shared vale, as well as vision. When all members involved are aligned, it creates a strong foundation to build upon. Some pitfalls could be not seeing eye to eye when it comes to personal and business relationships, separating emotions from business, and then possible struggles when it comes to leadership and power. These challenges can be mitigated by setting clear boundaries and expectations from the beginning. Read more>>