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.

Macy Schilling

We are new to the family business game. I have had my own wedding planning company for a while, but we just recently embarked on a new business venture of buying a wedding venue. This entailed flipping our family upside down and moving us from a townhouse in Springfield to a farm all the way out in Leesburg. My husband Cory and I have two little ones that we hope to have help us with the business. Whether it’s setting up for events, picking weeds, or harvesting apples in the orchard, we think it will give them a sense of responsibility and understanding the rewards of entrepreneurship. Not only will it instill hard working values in our kids, but we can pay them by putting money away for their futures so that they succeed regardless. Read more>>

Karen Conrad Metcalfe

We’ve been intentional about building a family-run real estate business because we believe in the power of generational wealth and legacy. Too often, wealth is passed down without the wisdom or relational foundation to sustain it. Our approach is different—we want to grow and build together. Read more>>

Nicole Purcell

I love the idea of creating a family business. Growing up, I always thought it was a really special thing that my uncle and father had started their own business together. They ran an employment agency that worked with the warehouse industry. They would send pickers, packers, and truck drivers to warehouses and work with big-name companies like Gucci and Ferraro candy. As a child, I tagged along when my father visited those places. I also loved going to the office and listening to my father do business. Read more>>

Sydney Klinkerman

Owning a bakery with my sister has certainly presented its challenges, but I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. When we first acquired the business a couple of years ago, we faced immense pressure. We had only a few months to secure financing, licensing, a new business name and sign, accountants, and insurance, which naturally led to some arguments under the stress. Our first year as business owners brought its own set of new challenges and a few more disagreements. Read more>>

Allison Dunning

Family business is the heart of my world—both personally and professionally. Balloon Art by Merry Makers and Merry Makers LLC has been family-owned and operated from day one. My husband has worked alongside me since the very beginning, and all three of our children have been part of the journey. They’ve been balloon strikers, face painters, cashiers, people organizers—you name it. They grew up in this business, sometimes literally at my side while I delivered bouquets or built balloon arches, and I even nursed my youngest in a sling while working a wedding show. Read more>>