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.

Laura Gordillo | Owner/Photographer

My business name is MY name but it seriously is a family business. It would not be what it is today without my family’s sacrifices and support. YES, I do ALL the work, but I wouldn’t be possible to accomplish this without my husband. He works full time, comes home and takes over, then it is work mode for me. What does work mode mean for me? I usually have to leave the house and go to a coffee shop to get on my laptop. Of all the years of being a photographer it has been hard for me to be able to stay home and edit etc. Most of the time I let the house chores consume me and can’t get much work done. Read more>>

Vicki Peden | Owner of the Cowtown Cycle Party and Pedego Electric Bikes Fort Worth

When we started the Cowtown Cycle Party 10 years ago, our goal was to have a family business where we could spend more time together – working and playing. We added Pedego Electric Bikes Fort Worth 5 years later and have certainly met our goal. My husband and I own and operate both businesses, and our daughter Keely is a Captain and Manager for The Cowtown Cycle Party, and Chief Social Officer for both companies. Our new son-in-law, Marco, is also a Cowtown Cycle Party Captain. We all agree we are in the business of helping our customers have fun, and we’re having a blast doing it! Read more>>

Stan Rudman | Clothing Brand Owner & Miami Dolphins Fins Weekend Co-Chairman

I am proud to be a 3rd generation owner of our 4th generation family business. In 1930’s my grandfather Raul Rudman was an expert tailor from Poland. During the war, he took his family and fled to the United States, but at that time the US was not allowing people into the country, so the ship stopped in Cuba for a time and they ended up staying there. My grandparents moved to this foreign island not speaking a word of Spanish (or English). Both of my parents were born in Cuba and led a nice life, my grandfather opened a tailor shop and started to produce mens suits for government officials and retailers. Read more>>

Jessica Stellwagen | Co-Founder Bodify- CoolSculpting ONLY Boutique

“You can’t do good business with a bad partner!” I heard this nearly a decade ago and for whatever reason ,it struck me as something to always remember and never ignore no matter how compelling the possible venture was. When my sister, Melissa, and I opted to build Bodify, this statement was front and center in my heart and I knew with a resounding YES, that we could build an incredible business because we’d be incredible partners to each other, our team, and our clients. No matter how many discussion we hard regarding the possible venture we always came back to the same conclusion. Read more>>

Adam Rodgers | Chimney and Fireplace Expert

We are firm believers that small family owned businesses work non stop to take care of their customers. I believe this because our company is a family owned business. My wife and I work around the clock to make sure we provide our customers with the best options and services. One of my favorite quotes to this day is, ” Behind the success of every small business, there is a family that works non-stop to take care of each and everyone of their customers” Read more>>

Brad Rushing | President & CEO

My father started California Designs in 1979 in Boca Raton, fl. His core values have always been to supply a quality product with exceptional service. In the early 80’s through today our mission was to source the newest design trends from around the world and bring them to our clients. He always cherished growing a lasting relationship with our clients which has shown to be very valuable. This has helped with repeat business over the years and great networking opportunities. in 1991, My father decided to move the business north and we found our home in North Palm Beach, Fl, Keeping our showroom near the ocean and always having our address on US highway 1, we have grown to specialize in high end beach front private residences. Read more>>