Should you go into business with your spouse?

Derrick Carpenter, North Bergen, NJ — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:05:36 GMT

Hi Eve, I'm a regular viewer of the Big Idea & I saw the show you were on. I appreciated your views although they are not my experience. My mom & dad ran a successful printing company, which my wife Dawn and I took-over in 1999. Dawn & I, as well as my mom and dad have found great strength in each other and our ventures have opened new areas for us to grow together.
I would say that to be succesful in business and marriage is you really have to like each other.

Should you go into business with your spouse?

Amy Knight Tampa FL — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:12:29 GMT

Not all couples are equipped to work together, in fact my SBA advisor strongly suggested me not to work with my husband, however after 6 years in business we are still married and working our business. I have seen other couples do well also. They include my parents who ran a successful bus line in Maine. My aunt and uncle who ran a pharmacy in New York state. A previous employer who ran a fabulous medical clinic in Florida. It can work, it just depends on the dynamic of the people involved.

Should you go into business with your spouse?

Ken Harris, Albuquerque, New Mexico — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:03:33 GMT

MY ex and I tried to run two businesses together, both collapsed. The cause: to much ego on both sides, which, as you described, boiled over into the home life. I have now got a succesful home repair business, my customers appreciate me, and she went back to teaching. So I agree with you, that for the most part, stay away from any joint family enterprises.

Should you go into business with your spouse?

Saundra Pelletier, San Diego, Ca — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:13:31 GMT

Great job on this story. I have been hired to act as an objective observer/mediator if you will for couples who own a busines together. I thought this was a smart choice not because they hired me...well that too but becasue they are behaving offensively, admitting the sensitivites and preparing for them.

Should you go into business with your spouse?

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:07:14 GMT

After 12 years of working with my husband - the marriage is all but ruined. In addition, my professional life was compromised because of his simultaneous need for control and lack of attention to detail. He's happy because for him, the money and status are a fair trade off. I'm miserable and may ultimately end up divorcing.