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.

Dalton Tengelsen

I believe family businesses are a great thing! in a family business you’re more comfortable with your peers, you’re likely to understand the families you’re working with and more likely to have fun! When my wife (a photographer as well) and I have children, we plan to allow them their own individuality. If they follow our path that’s absolutely wonderful to us, but if they decide to do something completely different that’s great too! My own experience working with my wife has shown me the sacrifice that comes out of a family owned business. Since it’s just the two of us it’s often hard to take time off because who would run the ship? However I would not trade it for the world, we have so much fun working together, and she really helps to bring me out of my shell! Read more>>

Bonnie Bentley

I now own my own rental hair salon Joy and Lilly after 17 years of being a hairstylist. The name is in reference to myself (Joy is my middle name) and Lilly (my grandmas nickname). It’s located just behind my husbands vegan restaurant Die Pie. I think the reason we’re able to work together so well, is because we both respect each others craft. Neither one of us steps into each others business unnecessarily. This can also be incredibly helpful when you need an outside perspective of the business without the emotion. Being a family business, you tend to understand the painstaking hours and sacrifices that will need to happen in order to survive, specifically in the post Covid environment. I think sometimes people assume the owners are done when they leave. But that absolutely isn’t true. Small business ownership is 24/7. There’s no 9-5 if you hope to succeed. There’s also a level of passion and commitment to owning a small business that can be hard to understand if you’re not an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Matthew Cutolo

Running a family business, especially in the restaurant industry, isn’t always easy—but it’s deeply rewarding. Every day, I get to work alongside my aunt and uncles, who currently own Gargiulo’s Restaurant, and together we carry on our family’s legacy. While some weeks are long, with 60-70 hour work weeks, being together makes it all worthwhile, grateful to do what we are passionate about together. Our business is built on family, both our own and the families we serve. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of being part of countless celebrations for our customers, from first birthdays and communions to sweet sixteens, weddings, and anniversaries. Recently, we even hosted a wedding for a family with three generations who’ve celebrated milestones with us. There’s truly nothing I’d rather do, and nowhere else I’d rather be, than right here with my family. Read more>>