Q&A with Effingham Families in Business together

Cleaning by Design, LLC, Corina Stewart

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

I started my company in 2018 with my sister. She moved out of state in 2023. Now I run the business with the help of my stepmom and daughter.

How long have you been in business?

7 years.

What do you love most about running your business?

The best part about running a business is being able to offer job opportunities to others in our community and helping them be with a company that prioritizes families first.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

The most challenging part about running a business is knowing that not only do your employees rely on you to create a steady income, but their families do as well.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

One of the top rewards is the bonding through common goals and aspirations.

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

Ensure you have common goals, dreams and aspirations when it comes to what you want to achieve with your business.

Tommy’s Pizza and Pasta

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

Father and Son

How long have you been in business?

1 year

What do you love most about running your business?

I love pizza and Italian food so being able to bring a great product into the community makes it that much more enjoyable.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

Food costs and finding employees with work ethic.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

Being able to teach my son the business I’ve been in my
entire life.

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

Choose wisely—not all partnerships work.

Real Good Roofing

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

Father and three sons.

How long have you been in business?

4.5 years

What do you love most about running your business?

Satisfaction from helping people.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

Working in a family dynamic.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

Unquestionable loyalty to our work and one another, easy to do the right thing for others when it’s your family involved.

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

Clear the rules in writing before you begin, clearly defined responsibilities and a willingness to let it go at the end of the day.

13 Stars Event Venue, Ivy Eilerman

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

Husband and wife.

How long have you been in business?

3 years

What do you love most about running your business?

We love having a creative outlet, not only for the interior design of the space, but also for having a place to enjoy playing music for the folks who enjoy the space when we open to the public a few times every year. Our community to use. We are proud of the work we put into it!

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

The most challenging thing for us is accepting that things won’t be perfect all the time, because we are perfectionists.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

To look back and be proud of our accomplishments, especially when you can do that with someone you love while also being able to bring something special to your community.

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

Be patient with one another. Hear each other’s ideas and maybe even consider trying something you normally wouldn’t. Also, don’t be afraid to fail. Sure, there is risk involved but positivity and work ethic can go a long way!

Wiley’s Home Center

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

Husband and wife and then daughter and sister

How long have you been in business?

38 years

What do you love most about running your business?

That it’s ever-changing. Every day is different.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

Keeping inventory stocked and up to date with current trends.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

You know you have someone that has your back and is working towards the same goals. You spend a lot of time together that you would not when you have separate jobs.

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

This really depends on the family.  Some dynamics work, some don’t. You have to be able to work through differences of opinion without ruining the family relationship.

Rincon Pack and Ship

How long have you been in business?

14

What do you love most about running your business?

Building relationships with the community through outstanding customer service

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

Working with family allows for an easy-going, fun, yet efficient environment. Our love and friendship translates to a fun business!

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

Have a strong relationship with good communication. It’s important to always check in and re-adjust goals as working partners and family members.

 iHeart Dental, Erich Perez

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

My wife and I own iHeart Dental together. My wife Dr. Misty Seale is the dentist and I'm the lab technician and head of marketing. Angelique Perez, my niece, is a dental assistant.

How long have you been in business?

We’ve been proudly serving our community since 2019.

What do you love most about running your business?

We love seeing the positive impact our dental care has on patients’ lives—especially when they walk out with a healthier, more confident smile.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

Balancing multiple roles can be tough. From overseeing operations to maintaining patient satisfaction, it’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s worth the effort.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

We share a strong sense of trust and understanding. It’s rewarding to combine our individual strengths and see our vision come to life together.

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

Open communication is key. Clearly define roles, respect each other’s expertise, and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure both the business and the family relationship thrive.

 Harvest of Believers, Pastor J and Lady Nikki

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

Husband and wife.

How long have you been in business?

4.5 years.

What do you enjoy the most about running your business?

We enjoy “loving on people.” Empowering individuals spiritually and physically brings them immense joy and fulfills their calling to make a difference in the lives of others.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

Challenges include promoting the church, acquiring financial support, and finding willing workers to join the fellowship and help carry the vision of the ministry.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

Witnessing each other’s spiritual growth and challenging one another to be better leaders and individuals.

What advice would you offer to someone considering going into business with a family member?

Go for it! Cherish the journey of building something meaningful together, but always prioritize your relationship by carving out time outside of business responsibilities to nurture your connection.

Bank of Newington

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

Four generations of family members

How long have you been in business?

106 years!

What do you love most about running your business?

We enjoy who we meet and work with on a daily basis. Whether it’s helping them build a new home, starting and operating a new business, or pretty much anything in-between, we get a sense of fulfillment from helping people achieve their goals.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

Sometimes the day to day can get a bit overwhelming. When there are so many different things competing for your time, energy and attention, you can really get “lost in the weeds” if you’re not careful.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

Having the opportunity to contribute to something that spans generations. It’s also a great feeling to be able to build something alongside the people that matter the most to you.

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

It’s not for everyone. If you can truly separate the business from the personal when necessary, it can be great. If not, it can make for some pretty awkward Christmas dinners.

Moncrief Square LLC, Ashlie Moncrief

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

Bonus Mom and Bonus Daughter

How long have you been in business?

4.5 years.

What do you love most about running your business?

I love seeing our venue come alive with the events our clients create—each one is unique and full of joy, whether it’s a wedding, party, or community gathering.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

Balancing all the moving parts—from managing daily tasks and planning events to maintaining the venue’s charm. But every challenge is an opportunity to grow and improve.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

The most rewarding part is the trust and shared vision. Knowing you have someone by your side who cares about the business as much as you do makes every success even sweeter.

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

Communication is key! Remember to celebrate each other’s strengths and focus on shared goals. Respect and patience go a long way!

Empire Gym, Mary Cain, CPT, MSPH

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

Husband and wife

How long have you been in business?

18 years in the gym business industry.

What do you love most about running your business?

Watching people physically, mentally, and emotionally transform right before our eyes.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

Using social media and knowing what works on one platform may not work on another.

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

That we are 100% solidly built on the same moral grounds. At the end of the day, we can relate to one another about the good, the bad, and the ugly of running a business together and then put it all aside to play with our kid!

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

I would recommend they have a solid foundation in what their business goals/expectations are.

El Real Mexican Restaurant

You’re in business with a family member—what is the relationship?

Husband, wife, brother, and father

How long have you been in business?

22 years.

What do you love most about running your business?

The relationship we have developed with our customers. They are friends, they are family to us.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?

Pleasing everyone or trying to. Can’t make everyone happy!

What is the most rewarding part of working with a family member?

Knowing that they care, that they are looking out for you, that they go into work with that same mindset as you and even though it can be challenging at times, we as a family are working together towards the same goal.

What advice would you give to others considering going into business with a family member?

Make sure that you get along and that you are on the same page as far as goals and expectations. It won’t be easy but if it’s something that you have your heart set on,  it’s definitely doable and so rewarding!