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.

Carlotta Lennox

I am writing this story for my brother Bryan Lennox. My dad and my brothers growing worked at Advance Meat Company in Enid, Okla. My dad to me was a food scientist. He loved experimenting with spices and different kinds of meat. He created the first chicken fried steak that was mass produced in Oklahoma. You probably ate one of his chicken fried steaks from Grandy’s or you might have had chicken fingers served at your school for lunch. Or you may have bought a box of chicken fried steaks from Sams club. Read more>>

Shy’Ora/Ta’Mar Tolbert/Marshall

Running a family-owned business is not a new concept for us. We learned a lot about business early on from watching our mom run several businesses simultaneously. Hustle and drive are what were instilled in us at an early age. Our mom got that from her parents. Our grandfather in particular was the epitome of hustle and determination. So when we started Irenic during the pandemic together in (Shy’s apartment) it was not a foreign concept. -Ta’Mar M. (Assistant Creative Director) Read more>>

April Gill-Davis

My thoughts on Family Businesses, are that they are a pathway to generational wealth. I think that the foundation supports our family unit and teaches our children numerous lessons on overcoming obstacles, meeting deadlines, planning, strategic movement, diversification, budgeting. and teaming. Family Businesses, also teach the graces of life, such as kindness, self-control, trustworthiness and love to name a few. Read more>>

Jose Padilla

In our family we are very proud of our business, we have seen it grow and we can’t wait for the next chapter, whichever it will be. Some of the things that have worked well are: our passion and expertise, we are passionate about Paella and have expertise in the culinary field, this has been a significant advantage in creating and delivering a high-quality product and service. Also, having built our vision on our family values, keeps us aligned and working towards a common goal, Read more>>

Donovan Gonzales

In one sentence: my family business destroyed my family. Let me explain. In 2016 after being in the paint industry for some time I decided it was time to venture out on my own. A close family relative was also looking to start his own small business so we decided to start a paint company together. We hit the ground running and began buying supplies, paint sprayers, and trucks, opening accounts, joining marketing groups, etc. Read more>>