Mixing Business with Pleasure Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/mixing-business-with-pleasure A podcast about loving your work and working with your love. Mike and Gaby Grinberg are husband and wife business owners, interviewing other successful husband and wife / significant other business owners about how they built their business, why they chose to work together and how the manage to balance the business, the relationship and everything in between. © 2020 Mixing Business with Pleasure ece25a1d-1cd9-5d2f-a3bd-438b480b612f no Ep. 0 - Welcome to Mixing Business With Pleasure! en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:36:13 -0700 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:23:44 -0800 https://www.mixingbizwithpleasure.com https://img.transistor.fm/QkN2SROhg4X-6yV1qO_zsUUb9tOjfgWJyXDeYbz-KdQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzExODcwLzE1OTc3/MzM0MzAtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg Mixing Business with Pleasure https://www.mixingbizwithpleasure.com episodic Mixing Business with Pleasure A podcast about loving your work and working with your love. Mike and Gaby Grinberg are husband and wife business owners, interviewing other successful husband and wife / significant other business owners about how they built their business, why they chose to work together and how the manage to balance the business, the relationship and everything in between. A podcast about loving your work and working with your love. entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business Mike Grinberg No No Ep. 25 Mike & Gaby - Hiatus 26 26 Ep. 25 Mike & Gaby - Hiatus full b6caf51b-b6f7-41ff-8438-4ffb497dee78 https://share.transistor.fm/s/24994df1 Well, it has been a wild ride since August of 2020, and while we have a ton more we want to accomplish with Mixing Business with Pleasure, we have decided to put the interview portion of the show on temporary hiatus. 


As most of you know, this podcast has been a passion project for us, and lately we have realized we just aren’t able to commit the necessary time and resources to it to provide you with the quality content we know you want and deserve. 


Our priority this year is to significantly scale our business, Proofpoint Marketing, and to do that, we have to focus. We have to focus all of our time and resources on setting goals, building plans, serving our clients, building out new service offerings, hiring more people, etc. 


To have this singular focus, we have made the difficult decision to stop our interviews over the next 3 - 6 months. 


But we don’t want to leave you all hanging. We want to continue to provide valuable content for couples in business, but without the extra resources of looking for and managing guests, preparing for interviews, episode post-production, and so on. 

We are committing to providing you an inside look at what we're doing to scale our business this year. We are going to be releasing a monthly episode where Gaby and I will tackle important topics like goal setting and annual planning, remote work, hiring process, and much more.


So if there is a particular topic you would like to hear us discuss, let us know at mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com


We thank you all for listening, and we plan on coming back with more amazing guests in the back half of this year. If you want to be notified when we are back with new interviews, follow us on all the socials or sign up for our newsletter.


Here’s to a killer 2021!

P.S. if you are interested in B2B marketing, we are launching our B2B marketing podcast, Show me the proof. Get to the point. We have some exciting interviews lined up with some great marketing leaders and experts. Follow Proofpoint Marketing on LinkedIn, to know be notified of the exact launch date.

]]> Well, it has been a wild ride since August of 2020, and while we have a ton more we want to accomplish with Mixing Business with Pleasure, we have decided to put the interview portion of the show on temporary hiatus. 


As most of you know, this podcast has been a passion project for us, and lately we have realized we just aren’t able to commit the necessary time and resources to it to provide you with the quality content we know you want and deserve. 


Our priority this year is to significantly scale our business, Proofpoint Marketing, and to do that, we have to focus. We have to focus all of our time and resources on setting goals, building plans, serving our clients, building out new service offerings, hiring more people, etc. 


To have this singular focus, we have made the difficult decision to stop our interviews over the next 3 - 6 months. 


But we don’t want to leave you all hanging. We want to continue to provide valuable content for couples in business, but without the extra resources of looking for and managing guests, preparing for interviews, episode post-production, and so on. 

We are committing to providing you an inside look at what we're doing to scale our business this year. We are going to be releasing a monthly episode where Gaby and I will tackle important topics like goal setting and annual planning, remote work, hiring process, and much more.


So if there is a particular topic you would like to hear us discuss, let us know at mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com


We thank you all for listening, and we plan on coming back with more amazing guests in the back half of this year. If you want to be notified when we are back with new interviews, follow us on all the socials or sign up for our newsletter.


Here’s to a killer 2021!

P.S. if you are interested in B2B marketing, we are launching our B2B marketing podcast, Show me the proof. Get to the point. We have some exciting interviews lined up with some great marketing leaders and experts. Follow Proofpoint Marketing on LinkedIn, to know be notified of the exact launch date.

]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 413 Well, it has been a wild ride since August of 2020, and while we have a ton more we want to accomplish with Mixing Business with Pleasure, we have decided to put the interview portion of the show on temporary hiatus. Hear more of what we have planned. Well, it has been a wild ride since August of 2020, and while we have a ton more we want to accomplish with Mixing Business with Pleasure, we have decided to put the interview portion of the show on temporary hiatus. Hear more of what we have planned. entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 24 Erik & Gina Therwanger- Life Saving Goals 24 24 Ep. 24 Erik & Gina Therwanger- Life Saving Goals full e79fc473-3128-4e90-b207-9168bc378c1b https://share.transistor.fm/s/1207176b This is honestly one of the most incredible couples we’ve had the privilege of interviewing on our podcast. Together, they’ve gone through multiple careers, business ownership and parenthood. Gina has also battled (and beat!) cancer four times—all with Eric as her caregiver, right by her side.


From the film industry to financial planning to now owning & running Think GREAT, their work has definitely been a big part of their shared story. However, love came first for these two and it has clearly remained first throughout their entire marriage and journey together. 


Through it all, goals have been a powerful thread and anytime life derails them or sends them for another loop, goals bring them back together and help propel them forward. 


In addition to their company, Erik and Gina have also founded a non-profit organization called the Think Great Foundation, which offers scholarships to military spouses—a cause close to their hearts.


Erik & Gina’s story is so inspiring and we know you’re going to adore them as much as we do. 

Here are some of the secrets behind their beautiful success in life, love and business:

  • Goals are incredibly powerful. They can drive you forward and bring you together in the best and worst of times.
  • Hardships can lead to greatness in your life. Take the challenges life gives you and find ways to use them to fuel you and inspire you. The things that come out of your hard times may just save someone else someday.
  • Setting your goals is exciting, but to accomplish them, you have to implement steps and track them. The key components you need to think about with any goal are the steps you take, the people you need to enlist, and the time you’re going to allocate to the goal.
  • Lead by example. Do what you’re telling your people to do. If you want them to set goals, let them in on your goals. If you want to be appreciated, appreciate them. 
  • Create a foundation of leadership. Every one of your team members should have a leadership mindset—even if no one reports to them.
  • Be positive for your people. Every leader needs to be a beacon of positivity right now. When the storm is at its darkest and the ships feel lost at sea, turn on your light. It’s not the time to turn it off. Also, remember that this too will pass.
  • Hire people with passion and that want to be a part of the team. You can train job skills, but you can't give someone passion for what they're doing.
  • Life’s too short to try and work with everybody. Your clients have to fit within your vision and your mission just like your employees do.
  • Family comes first. Prioritize the people you love and your time together over your work always. 


We truly can’t say enough amazing things about this pair! Their story, their encouragement, their outlook, their tips... all incredible. We know you’ll love them, too!

More From Our Couple

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure:

 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


If you never want to miss a single tantalizing moment or update from Mixing Business with Pleasure, subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> This is honestly one of the most incredible couples we’ve had the privilege of interviewing on our podcast. Together, they’ve gone through multiple careers, business ownership and parenthood. Gina has also battled (and beat!) cancer four times—all with Eric as her caregiver, right by her side.


From the film industry to financial planning to now owning & running Think GREAT, their work has definitely been a big part of their shared story. However, love came first for these two and it has clearly remained first throughout their entire marriage and journey together. 


Through it all, goals have been a powerful thread and anytime life derails them or sends them for another loop, goals bring them back together and help propel them forward. 


In addition to their company, Erik and Gina have also founded a non-profit organization called the Think Great Foundation, which offers scholarships to military spouses—a cause close to their hearts.


Erik & Gina’s story is so inspiring and we know you’re going to adore them as much as we do. 

Here are some of the secrets behind their beautiful success in life, love and business:

  • Goals are incredibly powerful. They can drive you forward and bring you together in the best and worst of times.
  • Hardships can lead to greatness in your life. Take the challenges life gives you and find ways to use them to fuel you and inspire you. The things that come out of your hard times may just save someone else someday.
  • Setting your goals is exciting, but to accomplish them, you have to implement steps and track them. The key components you need to think about with any goal are the steps you take, the people you need to enlist, and the time you’re going to allocate to the goal.
  • Lead by example. Do what you’re telling your people to do. If you want them to set goals, let them in on your goals. If you want to be appreciated, appreciate them. 
  • Create a foundation of leadership. Every one of your team members should have a leadership mindset—even if no one reports to them.
  • Be positive for your people. Every leader needs to be a beacon of positivity right now. When the storm is at its darkest and the ships feel lost at sea, turn on your light. It’s not the time to turn it off. Also, remember that this too will pass.
  • Hire people with passion and that want to be a part of the team. You can train job skills, but you can't give someone passion for what they're doing.
  • Life’s too short to try and work with everybody. Your clients have to fit within your vision and your mission just like your employees do.
  • Family comes first. Prioritize the people you love and your time together over your work always. 


We truly can’t say enough amazing things about this pair! Their story, their encouragement, their outlook, their tips... all incredible. We know you’ll love them, too!

More From Our Couple

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure:

 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


If you never want to miss a single tantalizing moment or update from Mixing Business with Pleasure, subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 4565 Today’s guests, Erik & Gina Therwanger, are married co-founders of Think GREAT—a family company that teaches businesses and people around the world how to set and accomplish great goals. Today’s guests, Erik & Gina Therwanger, are married co-founders of Think GREAT—a family company that teaches businesses and people around the world how to set and accomplish great goals. entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 23 - Doug & Michelle Myers - The Next Right Step 23 23 Ep. 23 - Doug & Michelle Myers - The Next Right Step full 6e5bf88f-d9ca-4288-805a-51cbc8953e4e https://share.transistor.fm/s/8dc203fe These two found love together before officially founding their company. Although, Michelle actually started her first business back in 2009 before meeting Doug. However, it wasn’t until he entered her life in 2013 that she really saw the opportunity to grow and scale. 


In 2016, Doug & Michelle co-founded Pink Callers and the rest is history! They are the perfect complement to one another in business—Michelle is a pro at getting ideas off the ground while Doug is amazing at getting things done!


Now, this amazing pair is on a mission to provide work at home opportunities for other at-home professionals, parents & caregivers. They would love for everyone to experience the kind of freedom and flexibility they’ve found through their remote business (which is something we can certainly relate to!).


Doug & Michelle are also looking for new ways to provide support to even more home service businesses and have founded the Myers 5 Group as a part of that effort.


We absolutely loved hearing their story and we know you’re going to gain so much from our interview with them as well. Here are just a few of the secrets of their success in life, love, and business:


  • Sometimes you need someone outside of what you’re doing to really see what you're offering in your business and how you can grow it. 
  • Say yes! Take a chance on yourself and say yes to new opportunities. 
  • Just do the next right thing. You may not be able to see the end, but you have to take steps and keep forging forward. 
  • Don’t push your partner. Allow them to grow and thrive in their own way. You don’t want anyone being dragged into something they aren’t ready for.
  • Take control of your destiny. Tomorrow’s not promised to any of us. Whether you think your job is secure or not, if you’re not the leader and driver of your own destiny, you really don’t have a secure job. Every single one of us is replaceable in corporate America.
  • If you have a dream for your mission, take it to heart and carry it out. Your vision for your company is important.
  • Establish which lane each of you will be in and respect those lanes. Also, give each other permission to tell the other person when they are crossing into your lane.
  • Customer service is a key component of your business. If it’s not in your wheelhouse, consider how you can address that need properly or outsource it. 
  • Document everything. Get things out of your head and onto paper.
  • Enjoy your life! Don’t forget to have fun together. Life is short, embrace it and each other. “Hold it lightly.”


The love and joy was absolutely palpable from these two. It’s so clear how much they are embracing doing life, love and work together. We know you’re going to love them, too!

More From Our Couple

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure:

 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


If you never want to miss a single tantalizing moment or update from Mixing Business with Pleasure, subscribe to our newsletter.


]]> These two found love together before officially founding their company. Although, Michelle actually started her first business back in 2009 before meeting Doug. However, it wasn’t until he entered her life in 2013 that she really saw the opportunity to grow and scale. 


In 2016, Doug & Michelle co-founded Pink Callers and the rest is history! They are the perfect complement to one another in business—Michelle is a pro at getting ideas off the ground while Doug is amazing at getting things done!


Now, this amazing pair is on a mission to provide work at home opportunities for other at-home professionals, parents & caregivers. They would love for everyone to experience the kind of freedom and flexibility they’ve found through their remote business (which is something we can certainly relate to!).


Doug & Michelle are also looking for new ways to provide support to even more home service businesses and have founded the Myers 5 Group as a part of that effort.


We absolutely loved hearing their story and we know you’re going to gain so much from our interview with them as well. Here are just a few of the secrets of their success in life, love, and business:


  • Sometimes you need someone outside of what you’re doing to really see what you're offering in your business and how you can grow it. 
  • Say yes! Take a chance on yourself and say yes to new opportunities. 
  • Just do the next right thing. You may not be able to see the end, but you have to take steps and keep forging forward. 
  • Don’t push your partner. Allow them to grow and thrive in their own way. You don’t want anyone being dragged into something they aren’t ready for.
  • Take control of your destiny. Tomorrow’s not promised to any of us. Whether you think your job is secure or not, if you’re not the leader and driver of your own destiny, you really don’t have a secure job. Every single one of us is replaceable in corporate America.
  • If you have a dream for your mission, take it to heart and carry it out. Your vision for your company is important.
  • Establish which lane each of you will be in and respect those lanes. Also, give each other permission to tell the other person when they are crossing into your lane.
  • Customer service is a key component of your business. If it’s not in your wheelhouse, consider how you can address that need properly or outsource it. 
  • Document everything. Get things out of your head and onto paper.
  • Enjoy your life! Don’t forget to have fun together. Life is short, embrace it and each other. “Hold it lightly.”


The love and joy was absolutely palpable from these two. It’s so clear how much they are embracing doing life, love and work together. We know you’re going to love them, too!

More From Our Couple

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure:

 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


If you never want to miss a single tantalizing moment or update from Mixing Business with Pleasure, subscribe to our newsletter.


]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 5002 Today’s guests, Doug and Michelle Myers are married entrepreneurs and parents of a beautiful blended family of 3 kids. Their remote business, Pink Callers provides customer service support to home service businesses. Today’s guests, Doug and Michelle Myers are married entrepreneurs and parents of a beautiful blended family of 3 kids. Their remote business, Pink Callers provides customer service support to home service businesses. entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 22 - Jim & Chantea Goetz - Perfecting Mind & Body 25 25 Ep. 22 - Jim & Chantea Goetz - Perfecting Mind & Body full d60fa3ef-d470-4494-af09-25c9238e0cfb https://share.transistor.fm/s/83964c61 Like many of our guests, love definitely came first for these two! They met over 20 years ago in college and have now been married for 15 years. They are also parents of three (four if you count their business as their last “baby”).


Prior to opening their business, they worked in separate jobs but often in the same industry. 

And while their careers were often parallel, Jim & Chantea are obviously the perfect complement to one another in and outside of work. 


Through Functionised, Chantea focuses on the health & wellness of the human mind while Jim focuses on the body. Together, they offer a wide range of holistic wellness services to their customers.


We absolutely loved the tips, dreams and goals these two shared with us and we know you’re going to gain so much valuable insight from our chat as well. Here are just a few of the secrets of their success in life, love and business:


  • Don’t be swayed by people telling you they’d never work with their spouse. Working together opens up new ways for you to grow as a couple. It gives you the gift of time together to stay more in sync, harmonized and productive at home and in your business.
  • Mix your business and pleasure! Keep work fun and take any moments you can to embrace being together. Have a lunch date in the middle of the work day. Keep a bottle of wine at the office for a late Friday night. Enjoy life!
  • Rest when you can. It’s not easy balancing a business, a relationship, family and life in general, but you have to prioritize routines, going to bed on time and taking time for yourself.
  • Good sleep is crucial. Before bed, do a brain dump and write out everything you're thinking of. Go ahead and make your plans for the next day to put your mind at ease.
  • Create smart, attainable goals. As humans, the more that we accomplish, the more motivation we have to accomplish more. Start small.
  • Hone in on the passion behind your goals. The why matters.
  • To grow your organization, you have to give up some amount of control. Hire help or bring in another partner, but be sure to find people you trust who align with your values and core beliefs.
  • Self-care is not selfish. When you’re the best version of yourself, you’re the best parent you can be. You're the best spouse you can. You’re the best business owner you can be. It all starts from within.
  • Create structure and don’t try to multitask. Focus on what you’re doing until it’s done.
  • Your kids are listening and absorbing the things you say to and around them. Include them in your business when and where you can. Let them learn from you.


We truly adored our time spent talking to this strong, loving couple. We know you’re going to learn so much from them, too! 

More From Our Couple

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure:

 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


If you never want to miss a single tantalizing moment or update from Mixing Business with Pleasure, subscribe to our newsletter.


]]> Like many of our guests, love definitely came first for these two! They met over 20 years ago in college and have now been married for 15 years. They are also parents of three (four if you count their business as their last “baby”).


Prior to opening their business, they worked in separate jobs but often in the same industry. 

And while their careers were often parallel, Jim & Chantea are obviously the perfect complement to one another in and outside of work. 


Through Functionised, Chantea focuses on the health & wellness of the human mind while Jim focuses on the body. Together, they offer a wide range of holistic wellness services to their customers.


We absolutely loved the tips, dreams and goals these two shared with us and we know you’re going to gain so much valuable insight from our chat as well. Here are just a few of the secrets of their success in life, love and business:


  • Don’t be swayed by people telling you they’d never work with their spouse. Working together opens up new ways for you to grow as a couple. It gives you the gift of time together to stay more in sync, harmonized and productive at home and in your business.
  • Mix your business and pleasure! Keep work fun and take any moments you can to embrace being together. Have a lunch date in the middle of the work day. Keep a bottle of wine at the office for a late Friday night. Enjoy life!
  • Rest when you can. It’s not easy balancing a business, a relationship, family and life in general, but you have to prioritize routines, going to bed on time and taking time for yourself.
  • Good sleep is crucial. Before bed, do a brain dump and write out everything you're thinking of. Go ahead and make your plans for the next day to put your mind at ease.
  • Create smart, attainable goals. As humans, the more that we accomplish, the more motivation we have to accomplish more. Start small.
  • Hone in on the passion behind your goals. The why matters.
  • To grow your organization, you have to give up some amount of control. Hire help or bring in another partner, but be sure to find people you trust who align with your values and core beliefs.
  • Self-care is not selfish. When you’re the best version of yourself, you’re the best parent you can be. You're the best spouse you can. You’re the best business owner you can be. It all starts from within.
  • Create structure and don’t try to multitask. Focus on what you’re doing until it’s done.
  • Your kids are listening and absorbing the things you say to and around them. Include them in your business when and where you can. Let them learn from you.


We truly adored our time spent talking to this strong, loving couple. We know you’re going to learn so much from them, too! 

More From Our Couple

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure:

 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


If you never want to miss a single tantalizing moment or update from Mixing Business with Pleasure, subscribe to our newsletter.


]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 4366 Today’s guests, Jim and Chantea Goetz are married entrepreneurs and fellow podcasters from New Jersey—where they own and run a health & fitness company called Functionised. Today’s guests, Jim and Chantea Goetz are married entrepreneurs and fellow podcasters from New Jersey—where they own and run a health & fitness company called Functionised. entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 21 - Jason & Tova Weiss - Better Together 24 24 Ep. 21 - Jason & Tova Weiss - Better Together full 3179c06e-06b6-4348-ba82-66576bd4ac89 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a2f7f281 For this pair, love definitely came before work. Jason and Tova have been together since college and admittedly have a hard time remembering life before they had each other in it.


Jason is a lawyer and the managing partner of the Weiss Law Group. He practices business and commercial litigation. Tova handles the financial side of the law practice. She also, along with the pair’s 14-year-old son, runs an apparel company for lacrosse players called Longpole Life. 


Jason & Tova’s 11-year-old daughter, who is a dancer and dress maker, has now launched her own clothing line, My Lazy Wear, with her family’s help as well.


This inspirational family of four is very tight-knit and genuinely loves doing life and work together.


We know you’re going to adore Jason, Tova & their family as much as we do! Here are just a few of the valuable tips behind the secrets of their success:


  • Let your partner help you! If they offer to jump in, let them. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Respect their abilities and let them help.
  • Just because you’re friends with someone or like them outside of work doesn’t mean you’re meant to be in business together. It’s important to recognize that and part ways if you need to in order to save the friendship.
  • Make sure your clients (and your kids!) know they can come to you about anything. Stay open to communication and make sure they can trust you.
  • Listen to the people in your life that you love and trust. They know you best.
  • Embrace your time together as a family, but also support your kids gaining independence & finding what they love. Let them learn, make mistakes and problem solve.
  • Don’t work 24/7. Take time for yourself. Take time for your family. Work isn’t everything.
  • Continue to pivot and pursue what you love. Find what really lights you up and dive into that.
  • Get creative. No matter what job you’re in, there is always a way to problem solve and find a creative solution. 
  • Consult with a lawyer in your state as you’re establishing your business to make sure you protect each other and your family.


There were so many wonderful moments and pieces of advice from Jason and Tova! Don’t wait another minute to tune in to their fantastic interview.

More From Our Couple


Reach out!


Jason & Tova

Email: jason@jswlawyer.com  | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longpolelife/ & https://www.instagram.com/my_lazy_wear/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongpoleLife & https://www.facebook.com/mylazywear/ | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-s-weiss/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tova-weiss-5226577/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/longpole-life-inc/

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> For this pair, love definitely came before work. Jason and Tova have been together since college and admittedly have a hard time remembering life before they had each other in it.


Jason is a lawyer and the managing partner of the Weiss Law Group. He practices business and commercial litigation. Tova handles the financial side of the law practice. She also, along with the pair’s 14-year-old son, runs an apparel company for lacrosse players called Longpole Life. 


Jason & Tova’s 11-year-old daughter, who is a dancer and dress maker, has now launched her own clothing line, My Lazy Wear, with her family’s help as well.


This inspirational family of four is very tight-knit and genuinely loves doing life and work together.


We know you’re going to adore Jason, Tova & their family as much as we do! Here are just a few of the valuable tips behind the secrets of their success:


  • Let your partner help you! If they offer to jump in, let them. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Respect their abilities and let them help.
  • Just because you’re friends with someone or like them outside of work doesn’t mean you’re meant to be in business together. It’s important to recognize that and part ways if you need to in order to save the friendship.
  • Make sure your clients (and your kids!) know they can come to you about anything. Stay open to communication and make sure they can trust you.
  • Listen to the people in your life that you love and trust. They know you best.
  • Embrace your time together as a family, but also support your kids gaining independence & finding what they love. Let them learn, make mistakes and problem solve.
  • Don’t work 24/7. Take time for yourself. Take time for your family. Work isn’t everything.
  • Continue to pivot and pursue what you love. Find what really lights you up and dive into that.
  • Get creative. No matter what job you’re in, there is always a way to problem solve and find a creative solution. 
  • Consult with a lawyer in your state as you’re establishing your business to make sure you protect each other and your family.


There were so many wonderful moments and pieces of advice from Jason and Tova! Don’t wait another minute to tune in to their fantastic interview.

More From Our Couple


Reach out!


Jason & Tova

Email: jason@jswlawyer.com  | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longpolelife/ & https://www.instagram.com/my_lazy_wear/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongpoleLife & https://www.facebook.com/mylazywear/ | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-s-weiss/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tova-weiss-5226577/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/longpole-life-inc/

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 3226 Navigating law, love and entrepreneurship as a family. Today’s guests, Jason and Tova Weiss are not only married entrepreneurs, but parents to two entrepreneur kids—a first for our show! All together, this family of four owns three businesses—Weiss Law Group, Longpole Life and My Lazy Wear—and they are happily forging their paths in business and life together. Navigating law, love and entrepreneurship as a family. Today’s guests, Jason and Tova Weiss are not only married entrepreneurs, but parents to two entrepreneur kids—a first for our show! All together, this family of four owns three businesses—Weiss Law G entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 20 - Mike and Alyssa Kaeding - A Better Way to Live 23 23 Ep. 20 - Mike and Alyssa Kaeding - A Better Way to Live full 379b459f-fcee-438c-8f5d-db6c82fda8f3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/276efc1a Today’s guests, Mike & Alyssa Kaeding are married entrepreneurs who run a thriving apartment management company, Norhart, located right here in Minnesota. They are also parents to two young children. 

This pair of childhood friends have known each other their whole lives, but didn’t start dating until near the end of college. Soon after graduating, they began working together in Mike’s parent’s business before they even got married. Eventually, Mike & Alyssa completely took over the business from his parents after losing his father suddenly in 2015. 

Today, they’re teaming up to create a better way for people to live through Norhart—which has grown over 500% in the last decade! They’ve also been recognized for being one of the first in Minnesota to provide smart apartments to their tenants. 

In addition to their success as business owners, this couple highly values giving back to their community as a way to honor Mike’s father’s legacy. Their ultimate goal in all they do is to create a better way for people to live. 

We know you’re going to love this conversation with Alyssa & Mike as we talk about their journey in marriage and business. Here are just a few of the valuable tips behind the secrets of their success:

  • Sometimes you have to get past your own ego to see the opportunities that are right in front of you.
  • Your work-life balance will always be a work in progress...and that’s okay! Just make sure you continue to strive to find a better balance.
  • Hire help sooner rather than later. Don’t run yourself into the ground trying to wear more hats than you can.
  • Find your why, but also find out how to make it operational. Your why needs to tie into your purpose, mission, values, strategy, goals and habits. 
  • Give back to your local community whenever and however you can. Also, find ways to get your staff involved in these efforts.
  • Let your partner be involved in the business at the level that is right for them. Your roles can be whatever works best for the two of you. 
  • Compromise. In your marriage and in your business, there has to be give and take. Make sure both of you are heard.
  • Go deep, not wide. Be the best at what you do. Focus on what you do well and double down on that. 
  • Be clear about your expectations, but also be willing to adjust them.

We know you’re going to love this heart-felt, jam-packed episode and you’re sure to adore this pair as much as we do! Tune in now.

More From Our Couple


Mixing Business with Pleasure:


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Today’s guests, Mike & Alyssa Kaeding are married entrepreneurs who run a thriving apartment management company, Norhart, located right here in Minnesota. They are also parents to two young children. 

This pair of childhood friends have known each other their whole lives, but didn’t start dating until near the end of college. Soon after graduating, they began working together in Mike’s parent’s business before they even got married. Eventually, Mike & Alyssa completely took over the business from his parents after losing his father suddenly in 2015. 

Today, they’re teaming up to create a better way for people to live through Norhart—which has grown over 500% in the last decade! They’ve also been recognized for being one of the first in Minnesota to provide smart apartments to their tenants. 

In addition to their success as business owners, this couple highly values giving back to their community as a way to honor Mike’s father’s legacy. Their ultimate goal in all they do is to create a better way for people to live. 

We know you’re going to love this conversation with Alyssa & Mike as we talk about their journey in marriage and business. Here are just a few of the valuable tips behind the secrets of their success:

  • Sometimes you have to get past your own ego to see the opportunities that are right in front of you.
  • Your work-life balance will always be a work in progress...and that’s okay! Just make sure you continue to strive to find a better balance.
  • Hire help sooner rather than later. Don’t run yourself into the ground trying to wear more hats than you can.
  • Find your why, but also find out how to make it operational. Your why needs to tie into your purpose, mission, values, strategy, goals and habits. 
  • Give back to your local community whenever and however you can. Also, find ways to get your staff involved in these efforts.
  • Let your partner be involved in the business at the level that is right for them. Your roles can be whatever works best for the two of you. 
  • Compromise. In your marriage and in your business, there has to be give and take. Make sure both of you are heard.
  • Go deep, not wide. Be the best at what you do. Focus on what you do well and double down on that. 
  • Be clear about your expectations, but also be willing to adjust them.

We know you’re going to love this heart-felt, jam-packed episode and you’re sure to adore this pair as much as we do! Tune in now.

More From Our Couple


Mixing Business with Pleasure:


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 15 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 3997 Today’s guests, Mike & Alyssa Kaeding are married entrepreneurs who run a thriving apartment management company, Norhart, located right here in Minnesota. They are also parents to two young children. This pair of childhood friends have known each other their whole lives, but didn’t start dating until near the end of college. Soon after graduating, they began working together in Mike’s parent’s business before they even got married. Eventually, Mike & Alyssa completely took over the business from his parents after losing his father suddenly in 2015. Today’s guests, Mike & Alyssa Kaeding are married entrepreneurs who run a thriving apartment management company, Norhart, located right here in Minnesota. They are also parents to two young children. This pair of childhood friends have known eac entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 19 - Amanda Greenberg & Noah Bornstein - Waking Up the World 22 22 Ep. 19 - Amanda Greenberg & Noah Bornstein - Waking Up the World full d08d9ba5-6712-457c-b5ce-9f6af2051adf https://share.transistor.fm/s/d879f737 Today’s amazing guests, Amanda Greenberg & Noah Bornstein were childhood friends turned married entrepreneurs and now, parents to two little ones—an almost 6-year old and a 7-month old. Together, they run their co-founded business, Balloon—a company dedicated to transforming how teams interact. Their company has worked with leaders from places ranging all the way from Google to Amazon to the Los Angeles Angels. 

This pair ran into each other’s lives at a very young age. Amanda & Noah were actually on the same t-ball team when they were 5 and 6 years old. They feel in love in high school and the rest is history. They’ve now been married 11 years and have a beautiful family of two boys—one of whom they welcomed to the world this year during a global pandemic.

Before founding their company, Balloon, Amanda was a public health researcher in Washington, D.C. In that role, she discovered the way many of us collaborate at work is fundamentally broken. Business tools and processes such as meetings, email threads and group chats don't address the way our brains really work in a group-setting. They also don’t address how we share information or how we make decisions. 

As a response to this, Balloon was founded to bring behavioral science and technology expertise together to unlock the true value of collaboration by removing cognitive bias, group dynamics and fears.

This couple didn't initially anticipate working together, but looking back, it’s obvious they made an incredible founding team and are excellent compliments to each other.

Noah has a background as an engineer and designer. He brings his technical expertise to the table while Amanda leads on the business side in sales, marketing, fundraising and team growth. 

And while they are total opposites in many ways, these two are completely aligned in work ethic, ambition and drive. They’re continually motivated to find new ways to lead and to help others do the same. Here are some of the wonderful takeaways and highlights of our conversation:


  • In many ways, your spouse is the perfect person to be your co-founder. It can be an ideal compliment in terms of trust, alignment, worth ethic and all these other things that really have to come together.
  • Do your research and find out where needs are in the market. What isn’t accounted for and or being solved? Dig in to that.
  • Technology is not only an innovative tool for the types of tasks we can do at work and where we can do work, but also in how employees can communicate, contribute and have their voice heard. It has the ability to create a more inclusive, better workplace.
  • There will never be a perfect time to start your company. Whether money is tight or your family is growing or whatever...there will always be a reason to wait, but if you feel pulled by the problem you’re solving or need you’re meeting, you’ll find a way to make it happen.
  • Be brave. Make the hard, fear-filled decisions early on. Just keep going and know there will be ups & downs, but you can push through.
  • You can’t skip steps—especially when it’s your first company. Each of those different pieces or decisions makes you a better leader & founder.
  • Define who you want to be in the marketplace, what you want to stand for and what your internal values are that drive the business decisions.
  • Don’t let anyone’s preconceived notions of you derail you from your goal.
  • Hire a phenomenal team. This includes amazing, reliable childcare.
  • Collaborate & leave space for each other. You’ll reach the best outcome with both of you engaged and involved.


We know you’ll adore this bright, hard-working couple as much as we do. Their story and company are truly inspiring. Tune in to hear more now!

Connect with Our Couple:


Mixing Business with Pleasure:


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Today’s amazing guests, Amanda Greenberg & Noah Bornstein were childhood friends turned married entrepreneurs and now, parents to two little ones—an almost 6-year old and a 7-month old. Together, they run their co-founded business, Balloon—a company dedicated to transforming how teams interact. Their company has worked with leaders from places ranging all the way from Google to Amazon to the Los Angeles Angels. 

This pair ran into each other’s lives at a very young age. Amanda & Noah were actually on the same t-ball team when they were 5 and 6 years old. They feel in love in high school and the rest is history. They’ve now been married 11 years and have a beautiful family of two boys—one of whom they welcomed to the world this year during a global pandemic.

Before founding their company, Balloon, Amanda was a public health researcher in Washington, D.C. In that role, she discovered the way many of us collaborate at work is fundamentally broken. Business tools and processes such as meetings, email threads and group chats don't address the way our brains really work in a group-setting. They also don’t address how we share information or how we make decisions. 

As a response to this, Balloon was founded to bring behavioral science and technology expertise together to unlock the true value of collaboration by removing cognitive bias, group dynamics and fears.

This couple didn't initially anticipate working together, but looking back, it’s obvious they made an incredible founding team and are excellent compliments to each other.

Noah has a background as an engineer and designer. He brings his technical expertise to the table while Amanda leads on the business side in sales, marketing, fundraising and team growth. 

And while they are total opposites in many ways, these two are completely aligned in work ethic, ambition and drive. They’re continually motivated to find new ways to lead and to help others do the same. Here are some of the wonderful takeaways and highlights of our conversation:


  • In many ways, your spouse is the perfect person to be your co-founder. It can be an ideal compliment in terms of trust, alignment, worth ethic and all these other things that really have to come together.
  • Do your research and find out where needs are in the market. What isn’t accounted for and or being solved? Dig in to that.
  • Technology is not only an innovative tool for the types of tasks we can do at work and where we can do work, but also in how employees can communicate, contribute and have their voice heard. It has the ability to create a more inclusive, better workplace.
  • There will never be a perfect time to start your company. Whether money is tight or your family is growing or whatever...there will always be a reason to wait, but if you feel pulled by the problem you’re solving or need you’re meeting, you’ll find a way to make it happen.
  • Be brave. Make the hard, fear-filled decisions early on. Just keep going and know there will be ups & downs, but you can push through.
  • You can’t skip steps—especially when it’s your first company. Each of those different pieces or decisions makes you a better leader & founder.
  • Define who you want to be in the marketplace, what you want to stand for and what your internal values are that drive the business decisions.
  • Don’t let anyone’s preconceived notions of you derail you from your goal.
  • Hire a phenomenal team. This includes amazing, reliable childcare.
  • Collaborate & leave space for each other. You’ll reach the best outcome with both of you engaged and involved.


We know you’ll adore this bright, hard-working couple as much as we do. Their story and company are truly inspiring. Tune in to hear more now!

Connect with Our Couple:


Mixing Business with Pleasure:


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 08 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Podcast Mixing Business with Pleasure Podcast 3639 Amanda and Noah are the founders of Balloon. They built their SaaS platform to solve a problem they both experienced in past roles (and we’re pretty sure you’ve experienced it, too). It’s called group dynamics: It undermines the collective brainpower of teams, limits companies’ potentials, and results in horrible decision-making with false starts and wasted cycles. These two dynamic tech founders started their company in 2015, while also starting their family, moving across country and meeting with potential investors while Amanda was pregnant with their son first son, Wake. Listen to get the full episode, it's a good one! Amanda and Noah are the founders of Balloon. They built their SaaS platform to solve a problem they both experienced in past roles (and we’re pretty sure you’ve experienced it, too). It’s called group dynamics: It undermines the collective brainpower of t entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 18 - Jenn Gotzon & Jim E. Chandler - Films, Faith & Family 21 21 Ep. 18 - Jenn Gotzon & Jim E. Chandler - Films, Faith & Family full d5dccd6b-4fb9-46d0-ba5b-3f5f5ec41621 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1f5e492 This amazing couple truly is doing it all right now! They have a newborn baby boy and are also going through the post-production process for their recent film—which they starred in AND produced. We have so much to say about this lovely couple, but we’ll start by diving into what brought them to this point in their lives—where they’re so beautifully mixing business with pleasure. 

Jenn is an award-winning actress known in the faith-based market. She starred in over 70 projects including two Oscar Nominated films, Frost/Nixon and Alone Yet Not Alone. Her movie, My Daddy is in Heaven, broke records as a mover and shaker on Amazon and trended on Netflix, followed by Lionsgate’s Saving Faith—a film starring both her and Jim. In addition to acting and producing, she speaks across the globe inspiring and impacting audiences.

Jim is an award-winning actor who has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS and the hit video game, Red Dead Redemption 2. Jim had a recurring role on BET’s The Quad, AMC’s Lodge 49 and has had 20 appearances on the Investigation Discovery Channel.  In April, his movie, Inheritance was scheduled to premiere at the famed Tribeca Film Festival, but COVID-19 forced the release to go digital. In the movie, Jim shares the screen with Lily Collins.

This pair has worked together on over 15 projects including an international modeling campaign in China. Together, they own and run Idealist-Gotzon Films which produces movies—including The Farmer and The Belle.

Their mission with The Farmer and The Belle franchise is to provide a Biblical pathway to teen girls and women showing them their value & debunking the lies 90% of women believe about their physical appearance.

The film also takes its important message beyond the screen with three products that support the truth of beauty founded in relationship to God: a #Beauty Bracelet, a 30-day devotional and a children’s book that reinforces the film’s message.

The movie itself is actually based on their real life story and we know you’re going to love diving into today. Here are some highlights and tips from our chat:

  • Build your relationship on a firm foundation of truth, hope, passion and friendship—and allow those to carry you through your marriage and business.
  • If you’re a person of faith, consider how your faith plays a part in your life, your relationship and your business. Don’t be afraid to lean into it, but in a way that’s inclusive and doesn’t alienate people.
  • Communicate with your partner about your thought process and let them know when you’re not feeling heard. Honesty and compassion should always lead your conversations.
  • When deciding your next step or your next niche, go back to your mission and let that drive you.
  • Keep working toward your dream and your vision. It may not happen overnight, but if it’s worth pursuing, you’ll get there. 
  • Put yourself out there and get creative with your funding & collaborative possibilities. People want to know you and are looking for your passion in your project or business. You’re ultimately what they’re investing in.
  • Find out how you compliment each other and rely on one another’s strengths. Honor and celebrate your differences, and see how they make you stronger together.
  • Things may not work out exactly as you envisioned, but that’s okay. Your business, your product, your film can still be a success. There are many paths to take and options to pursue.
  • Support, encourage and uplift the value of your partner in all that you do. Mutual respect is crucial.
  • Focus on positive thoughts & truths. What you meditate on and repeat in your head affects your reality. 
  • Be open. Be open to learning, growing, failing and succeeding together. Enjoy the journey!


We know you’re going to love every moment of our chat with this beautiful couple! Tune in now and be sure to check out The Farmer and The Belle this holiday season. You can catch the movie at any of the following platforms:



More From Our Couple:



Mixing Business with Pleasure:



One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> This amazing couple truly is doing it all right now! They have a newborn baby boy and are also going through the post-production process for their recent film—which they starred in AND produced. We have so much to say about this lovely couple, but we’ll start by diving into what brought them to this point in their lives—where they’re so beautifully mixing business with pleasure. 

Jenn is an award-winning actress known in the faith-based market. She starred in over 70 projects including two Oscar Nominated films, Frost/Nixon and Alone Yet Not Alone. Her movie, My Daddy is in Heaven, broke records as a mover and shaker on Amazon and trended on Netflix, followed by Lionsgate’s Saving Faith—a film starring both her and Jim. In addition to acting and producing, she speaks across the globe inspiring and impacting audiences.

Jim is an award-winning actor who has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS and the hit video game, Red Dead Redemption 2. Jim had a recurring role on BET’s The Quad, AMC’s Lodge 49 and has had 20 appearances on the Investigation Discovery Channel.  In April, his movie, Inheritance was scheduled to premiere at the famed Tribeca Film Festival, but COVID-19 forced the release to go digital. In the movie, Jim shares the screen with Lily Collins.

This pair has worked together on over 15 projects including an international modeling campaign in China. Together, they own and run Idealist-Gotzon Films which produces movies—including The Farmer and The Belle.

Their mission with The Farmer and The Belle franchise is to provide a Biblical pathway to teen girls and women showing them their value & debunking the lies 90% of women believe about their physical appearance.

The film also takes its important message beyond the screen with three products that support the truth of beauty founded in relationship to God: a #Beauty Bracelet, a 30-day devotional and a children’s book that reinforces the film’s message.

The movie itself is actually based on their real life story and we know you’re going to love diving into today. Here are some highlights and tips from our chat:

  • Build your relationship on a firm foundation of truth, hope, passion and friendship—and allow those to carry you through your marriage and business.
  • If you’re a person of faith, consider how your faith plays a part in your life, your relationship and your business. Don’t be afraid to lean into it, but in a way that’s inclusive and doesn’t alienate people.
  • Communicate with your partner about your thought process and let them know when you’re not feeling heard. Honesty and compassion should always lead your conversations.
  • When deciding your next step or your next niche, go back to your mission and let that drive you.
  • Keep working toward your dream and your vision. It may not happen overnight, but if it’s worth pursuing, you’ll get there. 
  • Put yourself out there and get creative with your funding & collaborative possibilities. People want to know you and are looking for your passion in your project or business. You’re ultimately what they’re investing in.
  • Find out how you compliment each other and rely on one another’s strengths. Honor and celebrate your differences, and see how they make you stronger together.
  • Things may not work out exactly as you envisioned, but that’s okay. Your business, your product, your film can still be a success. There are many paths to take and options to pursue.
  • Support, encourage and uplift the value of your partner in all that you do. Mutual respect is crucial.
  • Focus on positive thoughts & truths. What you meditate on and repeat in your head affects your reality. 
  • Be open. Be open to learning, growing, failing and succeeding together. Enjoy the journey!


We know you’re going to love every moment of our chat with this beautiful couple! Tune in now and be sure to check out The Farmer and The Belle this holiday season. You can catch the movie at any of the following platforms:



More From Our Couple:



Mixing Business with Pleasure:



One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 3784 If you’re one of our many listeners who loves nothing more this time of the year than pouring yourself a glass of wine, popping a big ole bowl of popcorn and snuggling up to watch Hallmark Christmas movies, you’re in luck this week! Today, we’re chatting with married actors, producers, business owners and brand new parents, Jenn Gotzon & Jim E. Chandler. Together, they starred in the movie The Farmer And The Belle: Saving Santaland and own a franchise by the same name. They also produced the movie through their production company, Idealist-Gotzon Films. If you’re one of our many listeners who loves nothing more this time of the year than pouring yourself a glass of wine, popping a big ole bowl of popcorn and snuggling up to watch Hallmark Christmas movies, you’re in luck this week! Today, we’re chatting entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 17 - Nixie & Rafael Diaz - Coffee Heroes 20 20 Ep. 17 - Nixie & Rafael Diaz - Coffee Heroes full 889fd421-1239-4a85-8309-91ccb89c15af https://share.transistor.fm/s/26cade7d For Rafael Diaz & Nixie Espinal-Diaz, love definitely came before work... at least working together. Although, Rafael claims he used business to hook his love. This beautiful pair met dancing the night away, but most of their first conversations were actually around their family businesses.


Rafael is a serial entrepreneur and has had many ventures with different business partners that all fell through for one reason or another. At one point, he and one of his business partners made it as far as the 2nd round of SharkTank trying to seek funds to grow their high-end coffee machine business. 


When the funding fell through, they decided to go their separate ways and that’s when Nixie proposed to Rafael that as a couple they should  join forces and start their own business. 


The decision to build a business around coffee came easy as Nixie had a background as a barista at her dad's deli & grocery store and as a child, she saw her grandma pick the wild coffee cherries and roast them in their backyard in the Dominican Republic. 


These two love working together and actually call their business their “second marriage.” They say their love for each other, their customers, and coffee continues to grow with each cup brewed.


Here are some of the beautiful and tangible tips from this “twice married”, coffee-loving pair:

  • You have to have the same mindset as your business partner—just liking or loving the person is not enough. Your business plans & goals have to be in alignment.
  • Working with family can be hard. You have to show respect, but you also have to communicate, rely on each other’s knowledge & ultimately decide who will take the lead.
  • Meet your partner where they are. Understand where they are coming from and know you can’t change them. You have to work with them. Rely on each other’s strengths.
  • Sometimes the right idea is just under your nose. Listen to your instincts and take a leap together.
  • Your vision for your business will grow and evolve. Don’t limit yourself to just want you know, but look for ways to go bigger and do more. 
  • Reach out for help. Hire a coach for your relationship, your business or both!
  • Find out what triggers you and own the parts of yourself that make you mad at your partner. You can’t change their behavior, but you can control your reactions to it.
  • Use your logo and your brand identity to convey a piece of yourself and your story along with what you are selling.
  • Learn how to present your product and share your journey with your audience online. But remember growing your brand takes time and be patient.
  • Give back where you can. Find ways your business can support nonprofits and organizations you are passionate about. Growing your business can also mean increasing your ability to give more.
  • Slow & steady wins the race. Take your time and go at a pace both of you are comfortable with. Keep it manageable. 


We know you’re going to learn so much from this pair and are sure you’ll love them as much as we do. So grab that cup of coffee and tune in now!

More From Our Couple

  • Learn more about Nixie & Rafael’s business, Nixie’s Coffee, and don’t forget to use the code LOVE at checkout to receive 30% off your coffee order!

Reach out!

Nixie & Rafael

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nixiescoffee & https://instagram.com/nixie_espinal | Facebook: https://facebook.com/nixiescoffee | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nixieespinaldiaz 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> For Rafael Diaz & Nixie Espinal-Diaz, love definitely came before work... at least working together. Although, Rafael claims he used business to hook his love. This beautiful pair met dancing the night away, but most of their first conversations were actually around their family businesses.


Rafael is a serial entrepreneur and has had many ventures with different business partners that all fell through for one reason or another. At one point, he and one of his business partners made it as far as the 2nd round of SharkTank trying to seek funds to grow their high-end coffee machine business. 


When the funding fell through, they decided to go their separate ways and that’s when Nixie proposed to Rafael that as a couple they should  join forces and start their own business. 


The decision to build a business around coffee came easy as Nixie had a background as a barista at her dad's deli & grocery store and as a child, she saw her grandma pick the wild coffee cherries and roast them in their backyard in the Dominican Republic. 


These two love working together and actually call their business their “second marriage.” They say their love for each other, their customers, and coffee continues to grow with each cup brewed.


Here are some of the beautiful and tangible tips from this “twice married”, coffee-loving pair:

  • You have to have the same mindset as your business partner—just liking or loving the person is not enough. Your business plans & goals have to be in alignment.
  • Working with family can be hard. You have to show respect, but you also have to communicate, rely on each other’s knowledge & ultimately decide who will take the lead.
  • Meet your partner where they are. Understand where they are coming from and know you can’t change them. You have to work with them. Rely on each other’s strengths.
  • Sometimes the right idea is just under your nose. Listen to your instincts and take a leap together.
  • Your vision for your business will grow and evolve. Don’t limit yourself to just want you know, but look for ways to go bigger and do more. 
  • Reach out for help. Hire a coach for your relationship, your business or both!
  • Find out what triggers you and own the parts of yourself that make you mad at your partner. You can’t change their behavior, but you can control your reactions to it.
  • Use your logo and your brand identity to convey a piece of yourself and your story along with what you are selling.
  • Learn how to present your product and share your journey with your audience online. But remember growing your brand takes time and be patient.
  • Give back where you can. Find ways your business can support nonprofits and organizations you are passionate about. Growing your business can also mean increasing your ability to give more.
  • Slow & steady wins the race. Take your time and go at a pace both of you are comfortable with. Keep it manageable. 


We know you’re going to learn so much from this pair and are sure you’ll love them as much as we do. So grab that cup of coffee and tune in now!

More From Our Couple

  • Learn more about Nixie & Rafael’s business, Nixie’s Coffee, and don’t forget to use the code LOVE at checkout to receive 30% off your coffee order!

Reach out!

Nixie & Rafael

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nixiescoffee & https://instagram.com/nixie_espinal | Facebook: https://facebook.com/nixiescoffee | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nixieespinaldiaz 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 24 Nov 2020 01:25:46 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 3223 Saving the world & serving your family with café & love. We hope that you’ve poured yourself a steaming cup of coffee as we dive in with today’s guests. Rafael Diaz & Nixie Espinal-Diaz are serial entrepreneurs from New York with deep family roots in the Dominican Republic. Together they own and run Nixie’s Coffee and are heroically & passionately serving love and coffee to the world. They also have one of the sweetest love stories that you won’t want to miss! Saving the world & serving your family with café & love. We hope that you’ve poured yourself a steaming cup of coffee as we dive in with today’s guests. Rafael Diaz & Nixie Espinal-Diaz are serial entrepreneurs from New York with deep famil entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 16 - Britney & Ryan Crosson - Love, Wine, Family & Fun 19 19 Ep. 16 - Britney & Ryan Crosson - Love, Wine, Family & Fun full fd8dde05-fb90-431c-a2e0-35b0458126c9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0d616dba Like many of our guests, love came first for these two entrepreneurs. Their love story actually began very young. This pair went to the same high school, but didn’t officially meet and get together until a couple of years after. Now, it’s 20 years later and they’ve never looked back!


Prior to becoming a business owner, Britney spent her time acting on stage and screen. And as someone who’s always been comfortable with an audience, she’s found the ability to be comfortable on-camera has helped her teach those same skills to other business owners on the social media stage. 


She now owns and runs Fun Love Media—which provides social media management, content creation and email marketing services to other business owners. And if you’ve been secretly (or not so secretly) hoping to go viral on TikTok, Britney may just be the gal you should talk to.


Ryan recently decided to join her in the entrepreneurial life and transition from a 24-year construction career in Corporate America to being a full-time business co-owner with wife Britney. Inspired by their mutual love of wine, these two own a clean-crafted wine business—and we can definitely raise a glass to that!


As recent guests on Britney’s podcast, we’re excited to turn the tables today and dive into the details of her & Ryan’s story as we learn more about their love, life & work on our show. Here are some of the moments you don’t want to miss in our conversation:

  • Don’t stay stuck in a corporate career that doesn’t work for your life and your family. Other people don’t get to dictate the life you lead.
  • Take things in stride and stick together. Find joy & hope in each other even when the world tries to get you down.
  • Go with your gut. If something does sit right with you, question it. Look at what you’re moving towards.
  • Life happens & jobs are lost, but you can choose to take something hard and turn it into an opportunity to change your course. The path may not be exactly what you thought it was going to look like, but you can still get where you want to go.
  • Keep pursuing your dreams. You are never too old to keep pursuing your dreams or to find a new way to make your dreams come to life. Your dreams matter.
  • Find ways to grow and scale your business that work for you. This doesn’t always mean growing a huge team. You can also scale by serving many people at once rather than one on one. 
  • Remember the importance and beauty of providing a livelihood for your employees. It’s a phenomenal part of being a business owner.
  • Give your partner props for being able to take on different roles in your life and family. The beautiful (but also hard) thing about being in business for yourself is being able to change who is doing what for your business, your kids & your family.
  • Cherish the stage you’re in. If you have kids, soak in time with them while they are little and enjoy it because it won’t last forever.

More From Our Couple

  • Learn more about Britney & Ryan’s businesses and Britney’s podcast here.


Reach out!

Britney & Ryan

Instagram: @britneycrosson and @rrcrosson | Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/britneycrosson/ |
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritneyCrossonOfficial/ | Twitter: https://twitter.com/britneycrosson |
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britneycrosson/  


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Like many of our guests, love came first for these two entrepreneurs. Their love story actually began very young. This pair went to the same high school, but didn’t officially meet and get together until a couple of years after. Now, it’s 20 years later and they’ve never looked back!


Prior to becoming a business owner, Britney spent her time acting on stage and screen. And as someone who’s always been comfortable with an audience, she’s found the ability to be comfortable on-camera has helped her teach those same skills to other business owners on the social media stage. 


She now owns and runs Fun Love Media—which provides social media management, content creation and email marketing services to other business owners. And if you’ve been secretly (or not so secretly) hoping to go viral on TikTok, Britney may just be the gal you should talk to.


Ryan recently decided to join her in the entrepreneurial life and transition from a 24-year construction career in Corporate America to being a full-time business co-owner with wife Britney. Inspired by their mutual love of wine, these two own a clean-crafted wine business—and we can definitely raise a glass to that!


As recent guests on Britney’s podcast, we’re excited to turn the tables today and dive into the details of her & Ryan’s story as we learn more about their love, life & work on our show. Here are some of the moments you don’t want to miss in our conversation:

  • Don’t stay stuck in a corporate career that doesn’t work for your life and your family. Other people don’t get to dictate the life you lead.
  • Take things in stride and stick together. Find joy & hope in each other even when the world tries to get you down.
  • Go with your gut. If something does sit right with you, question it. Look at what you’re moving towards.
  • Life happens & jobs are lost, but you can choose to take something hard and turn it into an opportunity to change your course. The path may not be exactly what you thought it was going to look like, but you can still get where you want to go.
  • Keep pursuing your dreams. You are never too old to keep pursuing your dreams or to find a new way to make your dreams come to life. Your dreams matter.
  • Find ways to grow and scale your business that work for you. This doesn’t always mean growing a huge team. You can also scale by serving many people at once rather than one on one. 
  • Remember the importance and beauty of providing a livelihood for your employees. It’s a phenomenal part of being a business owner.
  • Give your partner props for being able to take on different roles in your life and family. The beautiful (but also hard) thing about being in business for yourself is being able to change who is doing what for your business, your kids & your family.
  • Cherish the stage you’re in. If you have kids, soak in time with them while they are little and enjoy it because it won’t last forever.

More From Our Couple

  • Learn more about Britney & Ryan’s businesses and Britney’s podcast here.


Reach out!

Britney & Ryan

Instagram: @britneycrosson and @rrcrosson | Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/britneycrosson/ |
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritneyCrossonOfficial/ | Twitter: https://twitter.com/britneycrosson |
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britneycrosson/  


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 3420 Embracing change & bucking the system to build a life you love, y’all... Today’s guests, Britney & Ryan Crosson, are married entrepreneurs and parents of two from Houston, TX. Britney is fun-loving social media consultant & podcast host. Together, she and Ryan also have a business selling wine. We’re excited to be diving into a very different topic on the show today that we’ve yet to discuss with our other guests and we know you’re going to want to tune in now to get in on it, too. Embracing change & bucking the system to build a life you love, y’all... Today’s guests, Britney & Ryan Crosson, are married entrepreneurs and parents of two from Houston, TX. Britney is fun-loving social media consultant & podcast host. To entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business Yes Ep. 15 - Julie & Tony Bombacino - Family, Food & Finding a Way 18 18 Ep. 15 - Julie & Tony Bombacino - Family, Food & Finding a Way full 195f6072-0d61-43da-a511-d562257cee49 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fc6a73c7 For Tony & Julie Bombacino, mixing business with pleasure has been a part of their story from day one when the two met through working together years before diving into marriage & business ownership. However, they still say love absolutely came before work in their relationship.


Prior to starting their business, this pair both worked in the digital marketing industry for over 15 years and never imagined they would one day be running a food company. But after a life-changing experience with their own son, AJ, their dreams changed and our family is one of thousands that has been touched by the results of their journey.


Julie is now the Chief Executive Officer of Real Food Blends and when she isn’t leading the charge in the office or working to keep the trains running on time at home, she enjoys reading, sweating it out at barre class, being a Mom and testing her gardening skills.


Tony serves as the President of the company and when he isn’t helping Julie create the next phase of Real Food Blends, he loves golfing, fishing, traveling, playing around with his kids and pretending like he is the next great chef.


Together, these two have built an incredible life, family and business that now helps tens of thousands of people nationwide. Here are some of the amazing highlights and tips from our chat together: 

  • Do your research and ask the hard questions when you see a problem in your own life. Your solution may just be what the industry—and other families—desperately need.
  • When you’re married and running a business together, you can often turn your fear, sadness, and stress on each other, but finding a way to work through it is worth the journey.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach out into your community and network to seek support and get investors. Some ideas can take off with very little capital, but others need large amounts of funding early on. Rely on “your guys.”
  • As a business owner, it’s easy to get worked up over every little thing, but remember the big picture, remain calm and know every problem is solvable. Know you can survive and hold to your belief in your idea. 
  • As a parent, don’t forget to see what your kids are continually teaching you. Their lessons can absolutely change the trajectory of your life and your career. 
  • Having financial success in your business, doesn’t just mean more wealth for you, it opens up an incredible opportunity to give back to your people and to others.
  • Take care of your people and empower them. Make work fun and meaningful. Allow your employees to be a part of the impact you are making. 
  • Remember your customers. You wouldn’t be where you are without them. Never underestimate the value of their support.
  • You don’t have to know everything when you’re an entrepreneur. In fact, you need to be humble enough to know you don't do everything. Do your research. Lean into your network and ask questions.
  • Remember you’re on the same team. Communicate with one another and continually look into yourself when problems arise. It’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. 
  • Be okay with having individual mentors and support groups. You’re in it together, but you can get support separately. 


It was absolutely OUR pleasure to meet this inspiring couple who has without a doubt changed our lives and the lives of so many others. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did! Tune in now. 


More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Julie & Tony

Email: Julie@realfoodblends.com & Tony@realfoodblends.com | Instagram: @realfoodblends &  @julie.bombacino | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realfoodblends/  | Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealFoodBlends 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


]]> For Tony & Julie Bombacino, mixing business with pleasure has been a part of their story from day one when the two met through working together years before diving into marriage & business ownership. However, they still say love absolutely came before work in their relationship.


Prior to starting their business, this pair both worked in the digital marketing industry for over 15 years and never imagined they would one day be running a food company. But after a life-changing experience with their own son, AJ, their dreams changed and our family is one of thousands that has been touched by the results of their journey.


Julie is now the Chief Executive Officer of Real Food Blends and when she isn’t leading the charge in the office or working to keep the trains running on time at home, she enjoys reading, sweating it out at barre class, being a Mom and testing her gardening skills.


Tony serves as the President of the company and when he isn’t helping Julie create the next phase of Real Food Blends, he loves golfing, fishing, traveling, playing around with his kids and pretending like he is the next great chef.


Together, these two have built an incredible life, family and business that now helps tens of thousands of people nationwide. Here are some of the amazing highlights and tips from our chat together: 

  • Do your research and ask the hard questions when you see a problem in your own life. Your solution may just be what the industry—and other families—desperately need.
  • When you’re married and running a business together, you can often turn your fear, sadness, and stress on each other, but finding a way to work through it is worth the journey.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach out into your community and network to seek support and get investors. Some ideas can take off with very little capital, but others need large amounts of funding early on. Rely on “your guys.”
  • As a business owner, it’s easy to get worked up over every little thing, but remember the big picture, remain calm and know every problem is solvable. Know you can survive and hold to your belief in your idea. 
  • As a parent, don’t forget to see what your kids are continually teaching you. Their lessons can absolutely change the trajectory of your life and your career. 
  • Having financial success in your business, doesn’t just mean more wealth for you, it opens up an incredible opportunity to give back to your people and to others.
  • Take care of your people and empower them. Make work fun and meaningful. Allow your employees to be a part of the impact you are making. 
  • Remember your customers. You wouldn’t be where you are without them. Never underestimate the value of their support.
  • You don’t have to know everything when you’re an entrepreneur. In fact, you need to be humble enough to know you don't do everything. Do your research. Lean into your network and ask questions.
  • Remember you’re on the same team. Communicate with one another and continually look into yourself when problems arise. It’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. 
  • Be okay with having individual mentors and support groups. You’re in it together, but you can get support separately. 


It was absolutely OUR pleasure to meet this inspiring couple who has without a doubt changed our lives and the lives of so many others. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did! Tune in now. 


More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Julie & Tony

Email: Julie@realfoodblends.com & Tony@realfoodblends.com | Instagram: @realfoodblends &  @julie.bombacino | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realfoodblends/  | Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealFoodBlends 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 01:10:14 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 4316 Forging a path and creating a company from a life-changing “why” Today’s guests, Tony & Julie Bombacino, are very near and dear to our hearts as their business has been such a huge blessing to our own family through our daughter, Lana. Together, these married entrepreneurs and parents of two co-founded Real Food Blends—a company that provides real food options to tube feed people. We’ll dive into the details of their story in our interview, but let’s just say that it’s one you might need to grab a tissue for. Forging a path and creating a company from a life-changing “why” Today’s guests, Tony & Julie Bombacino, are very near and dear to our hearts as their business has been such a huge blessing to our own family through our daughter, Lana. Together, th entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 14 - Jennifer & Michael Gallagher - Dream Big & Drink Good Wine 17 17 Ep. 14 - Jennifer & Michael Gallagher - Dream Big & Drink Good Wine full 99bf3e2f-7ad6-4408-a7e9-81a1633af41c https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ae43bbb For Jennifer & Michael Gallagher, love definitely came before work. From their first magical meeting on the beach to their obvious passion for one another today, they’re definitely an inspiring, resilient couple who’s meant to be.


Michael is a Navy Veteran & Former Firefighter who followed his passion for wine to create The Mr. Wine Guy Podcast, where he interviews some of the most talented winemakers in the world and learns about their journeys.


Meanwhile, Jennifer started her career in the corporate world in sales & marketing. But in 2015, she resigned from her high-paying advertising sales job to start her first business and officially became an entrepreneur—something she always knew deep down was her calling.


After some serious financial struggles and major life pivots, Jennifer had an "aha-moment"  while on a run with Michael. From her idea, their business—His & Her Bar—was born.


Their friends often tell them that their relationship is #couplegoals, but these two claim that while they find this flattering, the truth is a strong, healthy relationship—just like a thriving business—takes work. Here are some of the tantilizing business and relationship tips they shared with us in their interview: 

  • 10:05 | Corporate culture isn’t for everyone. There’s nothing wrong with you. You may be meant for entrepreneurship instead.
  • 16:46 | Things happen for a reason. You have the choice whether to interpret it as good or bad for your life.
  • 20:53 | Do your research, go all in and don’t leave a stone unturned. Cold call. Knock on doors. Do what you have to do—especially when you have nothing left to lose. 
  • 29:00 | Sometimes you have to get away from everything and everyone else to grow stronger together. 
  • 33:28 | Recognize when you need to pivot and do it right away. Don’t wait or let your ego get in the way. Pivoting is not quitting.
  • 37:59 | Write down your intentions—even if you don’t fully know what they mean yet.
  • 39:53 | Don’t always share your idea when it’s in the infant stages because you may or may not like people’s opinions. And a lot of the time if you get people’s opinions too early on, it can keep you from starting a business in the first place.
  • 47:39 | Stay open to shifting your marketing, your messaging and your branding based on your customer feedback.
  • 49:40 | Be minimal in expenses. Don’t overbuy your inventory up front.
  • 54:00 | Do what feels in alignment with you. Don’t make sales from a lack or scarcity mindset. Do what excites you and what lights you up. 
  • 1:03:00 | Realize your strengths and your partner’s strengths. Then, play into those and appreciate them.


Passion, pivoting, love, and resilience were simply overflowing with these two and we know you’ll adore them as much as we do. Tune in now!

More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Jennifer & Michael

Email: jennifer@hisandherbar.com & michael@hisandherbar.com | Instagram: @hisandherbar | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hisandherbar/ & https://www.facebook.com/themrwineguy/ | Twitter: https://twitter.com/hisandherbar 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> For Jennifer & Michael Gallagher, love definitely came before work. From their first magical meeting on the beach to their obvious passion for one another today, they’re definitely an inspiring, resilient couple who’s meant to be.


Michael is a Navy Veteran & Former Firefighter who followed his passion for wine to create The Mr. Wine Guy Podcast, where he interviews some of the most talented winemakers in the world and learns about their journeys.


Meanwhile, Jennifer started her career in the corporate world in sales & marketing. But in 2015, she resigned from her high-paying advertising sales job to start her first business and officially became an entrepreneur—something she always knew deep down was her calling.


After some serious financial struggles and major life pivots, Jennifer had an "aha-moment"  while on a run with Michael. From her idea, their business—His & Her Bar—was born.


Their friends often tell them that their relationship is #couplegoals, but these two claim that while they find this flattering, the truth is a strong, healthy relationship—just like a thriving business—takes work. Here are some of the tantilizing business and relationship tips they shared with us in their interview: 

  • 10:05 | Corporate culture isn’t for everyone. There’s nothing wrong with you. You may be meant for entrepreneurship instead.
  • 16:46 | Things happen for a reason. You have the choice whether to interpret it as good or bad for your life.
  • 20:53 | Do your research, go all in and don’t leave a stone unturned. Cold call. Knock on doors. Do what you have to do—especially when you have nothing left to lose. 
  • 29:00 | Sometimes you have to get away from everything and everyone else to grow stronger together. 
  • 33:28 | Recognize when you need to pivot and do it right away. Don’t wait or let your ego get in the way. Pivoting is not quitting.
  • 37:59 | Write down your intentions—even if you don’t fully know what they mean yet.
  • 39:53 | Don’t always share your idea when it’s in the infant stages because you may or may not like people’s opinions. And a lot of the time if you get people’s opinions too early on, it can keep you from starting a business in the first place.
  • 47:39 | Stay open to shifting your marketing, your messaging and your branding based on your customer feedback.
  • 49:40 | Be minimal in expenses. Don’t overbuy your inventory up front.
  • 54:00 | Do what feels in alignment with you. Don’t make sales from a lack or scarcity mindset. Do what excites you and what lights you up. 
  • 1:03:00 | Realize your strengths and your partner’s strengths. Then, play into those and appreciate them.


Passion, pivoting, love, and resilience were simply overflowing with these two and we know you’ll adore them as much as we do. Tune in now!

More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Jennifer & Michael

Email: jennifer@hisandherbar.com & michael@hisandherbar.com | Instagram: @hisandherbar | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hisandherbar/ & https://www.facebook.com/themrwineguy/ | Twitter: https://twitter.com/hisandherbar 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0800 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 4317 Today’s guests, Jennifer & Michael Gallagher, are married serial entrepreneurs, co-founders and parents to a couple of adorable fur babies. Together, they founded their business and created its signature product, The His & Her Bar—the World's First Aphrodisiac Bar—which was designed to stimulate sexual desire and bring you and your partner even closer. Today, they’re sharing with us the saucy secrets behind how they work in their life, business and love. Today’s guests, Jennifer & Michael Gallagher, are married serial entrepreneurs, co-founders and parents to a couple of adorable fur babies. Together, they founded their business and created its signature product, The His & Her Bar—the World's Firs entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 13 - Wendy Brookhouse & Kelsey MacAulay - Spending Time & Cash Wisely 16 16 Ep. 13 - Wendy Brookhouse & Kelsey MacAulay - Spending Time & Cash Wisely full 8b89c287-8917-4687-93ee-27097a6e20d7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc3d3a11 With an MBA and numerous certifications in finance, Wendy has been getting people to their financial goals faster and easier for over a decade. As the founder of Black Star Wealth™ and the creator of the One Number Solution™, she knows the ins and outs of all personal and business financial matters. Wendy truly believes that wealth is so much more than just a dollar amount: it is about the joys you have in life and how you live day-by-day. Helping her clients find this joy keeps propelling her forward.


Her other half, Kelsey, is a “man of action” with a successful background in B2B sales. And while they are currently a dynamic duo in their business together, love definitely came before work for this pair. 


Kelsey actually joined Wendy’s company a few years in with the plan to just stay on for a year, but now—a decade later—their business partnership (and love) is still going strong. And when Wendy or the Black Star team needs something done, they go to Kesley first! 


Knowing that money does not equal math for most people - together, these two are changing the lives of their clients as they help them develop holistic plans that simplify their financial life and allow them true freedom. Their ultimate goal is to change a million lives with their business. Here are some of the highlights of our incredible conversation:


  • 5:55 | As a couple, take personality assessments and get guidance on the results to help you understand each other and yourselves better in business (and in love). 
  • 12:37 | Set a big, audacious, long-term goal for your company. This will help give your business a true north.
  • 15:38 | Your short term savings or your emergency fund helps you break out of the anxiety of the scarcity mindset and find joy & energy in your life right now.
  • 17:55 | When you start to think about your money, take the pressure off of where you have been and where you are now. Instead, accept it and take tangible steps to work towards your future wealth.
  • 25:21 | Admit what you don’t know about money (or anything else) and feel safe in knowing that’s okay. The most important thing is to acknowledge where you are to yourself and each other. 
  • 27:00 | Talk about money with each other regularly. The more you do it, the less anxiety you will feel around it.
  • 29:50 | Be willing to compromise. Sometimes happiness looks like getting some of something as opposed to all of it.
  • 32:55 | As a business owner, it’s all too easy to work all of the time, but you have to set boundaries to build the life you truly want.
  • 36:00 | Establish meeting rhythms where you regularly meet with each other or certain members of your team on specific topics. Create time in those meetings to work on the business and not just in the business.
  • 38:55 | Use the “24 hour rule.” If there’s an issue with someone, bring it up within 24 hours or choose to let it go, so you’re not devoting unnecessary energy to it.
  • 47:20 | When starting a business with your spouse, before leaving your job, make sure your credit score is where you want it to be, Also, be really clear on your personal finances to know what you need to make in order to support the life you want. Know when enough is enough.


Honestly, the tips and advice from these two were seemingly endless and we highly recommend all couples working together—especially if you have financial questions—tune in now!

More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Wendy & Kesley

Email: wendy@blackstarwealth.com & kelsey@blackstarwealth.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackStarWealth/ | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-brookhouse-4210701/   

https://www.linkedin.com/company/406369/admin/  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseymacaulay/  

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> With an MBA and numerous certifications in finance, Wendy has been getting people to their financial goals faster and easier for over a decade. As the founder of Black Star Wealth™ and the creator of the One Number Solution™, she knows the ins and outs of all personal and business financial matters. Wendy truly believes that wealth is so much more than just a dollar amount: it is about the joys you have in life and how you live day-by-day. Helping her clients find this joy keeps propelling her forward.


Her other half, Kelsey, is a “man of action” with a successful background in B2B sales. And while they are currently a dynamic duo in their business together, love definitely came before work for this pair. 


Kelsey actually joined Wendy’s company a few years in with the plan to just stay on for a year, but now—a decade later—their business partnership (and love) is still going strong. And when Wendy or the Black Star team needs something done, they go to Kesley first! 


Knowing that money does not equal math for most people - together, these two are changing the lives of their clients as they help them develop holistic plans that simplify their financial life and allow them true freedom. Their ultimate goal is to change a million lives with their business. Here are some of the highlights of our incredible conversation:


  • 5:55 | As a couple, take personality assessments and get guidance on the results to help you understand each other and yourselves better in business (and in love). 
  • 12:37 | Set a big, audacious, long-term goal for your company. This will help give your business a true north.
  • 15:38 | Your short term savings or your emergency fund helps you break out of the anxiety of the scarcity mindset and find joy & energy in your life right now.
  • 17:55 | When you start to think about your money, take the pressure off of where you have been and where you are now. Instead, accept it and take tangible steps to work towards your future wealth.
  • 25:21 | Admit what you don’t know about money (or anything else) and feel safe in knowing that’s okay. The most important thing is to acknowledge where you are to yourself and each other. 
  • 27:00 | Talk about money with each other regularly. The more you do it, the less anxiety you will feel around it.
  • 29:50 | Be willing to compromise. Sometimes happiness looks like getting some of something as opposed to all of it.
  • 32:55 | As a business owner, it’s all too easy to work all of the time, but you have to set boundaries to build the life you truly want.
  • 36:00 | Establish meeting rhythms where you regularly meet with each other or certain members of your team on specific topics. Create time in those meetings to work on the business and not just in the business.
  • 38:55 | Use the “24 hour rule.” If there’s an issue with someone, bring it up within 24 hours or choose to let it go, so you’re not devoting unnecessary energy to it.
  • 47:20 | When starting a business with your spouse, before leaving your job, make sure your credit score is where you want it to be, Also, be really clear on your personal finances to know what you need to make in order to support the life you want. Know when enough is enough.


Honestly, the tips and advice from these two were seemingly endless and we highly recommend all couples working together—especially if you have financial questions—tune in now!

More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Wendy & Kesley

Email: wendy@blackstarwealth.com & kelsey@blackstarwealth.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackStarWealth/ | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-brookhouse-4210701/   

https://www.linkedin.com/company/406369/admin/  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseymacaulay/  

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Podcast Mixing Business with Pleasure Podcast 3299 If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have complete financial confidence, our guests today could tell you a thing or two. Powerhouse married entrepreneurs, Wendy Brookhouse & Kelsey MacAulay, are joining us from Nova Scotia, Canada where they own the company Black Star Wealth. Together they help smart, ambitious people find, keep and grow their money to enhance their financial confidence. Tune in now for their story along with their incredible advice and tips for fellow couplepreneurs! If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have complete financial confidence, our guests today could tell you a thing or two. Powerhouse married entrepreneurs, Wendy Brookhouse & Kelsey MacAulay, are joining us from Nova Scotia, Canada where th entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 12 - Dean & Diony McPherson - College Friends to Tech Industry Sweethearts 15 15 Ep. 12 - Dean & Diony McPherson - College Friends to Tech Industry Sweethearts full 19cd29f8-0707-40cd-ba25-8934c5a903bb https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc9cb8db Love definitely began the story for Dean and Diony McPherson. The two met in college when they became neighbors in student housing, but were just friends in the beginning. In fact, Diony—who’s a few years older—never really considered Dean in a romantic way until one day he stopped her dead in her tracks and the rest is history!


This pair got married young and always knew they wanted a big family, but were open to seeing where the road led as far their careers and lives went otherwise. And while entrepreneurship wasn’t where they originally envisioned themselves with Diony’s background as a museum curator and Dean’s double major in music and philosophy, they absolutely love the life and company they’ve built together.


From ancient history, philosophy and music to becoming tech industry geniuses, these two had such unique and powerful insights to share. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation together: 

  • 9:33 | Having a background in something outside of your field can actually give you an extremely applicable framework and mindset to work from. Don’t discount the knowledge you have—it may be a more logical jump than you think. 
  • 14:30 | Whatever your industry, but especially in tech, do your research! Always consider the user—what they need and how to best deliver it to them. Yes, you should look at competitors, but they aren’t your primary focus. 
  • 15:46 | If you’re looking to bump up the SEO of your blog posts, treat them like research or formal publications. Do your homework, add in your links and you’ll stand out in searches.
  • 17:20 | There’s a time and place for everything. Take strengths from you and your partners’ personalities and experiences and find where you can use them both. 
  • 18:46 | Put your ego aside and don’t get too personal about the way someone is thinking. It’s just their process. You need to communicate your process to your partner, but don’t take it as a personal attack.
  • 21:25 | Do a weekly team sync—even if it’s just the two of you.
  • 32:07 | Consider the practical way you operate, but also what really drives your business. Get crystal clear on your definition of success because it doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. 
  • 37:15 | Recognize that work is really important, but your people are more important.
  • 41:30 | Hire people who really want to be there who you can invest in—not just people who have a traditional background in your industry. Look at their personality and not only their resume.
  • 44:03 | Get help! Hire a team. Hire a part-time nanny to help with your kids. There is no guilt in asking for help. You can’t do everything yourself.
  • 51:37 | Argue well. Learn how you communicate and think about it intentionally. Fight for what is important and what you believe in, but always with the utmost respect for your partner in mind. 


In Mixing Business With Pleasure, the pleasure was truly all ours with this couple! We promise you’ll love our chat with this hardworking, fun and humble pair. Their advice and insight into working together and loving each other well are truly fantastic. Tune in now! 

More From Our Couple

  • Learn more about Dean & Diony’s business, Paperform.


Reach out!

Dean & Diony

Email: diony@paperform.co & dean@paperform.co | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionysia-mcpherson/ &  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mcpherson/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Love definitely began the story for Dean and Diony McPherson. The two met in college when they became neighbors in student housing, but were just friends in the beginning. In fact, Diony—who’s a few years older—never really considered Dean in a romantic way until one day he stopped her dead in her tracks and the rest is history!


This pair got married young and always knew they wanted a big family, but were open to seeing where the road led as far their careers and lives went otherwise. And while entrepreneurship wasn’t where they originally envisioned themselves with Diony’s background as a museum curator and Dean’s double major in music and philosophy, they absolutely love the life and company they’ve built together.


From ancient history, philosophy and music to becoming tech industry geniuses, these two had such unique and powerful insights to share. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation together: 

  • 9:33 | Having a background in something outside of your field can actually give you an extremely applicable framework and mindset to work from. Don’t discount the knowledge you have—it may be a more logical jump than you think. 
  • 14:30 | Whatever your industry, but especially in tech, do your research! Always consider the user—what they need and how to best deliver it to them. Yes, you should look at competitors, but they aren’t your primary focus. 
  • 15:46 | If you’re looking to bump up the SEO of your blog posts, treat them like research or formal publications. Do your homework, add in your links and you’ll stand out in searches.
  • 17:20 | There’s a time and place for everything. Take strengths from you and your partners’ personalities and experiences and find where you can use them both. 
  • 18:46 | Put your ego aside and don’t get too personal about the way someone is thinking. It’s just their process. You need to communicate your process to your partner, but don’t take it as a personal attack.
  • 21:25 | Do a weekly team sync—even if it’s just the two of you.
  • 32:07 | Consider the practical way you operate, but also what really drives your business. Get crystal clear on your definition of success because it doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. 
  • 37:15 | Recognize that work is really important, but your people are more important.
  • 41:30 | Hire people who really want to be there who you can invest in—not just people who have a traditional background in your industry. Look at their personality and not only their resume.
  • 44:03 | Get help! Hire a team. Hire a part-time nanny to help with your kids. There is no guilt in asking for help. You can’t do everything yourself.
  • 51:37 | Argue well. Learn how you communicate and think about it intentionally. Fight for what is important and what you believe in, but always with the utmost respect for your partner in mind. 


In Mixing Business With Pleasure, the pleasure was truly all ours with this couple! We promise you’ll love our chat with this hardworking, fun and humble pair. Their advice and insight into working together and loving each other well are truly fantastic. Tune in now! 

More From Our Couple

  • Learn more about Dean & Diony’s business, Paperform.


Reach out!

Dean & Diony

Email: diony@paperform.co & dean@paperform.co | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionysia-mcpherson/ &  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mcpherson/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 00:43:18 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 3714 Today’s phenomenal guests are joining us all the way from Sydney, Australia. Dean and Diony McPherson went from being college sweethearts to thriving entrepreneurs. They now co-own and run the tech company, Paperform, but the two still feel their greatest accomplishment is being parents to their young family. We’re digging in with Diony and Dean on their journey through changing careers and industries—all while juggling entrepreneurship, family, love and passion projects along the way. Our conversation is chock-full of incredible stories and advice that you won’t want to miss! Today’s phenomenal guests are joining us all the way from Sydney, Australia. Dean and Diony McPherson went from being college sweethearts to thriving entrepreneurs. They now co-own and run the tech company, Paperform, but the two still feel their greatest entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 11 - Jason & Pili Yarusi - Moving with Aloha 14 14 Ep. 11 - Jason & Pili Yarusi - Moving with Aloha full 6832b51f-67f1-4278-8a48-b19ba7552cd3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f1305e5 Unlike the majority of our guests on the podcast so far, for Jason & Pili, business actually came before love. The two met when Pili was managing a phenomenal bar and restaurant in NYC  where she hired Jason after discovering he was not only handy with the remodeling that needed to be done, but he could also “bartend circles around her.” 


At the time they met, both Jason & Pili were both in other relationships, but it marked the beginning of a wonderful friendship and business relationship. Then, after years of working together off and on and pursuing their own lives and artistic passions, the pair finally got together and the rest is history! 


Jason & Pili actually feel that all of their time working together made their transition into co-owning a business much less stressful because they already knew how to do the business side of their relationship first.


From cross-country moves to pivoting careers to starting a thriving business (while also parenting three young kids), this pair had some unbelievably amazing advice. Here’s a taste of how they manage mixing their business with pleasure: 

  • 12:26 | You have to keep moving and keep taking action even when you aren’t getting the results you want. You can’t stay stagnant. 
  • 14:11 | Take things one step at a time. Don’t be paralyzed by everything you need to do at once. Have a plan and schedule, but also allow for flexibility to get in those critical tasks.
  • 17:23 | When faced with conflict with your partner, consider if this issue is really going to matter to you five years from now. If not, move through your feelings, communicate and let it go. 
  • 20:02 | You have to be open to the direction you’re going to go next and continue to learn from every experience, but you also have to balance that with focusing on what aligns for you and what you can be truly invested in.
  • 23:01 | Growing your business bigger doesn’t necessarily make it scarier. Scaling means you can hire a team to help.
  • 34:15 | Know your role and stay in your lane. If you’re parents and co-owners in your business, have an understanding of your roles in your work and your family life—not just when things are normal, but also if an emergency (like COVID) happens. 
  • 40:39 | Focus on getting the best result—not on being right or making assumptions.
  • 42:15 | Listen to each other and trust each other. Communicate when something is wrong. Don’t hold it in.
  • 43:30 | Know you only have the power to change yourself—not your partner or your circumstances. 
  • 45:15 | Schedule your time and focus on what’s in front of you. If it’s family time, go all in (no phones or technology). If it’s business time, go all in on that.
  • 51:16 | You have to make the most of your time together. Make it special in that moment. If it’s important to you, you’ll make the time to connect.
  • 55:40 | Give value to each other and to the world without expecting things in return.


This giving and inspiring couple was such a pleasure to talk to. We know that you’ll love every single minute of this episode and receive so much advice and Aloha from listening in! 


More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Jason & Pili

Email: jason@yarusiholdings.com & pili@yarusiholdings.com | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yarusiholdings | Instagram: @jasonyarusi & @piliyarusi


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Unlike the majority of our guests on the podcast so far, for Jason & Pili, business actually came before love. The two met when Pili was managing a phenomenal bar and restaurant in NYC  where she hired Jason after discovering he was not only handy with the remodeling that needed to be done, but he could also “bartend circles around her.” 


At the time they met, both Jason & Pili were both in other relationships, but it marked the beginning of a wonderful friendship and business relationship. Then, after years of working together off and on and pursuing their own lives and artistic passions, the pair finally got together and the rest is history! 


Jason & Pili actually feel that all of their time working together made their transition into co-owning a business much less stressful because they already knew how to do the business side of their relationship first.


From cross-country moves to pivoting careers to starting a thriving business (while also parenting three young kids), this pair had some unbelievably amazing advice. Here’s a taste of how they manage mixing their business with pleasure: 

  • 12:26 | You have to keep moving and keep taking action even when you aren’t getting the results you want. You can’t stay stagnant. 
  • 14:11 | Take things one step at a time. Don’t be paralyzed by everything you need to do at once. Have a plan and schedule, but also allow for flexibility to get in those critical tasks.
  • 17:23 | When faced with conflict with your partner, consider if this issue is really going to matter to you five years from now. If not, move through your feelings, communicate and let it go. 
  • 20:02 | You have to be open to the direction you’re going to go next and continue to learn from every experience, but you also have to balance that with focusing on what aligns for you and what you can be truly invested in.
  • 23:01 | Growing your business bigger doesn’t necessarily make it scarier. Scaling means you can hire a team to help.
  • 34:15 | Know your role and stay in your lane. If you’re parents and co-owners in your business, have an understanding of your roles in your work and your family life—not just when things are normal, but also if an emergency (like COVID) happens. 
  • 40:39 | Focus on getting the best result—not on being right or making assumptions.
  • 42:15 | Listen to each other and trust each other. Communicate when something is wrong. Don’t hold it in.
  • 43:30 | Know you only have the power to change yourself—not your partner or your circumstances. 
  • 45:15 | Schedule your time and focus on what’s in front of you. If it’s family time, go all in (no phones or technology). If it’s business time, go all in on that.
  • 51:16 | You have to make the most of your time together. Make it special in that moment. If it’s important to you, you’ll make the time to connect.
  • 55:40 | Give value to each other and to the world without expecting things in return.


This giving and inspiring couple was such a pleasure to talk to. We know that you’ll love every single minute of this episode and receive so much advice and Aloha from listening in! 


More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Jason & Pili

Email: jason@yarusiholdings.com & pili@yarusiholdings.com | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yarusiholdings | Instagram: @jasonyarusi & @piliyarusi


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Podcast Mixing Business with Pleasure Podcast 3457 The energy and passion from today’s guests is truly invigorating and inspiring. Jason & Pili Yarusi are married serial entrepreneurs working in real estate with their company, Yarusi Holdings. They bring incredible passion to everything they do from their daily vlog to their business to their relationship to their young family. We know that you’ll adore these two as much as we do and leave their interview with the boost you need for your day! The energy and passion from today’s guests is truly invigorating and inspiring. Jason & Pili Yarusi are married serial entrepreneurs working in real estate with their company, Yarusi Holdings. They bring incredible passion to everything they do from t entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business Yes Ep. 10 - Mike & Gaby Grinberg - Recapping What We've Learned So Far 13 13 Ep. 10 - Mike & Gaby Grinberg - Recapping What We've Learned So Far full 2c07b71f-11a5-40a7-b15f-c14e4c58559d https://share.transistor.fm/s/a9372dcd From relationship advice, business advice and parenting as entrepreneurs, have a listen to this episode to get an in-depth overview of all the episodes released in August and September, and a little tiny preview of what’s to come!


Tips for making the relationship work while building a business

2:10 | Having separate offices in the home, to make things work

6:17 | Make time for each other outside of the business

10:46 | Therapy - everybody could use some of it. It’s not just for for when you are dealing with issues.

14:08 | Communication is key

20:10 | Lean into your support network - it’s ok to ask for help

29:15 | Prioritize your mental health


Tips for running your business as a couple

33:42 | Define your individual roles very clearly, and as early on in the business as possible

43:39 | You can’t effectively scale multiple unrelated businesses at the same time

49:31 | Focus on what you are good at and hire everything else out

54:15 | Operationalize your business to be able to scale

55:30 | Do your due diligence when bringing in an external partner (aka 3rd wheel) into your business

59:56 | Be open and willing to change and pivot

1:03:30 | Lower the bar for yourself. Perfect is the enemy of the good


Benefits of entrepreneurship for parents and their children

1:07:15 | Instill appreciation for what you have

1:12:00 | Instill an entrepreneurial mindset

A few of the businesses we called out during this episode

Dude Agency - for unlimited outsourced web design and development
Closers Media - for proven and personalized sales coaching/training
UGURUS - for agency owners looking to do things bigger and better
Hook Agency - for home services and construction companies looking to drive more leads
ZenFounder - coaching by a clinical psychologist, for entrepreneurs looking to survive and thrive. 


One last thing before you go...

If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> From relationship advice, business advice and parenting as entrepreneurs, have a listen to this episode to get an in-depth overview of all the episodes released in August and September, and a little tiny preview of what’s to come!


Tips for making the relationship work while building a business

2:10 | Having separate offices in the home, to make things work

6:17 | Make time for each other outside of the business

10:46 | Therapy - everybody could use some of it. It’s not just for for when you are dealing with issues.

14:08 | Communication is key

20:10 | Lean into your support network - it’s ok to ask for help

29:15 | Prioritize your mental health


Tips for running your business as a couple

33:42 | Define your individual roles very clearly, and as early on in the business as possible

43:39 | You can’t effectively scale multiple unrelated businesses at the same time

49:31 | Focus on what you are good at and hire everything else out

54:15 | Operationalize your business to be able to scale

55:30 | Do your due diligence when bringing in an external partner (aka 3rd wheel) into your business

59:56 | Be open and willing to change and pivot

1:03:30 | Lower the bar for yourself. Perfect is the enemy of the good


Benefits of entrepreneurship for parents and their children

1:07:15 | Instill appreciation for what you have

1:12:00 | Instill an entrepreneurial mindset

A few of the businesses we called out during this episode

Dude Agency - for unlimited outsourced web design and development
Closers Media - for proven and personalized sales coaching/training
UGURUS - for agency owners looking to do things bigger and better
Hook Agency - for home services and construction companies looking to drive more leads
ZenFounder - coaching by a clinical psychologist, for entrepreneurs looking to survive and thrive. 


One last thing before you go...

If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Wed, 07 Oct 2020 22:43:20 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 4798 In this episode, Mike and Gaby share their perspectives and break down the first eight episodes on Mixing Business with Pleasure. They discuss the common threads and most salient points their guests have shared on the show, so far. And they also sprinkle in a healthy dose of real-life tips and examples from their own entrepreneurial journey and relationship. In this episode, Mike and Gaby share their perspectives and break down the first eight episodes on Mixing Business with Pleasure. They discuss the common threads and most salient points their guests have shared on the show, so far. And they also sprinkle entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 9 - Kim & Ryan Christopher - Guided by Hope & Good Food 12 12 Ep. 9 - Kim & Ryan Christopher - Guided by Hope & Good Food full 8b37f19a-40dd-4981-a53d-c1920d43c052 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d2aa5b3f For Ryan & Kim, love definitely came before work. We’ll let you tune in to find out exactly who fell in love with who first, but it’s safe to say they both feel pretty fast. This hilarious and adorable pair met in college and got married shortly after graduation. 


And while pleasure preceded business in their relationship, these two athletes have always had team-minded spirits and have actually owned multiple businesses together over the course of their long and loving marriage. In fact, one of our favorite parts of their interview was discussing everything NOT to do in business as a couple that Ryan & Kim gleaned from their first entrepreneurial venture together.


Kim & Ryan now run a tangible branding company called Anything on Anything, where they literally can print, engrave or embroider your logo onto just about anything—even a walnut. Kim is the boss and Ryan heads up sales and marketing.


Ryan is also working on a new venture—which is how we actually came to be acquainted— called QuadMeets. It’s a networking community meant to help people take their LinkedIn connections to the next level.


From love to work to starting over and standing apart in a sea of companies offering branding options to businesses, this fantastically funny and smart pair of nuts, shared some incredible advice with us during our talk together. Here’s a quick glimpse into our conversation...

  • 12:35 | Understand the why for your clients or customers. Get into the details and find out what they are really looking for from your product or service.
  • 17:14 | Even if your business is virtual, partner with local business associations.
  • 19:50 | For business owners sending welcome packages or swag to customers, also consider the box you’re sending everything in and remember it can be customized and branded, too—which makes a huge impression!
  • 21:30 | Keep networking. Continually meet more people—even virtually—who want to talk about their business and hear about yours because you never know where those connections will lead. 
  • 27:30 | Recognize the expectations you are putting on your partner in marriage and in business and change the ones that are unfair.
  • 33:58 | If the decision to work with your spouse feels right for you, you’ll find a way to make it work. Don’t be deterred by others saying they could never do it.
  • 37:48 | Stay in your lane and let your partner excel at what they do.
  • 38:34 | Intentionally make time for yourself and time to connect with each other outside of the business.
  • 44:10 | Whether it’s homeschooling your kids or working with a spouse, it’s not for everyone. Go with whatever your calling is and don’t judge other people for theirs. 
  • 55:17 | Your kids get the inside look at the good and bad of owning a business and it’s important to involve them and remind them why you’re doing what you’re doing.
  • 1:00:30 | Team sports can teach you a lot about being an entrepreneur—you can’t be selfish, you have to show up, you have to do the work, you have to rely on others, and you have to give it your all... even when you don’t want to.
  • 1:02:35 | As a business owner, you have to develop your people, care for them and coach them up.
  • 1:08:46 | You can be together a lot and still give each other space and respect each other’s individual passions and time. 
  • 1:10:10 | Find who you are and who you are meant to be. Then, truly be that person regardless of what others think.
  • 1:11:49 | Enjoy your time together and don’t sweat the small stuff! 
  • 1:16:14 | You can be committed to your business and what you’re doing now, but still be flexible enough to pivot if and when the time comes.


It was absolutely a pleasure to talk to this couple and we honestly could have continued chatting with them for hours on end. We know their faith and tangible tips will give you hope and inspiration for your life and business, too!

More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Ryan & Kimberly

Email: ryan@anythingonanything.com & kc@anythingonanything.com | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anything-on-anything | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anythingonanythingllc 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> For Ryan & Kim, love definitely came before work. We’ll let you tune in to find out exactly who fell in love with who first, but it’s safe to say they both feel pretty fast. This hilarious and adorable pair met in college and got married shortly after graduation. 


And while pleasure preceded business in their relationship, these two athletes have always had team-minded spirits and have actually owned multiple businesses together over the course of their long and loving marriage. In fact, one of our favorite parts of their interview was discussing everything NOT to do in business as a couple that Ryan & Kim gleaned from their first entrepreneurial venture together.


Kim & Ryan now run a tangible branding company called Anything on Anything, where they literally can print, engrave or embroider your logo onto just about anything—even a walnut. Kim is the boss and Ryan heads up sales and marketing.


Ryan is also working on a new venture—which is how we actually came to be acquainted— called QuadMeets. It’s a networking community meant to help people take their LinkedIn connections to the next level.


From love to work to starting over and standing apart in a sea of companies offering branding options to businesses, this fantastically funny and smart pair of nuts, shared some incredible advice with us during our talk together. Here’s a quick glimpse into our conversation...

  • 12:35 | Understand the why for your clients or customers. Get into the details and find out what they are really looking for from your product or service.
  • 17:14 | Even if your business is virtual, partner with local business associations.
  • 19:50 | For business owners sending welcome packages or swag to customers, also consider the box you’re sending everything in and remember it can be customized and branded, too—which makes a huge impression!
  • 21:30 | Keep networking. Continually meet more people—even virtually—who want to talk about their business and hear about yours because you never know where those connections will lead. 
  • 27:30 | Recognize the expectations you are putting on your partner in marriage and in business and change the ones that are unfair.
  • 33:58 | If the decision to work with your spouse feels right for you, you’ll find a way to make it work. Don’t be deterred by others saying they could never do it.
  • 37:48 | Stay in your lane and let your partner excel at what they do.
  • 38:34 | Intentionally make time for yourself and time to connect with each other outside of the business.
  • 44:10 | Whether it’s homeschooling your kids or working with a spouse, it’s not for everyone. Go with whatever your calling is and don’t judge other people for theirs. 
  • 55:17 | Your kids get the inside look at the good and bad of owning a business and it’s important to involve them and remind them why you’re doing what you’re doing.
  • 1:00:30 | Team sports can teach you a lot about being an entrepreneur—you can’t be selfish, you have to show up, you have to do the work, you have to rely on others, and you have to give it your all... even when you don’t want to.
  • 1:02:35 | As a business owner, you have to develop your people, care for them and coach them up.
  • 1:08:46 | You can be together a lot and still give each other space and respect each other’s individual passions and time. 
  • 1:10:10 | Find who you are and who you are meant to be. Then, truly be that person regardless of what others think.
  • 1:11:49 | Enjoy your time together and don’t sweat the small stuff! 
  • 1:16:14 | You can be committed to your business and what you’re doing now, but still be flexible enough to pivot if and when the time comes.


It was absolutely a pleasure to talk to this couple and we honestly could have continued chatting with them for hours on end. We know their faith and tangible tips will give you hope and inspiration for your life and business, too!

More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Ryan & Kimberly

Email: ryan@anythingonanything.com & kc@anythingonanything.com | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anything-on-anything | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anythingonanythingllc 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2020 22:25:05 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 5126 Married co-owners, Ryan & Kim Christopher are entrepreneurs a few times over. They’re also accomplished athletes, homeschooling parents and chicken raisers from Kansas City. They’re currently on their second go-around as business owners, running a tangible branding company called Anything on Anything. We hope you’ll join us today for some nutty fun as we dive into their success in business and in marriage. And don’t worry, there are plenty of tips, hope & good food to go around! Married co-owners, Ryan & Kim Christopher are entrepreneurs a few times over. They’re also accomplished athletes, homeschooling parents and chicken raisers from Kansas City. They’re currently on their second go-around as business owners, running a tan entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 8 - Part 2 - Brent Weaver & Emily Pramik - Employee, Spouse, Business Partner & Parent 11 11 Ep. 8 - Part 2 - Brent Weaver & Emily Pramik - Employee, Spouse, Business Partner & Parent full 13e36a0f-4bc4-4866-8235-7e6d1ec022c6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aca00736 Brent was initially running a digital agency, but over time he and his partner ended up pivoting to teaching other agency owners how to improve their businesses, as that business was brining in more revenue and was much more scalable than the agency business. 


This pivot, mind you, happened right as Brent and Emily were getting married and going on their honeymoon - Brent’s first real vacation since he was in college.


In addition to working on Brent’s team at UGURUS, Emily is also an artist who owns a handcrafted jewelry business that she’s been taking a break from while her kids are young, but she’s planning to build back up soon.


From marriage to working together to parenting during COVID, this couple had so much fantastic advice. Here are just a few of the business and relationship tips from our chat...

  • 1:19 | You have to take the opportunities when they are presented to you
  • 3:12 | To know what to prioritize and when to pivot, just follow the money.
  • 9:27 | If it’s hard for you to completely unplug from your business while on vacation, have a pre-scheduled agreed upon time in the day to briefly check-in and work on urgent stuff to keep your pulse on everything. Then, move on and focus on your spouse or your family.
  • 19:22 | you have to support your spouse in whatever brings them fulfillment and happiness
  • 24:14 | You need to have dedicated, scheduled date nights to take a break from the business and dedicate time to yourselves.
  • 28:50 | Create boundaries for when you talk about business, but don’t be too rigid with those rules, so that they don’t become a source of stress.


More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Brent & Emily

Email: brent@ugurus.com & emily@ugurus.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ugurusweb/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugurusweb/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Brent was initially running a digital agency, but over time he and his partner ended up pivoting to teaching other agency owners how to improve their businesses, as that business was brining in more revenue and was much more scalable than the agency business. 


This pivot, mind you, happened right as Brent and Emily were getting married and going on their honeymoon - Brent’s first real vacation since he was in college.


In addition to working on Brent’s team at UGURUS, Emily is also an artist who owns a handcrafted jewelry business that she’s been taking a break from while her kids are young, but she’s planning to build back up soon.


From marriage to working together to parenting during COVID, this couple had so much fantastic advice. Here are just a few of the business and relationship tips from our chat...

  • 1:19 | You have to take the opportunities when they are presented to you
  • 3:12 | To know what to prioritize and when to pivot, just follow the money.
  • 9:27 | If it’s hard for you to completely unplug from your business while on vacation, have a pre-scheduled agreed upon time in the day to briefly check-in and work on urgent stuff to keep your pulse on everything. Then, move on and focus on your spouse or your family.
  • 19:22 | you have to support your spouse in whatever brings them fulfillment and happiness
  • 24:14 | You need to have dedicated, scheduled date nights to take a break from the business and dedicate time to yourselves.
  • 28:50 | Create boundaries for when you talk about business, but don’t be too rigid with those rules, so that they don’t become a source of stress.


More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Brent & Emily

Email: brent@ugurus.com & emily@ugurus.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ugurusweb/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugurusweb/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 2682 During the second part of our conversation with Brent Weaver and Emily Pramik, we learn more about their current business, UGurus. Brent and Emily talk about how they are able to balance Emily's jewelry business, 2 young children, and of course their marriage. All while growing UGurus toward their mission of helping 10,000 agency owners achieve freedom in their business and life. During the second part of our conversation with Brent Weaver and Emily Pramik, we learn more about their current business, UGurus. Brent and Emily talk about how they are able to balance Emily's jewelry business, 2 young children, and of course their marr entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business Yes Ep. 8 - Part 1 - Brent Weaver & Emily Pramik - Client, Turned Lover, Turned Business Partner 10 10 Ep. 8 - Part 1 - Brent Weaver & Emily Pramik - Client, Turned Lover, Turned Business Partner full bbc3e0a9-8911-48ac-a273-038b5edd11d1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c7b61261 For this couple, business actually came before love. At the time they met, serial entrepreneur Brent owned a digital marketing agency that serviced small businesses and nonprofits in the Denver area when he met Emily who was the marketing manager for the Colorado Ballet. She came to his company in need of a new website, but the two definitely got a much bigger return on this investment.


After a champagne toast at the website launch party that bubbled over with a confession of love, these two danced around their feelings for a bit before finally falling into a relationship that led to business collaborations, a wonderful marriage and now, two amazing children.


Since they met, they have worked together in several capacities—including working for a non-profit. 


From marriage to working together to parenting during COVID, this couple had so much fantastic advice. Here are just a few of the business and relationship tips from our chat...

  • 14:28 | Pursue what you love doing. Emily pursued a career as an artist.
  • 15:36 | Don’t manage your spouse if they work for the business. Create a system where they work with and report to someone else.
  • 18:05 | Establish boundaries when you can talk about the business and when it’s time to put business aside. 
  • 24:46 | Whether formally set up or not, your spouse is a partner in your business.
  • 26:35 | Find ways not to bring the stress of work into the house and be aware when you do, so you can make shifts.
  • 27:38 | It helps tremendously to have a close friend that you can confide in and look for advice from who is also an entrepreneur, but isn’t your spouse or related to your business.


Truly, these tips aren’t even the tip of the iceberg from this adorable pair. To hear more about Brent & Emily’s hilarious and sweet beginning along with their incredible advice on life, love, work and balancing it all, tune in to Episode 8 now. 


More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Brent & Emily

Email: brent@ugurus.com & emily@ugurus.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ugurusweb/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugurusweb/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> For this couple, business actually came before love. At the time they met, serial entrepreneur Brent owned a digital marketing agency that serviced small businesses and nonprofits in the Denver area when he met Emily who was the marketing manager for the Colorado Ballet. She came to his company in need of a new website, but the two definitely got a much bigger return on this investment.


After a champagne toast at the website launch party that bubbled over with a confession of love, these two danced around their feelings for a bit before finally falling into a relationship that led to business collaborations, a wonderful marriage and now, two amazing children.


Since they met, they have worked together in several capacities—including working for a non-profit. 


From marriage to working together to parenting during COVID, this couple had so much fantastic advice. Here are just a few of the business and relationship tips from our chat...

  • 14:28 | Pursue what you love doing. Emily pursued a career as an artist.
  • 15:36 | Don’t manage your spouse if they work for the business. Create a system where they work with and report to someone else.
  • 18:05 | Establish boundaries when you can talk about the business and when it’s time to put business aside. 
  • 24:46 | Whether formally set up or not, your spouse is a partner in your business.
  • 26:35 | Find ways not to bring the stress of work into the house and be aware when you do, so you can make shifts.
  • 27:38 | It helps tremendously to have a close friend that you can confide in and look for advice from who is also an entrepreneur, but isn’t your spouse or related to your business.


Truly, these tips aren’t even the tip of the iceberg from this adorable pair. To hear more about Brent & Emily’s hilarious and sweet beginning along with their incredible advice on life, love, work and balancing it all, tune in to Episode 8 now. 


More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Brent & Emily

Email: brent@ugurus.com & emily@ugurus.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ugurusweb/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugurusweb/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2020 08:17:27 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 2166 Brent Weaver & Emily Pramik epitomize mixing business with pleasure - they met while Emily was Brent’s client in his previous business. These two are married entrepreneurs and parents who are incredibly supportive of each other in all aspects of their life—from love to family to work to fun. And while they both love and adore each other and their work, they also know how to prioritize recharging and pursuing personal passions. So come and take a ride with these two today! Brent Weaver & Emily Pramik epitomize mixing business with pleasure - they met while Emily was Brent’s client in his previous business. These two are married entrepreneurs and parents who are incredibly supportive of each other in all aspects of their entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 7 - Part 2 - Mickeli & Allison Bedore - Bringing on an Outside Partner 9 9 Ep. 7 - Part 2 - Mickeli & Allison Bedore - Bringing on an Outside Partner full cce6481a-847c-4939-afcc-180787fcf61e https://share.transistor.fm/s/665c2c5c We had so much fun talking to Mickeli and Allison, that we completely lost track of time. So this is the second part of our conversation.

Make sure you listen to part 1 of this amazing conversation, to get the origin story of these couplepreneurs and all the lessons they learned along the way.


These two have been hard at work building new service and program offerings for Closers Media, and since this episode was recorded, Gaby and I actually became their clients (or more accurately, Proofpoint Marketing did).


These guys are rock stars at helping entrepreneurs and businesses drive revenue by learning the art of the close.


It hasn’t necessarily been a straight-line path to get here for these two, and they have gone against the grain a number of times to achieve success.


Here are a few nuggets they shared when it comes to starting and running your own business...

  • 00:41 |  You need to carefully evaluate your strengths and play to those. Then bring in or partner with people who fill in the major gaps.
  • 2:35 |  Conventional wisdom says that husband and wife teams shouldn’t bring on an outside partner into the business. But sometimes you need to trust your gut.
  • 3:43 |  A business partnership is like a marriage to a certain extent. 
  • 5:44 |  Write that ops agreement like a prenup.
  • 10:05 |  Be very objective when selecting a partner - write out a job description.
  • 16:24 |  Work-life balance doesn’t really exist. Being an entrepreneur means you have to be ok with a bit of imbalance
  • 27:00 |  Entrepreneur parents can show their children how “people can make fire with their hands”
  • 32:41 |  Your kids don’t really care about how “successful” you are. They care about how you behave, what you taught them and how you spent time with them. We sometimes put too much emphasis on business success.
  • 38:57 |  Make sure you actually enjoy what you do and that you enjoy working together
  • 40:30 |  Make sure that what you are doing is something you are really good at, because then it’s easy and fun. Just because you like fishing doesn't mean you sell fishing tackle successfully


To hear more amazing advice and learn about their journey as business owners, parents and people, tune into the podcast now. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this vibrant, hilarious couple! 


More From Our Couple

Reach out!

Mickeli & Allison

Email: mickeli@closersmedia.com & allison@closersmedia.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClosersMediaLLC/  | Twitter: @closersmediallc   | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffeeclosers/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> We had so much fun talking to Mickeli and Allison, that we completely lost track of time. So this is the second part of our conversation.

Make sure you listen to part 1 of this amazing conversation, to get the origin story of these couplepreneurs and all the lessons they learned along the way.


These two have been hard at work building new service and program offerings for Closers Media, and since this episode was recorded, Gaby and I actually became their clients (or more accurately, Proofpoint Marketing did).


These guys are rock stars at helping entrepreneurs and businesses drive revenue by learning the art of the close.


It hasn’t necessarily been a straight-line path to get here for these two, and they have gone against the grain a number of times to achieve success.


Here are a few nuggets they shared when it comes to starting and running your own business...

  • 00:41 |  You need to carefully evaluate your strengths and play to those. Then bring in or partner with people who fill in the major gaps.
  • 2:35 |  Conventional wisdom says that husband and wife teams shouldn’t bring on an outside partner into the business. But sometimes you need to trust your gut.
  • 3:43 |  A business partnership is like a marriage to a certain extent. 
  • 5:44 |  Write that ops agreement like a prenup.
  • 10:05 |  Be very objective when selecting a partner - write out a job description.
  • 16:24 |  Work-life balance doesn’t really exist. Being an entrepreneur means you have to be ok with a bit of imbalance
  • 27:00 |  Entrepreneur parents can show their children how “people can make fire with their hands”
  • 32:41 |  Your kids don’t really care about how “successful” you are. They care about how you behave, what you taught them and how you spent time with them. We sometimes put too much emphasis on business success.
  • 38:57 |  Make sure you actually enjoy what you do and that you enjoy working together
  • 40:30 |  Make sure that what you are doing is something you are really good at, because then it’s easy and fun. Just because you like fishing doesn't mean you sell fishing tackle successfully


To hear more amazing advice and learn about their journey as business owners, parents and people, tune into the podcast now. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this vibrant, hilarious couple! 


More From Our Couple

Reach out!

Mickeli & Allison

Email: mickeli@closersmedia.com & allison@closersmedia.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClosersMediaLLC/  | Twitter: @closersmediallc   | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffeeclosers/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 2834 Mickeli & Allison Bedore are married serial entrepreneurs who left behind their successful corporate careers to start numerous businesses together while also parenting their two amazing kids. Current co-owners of Closers Media, they brought on an outside business partner, which really accelerated their business. If you haven't already, make sure you listen to part 1 of this conversation, to learn how these two got to where they are and the lessons they learned along the way. Mickeli & Allison Bedore are married serial entrepreneurs who left behind their successful corporate careers to start numerous businesses together while also parenting their two amazing kids. Current co-owners of Closers Media, they brought on an outs entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 7 - Part 1 - Mickeli & Allison Bedore - Taking Risks & Having Hope 8 8 Ep. 7 - Part 1 - Mickeli & Allison Bedore - Taking Risks & Having Hope full 14b8df07-33c7-42aa-a332-e7b502111fd9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/887549fe For Mickeli & Allison, love definitely came first in their journey. With backgrounds as an architect and a software salesman, this happily married pair didn’t initially feel pulled to the entrepreneurial lifestyle. 


Although Allison came from a family filled with business owners, she was extremely happy in her architecture career at the beginning of their marriage. And it was actually Mickeli who first dipped his toe into the entrepreneurial water.


Fast forward to today, where they’ve gone through the process of launching several businesses and now co-own and run Closers Media—a company that helps business leaders increase their revenue by mastering the art of closing the deal. They also host an incredible podcast, Coffee & Closers.


Through ups and downs in each of their ventures, they’ve remained connected, inventive and learned a lot along the way. One thing is for sure, these two are not afraid to take a chance in business and they always have each other’s back.


Here are a few nuggets they shared when it comes to starting and running your own business...

  • 10:03 |  If you’re going to go into a partnership with someone, you need to understand where everyone’s heart is at—not just where everyone’s checkbook or skill set is at.
  • 14:47 |  Design thinking applies to more than just design work
  • Recognize what comes naturally to you, but also see the things that you can’t do well. Then, find somebody who can do those things for your business and take care of those people.
  • 29:37 |  If you are going to build multiple businesses, there needs to be some overlap. Otherwise, make sure that you have your main hustle and your side hustle and don’t mix the two up.
  • 41:41 |  Don’t get hung up on the “failures” or the ones that don’t work out. You’re always learning something valuable for the future and pivoting into something better.

To hear more amazing advice and learn about their journey as business owners, parents and people, tune into the podcast now. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this vibrant, hilarious couple! 


More From Our Couple

Reach out!

Mickeli & Allison

Email: mickeli@closersmedia.com & allison@closersmedia.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClosersMediaLLC/  | Twitter: @closersmediallc   | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffeeclosers/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> For Mickeli & Allison, love definitely came first in their journey. With backgrounds as an architect and a software salesman, this happily married pair didn’t initially feel pulled to the entrepreneurial lifestyle. 


Although Allison came from a family filled with business owners, she was extremely happy in her architecture career at the beginning of their marriage. And it was actually Mickeli who first dipped his toe into the entrepreneurial water.


Fast forward to today, where they’ve gone through the process of launching several businesses and now co-own and run Closers Media—a company that helps business leaders increase their revenue by mastering the art of closing the deal. They also host an incredible podcast, Coffee & Closers.


Through ups and downs in each of their ventures, they’ve remained connected, inventive and learned a lot along the way. One thing is for sure, these two are not afraid to take a chance in business and they always have each other’s back.


Here are a few nuggets they shared when it comes to starting and running your own business...

  • 10:03 |  If you’re going to go into a partnership with someone, you need to understand where everyone’s heart is at—not just where everyone’s checkbook or skill set is at.
  • 14:47 |  Design thinking applies to more than just design work
  • Recognize what comes naturally to you, but also see the things that you can’t do well. Then, find somebody who can do those things for your business and take care of those people.
  • 29:37 |  If you are going to build multiple businesses, there needs to be some overlap. Otherwise, make sure that you have your main hustle and your side hustle and don’t mix the two up.
  • 41:41 |  Don’t get hung up on the “failures” or the ones that don’t work out. You’re always learning something valuable for the future and pivoting into something better.

To hear more amazing advice and learn about their journey as business owners, parents and people, tune into the podcast now. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this vibrant, hilarious couple! 


More From Our Couple

Reach out!

Mickeli & Allison

Email: mickeli@closersmedia.com & allison@closersmedia.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClosersMediaLLC/  | Twitter: @closersmediallc   | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffeeclosers/ 


Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 


One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 2972 Mickeli & Allison Bedore are married serial entrepreneurs who left behind their successful corporate careers to start numerous businesses together while also parenting their two amazing kids. Current co-owners of Closers Media, this busy pair may have their hands full, but they certainly still know how to hold onto hope, take risks and have fun. Mickeli & Allison Bedore are married serial entrepreneurs who left behind their successful corporate careers to start numerous businesses together while also parenting their two amazing kids. Current co-owners of Closers Media, this busy pair may have entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 6 - Eric and Nancy Flom - Building a Team with Grit 7 7 Ep. 6 - Eric and Nancy Flom - Building a Team with Grit full 7c8b04a0-d3e2-4321-ad58-a959d31dc1fa https://share.transistor.fm/s/1c8dfdaf For Eric & Nancy, love definitely came before work. These high school sweethearts were just 14 years old when they met before freshman year. 


And while Eric never imagined himself a business owner, Nancy was born into the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Her family runs their own flooring business that Eric actually worked for after graduating high school. He continued there off and on over college breaks before he entered the design world himself.


Meanwhile, Nancy—who had fallen deeply in love both with Eric and with interior design at a young age—went to school and pursued roles with other companies in interior and commercial design before she “came home” to the family business. There she got a glimpse into what it takes to run a company and into the technical side of the flooring biz.


Now, the two run their own full-service residential and commercial flooring company that focuses on serving interior designers and contractors—the best of both worlds in their opinion! (And don’t worry, their business does NOT compete with Nancy’s family business. We checked. 😉)


These two lovers and business owners have been together for 39 years total and married for 32 of those. They graciously divulged a few secrets to their relationship success with us...

  • Commit to keeping things fresh and exciting. Never stop “dating.”
  • Find traditions (like weekend getaways) that focus on your relationship and quality time together.
  • Carve out time together without distractions—even something as simple as sitting outside at the end of the day to enjoy a glass of wine & kid-free conversation.


In addition to building each other up, they have become experts in cultivating and nurturing a team as well. 


After 20 years in their industry, Eric & Nancy felt the need for a cultural change in their own business and dug deep into becoming even better at what they do—for themselves, their team and their clients. Here’s some of the advice they gleaned from that experience...

  • Never assume because you’ve been in your business for a long time that you know everything or that there isn’t a better way. Keep learning.
  • Consult experts and get outside of yourself when it comes to business advice.
  • Come back to your mission statement & vision and update it as you grow.
  • Get crystal clear on your own job descriptions along with your team’s job descriptions and how you’re holding them accountable. This way you don’t micromanage.
  • Have an open door policy and let your team bring ideas to you. You get better results and it cuts down on drama (which no one has time for!).


This pair also highlighted the importance of making an impact outside of their team through their involvement in “Design for a Difference”—where they help to guide the efforts of interior designers and others in their community as they makeover local non-profit spaces. The work they’re doing for these groups is truly incredible!


Honestly, we could go on and on with the advice, wisdom & kindness we gained from this lovely and loving couple, but we’ll leave it here so you can tune into this week’s episode for yourself. You don’t want to miss it!

More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Eric & Nancy Flom

Email: info@intersource-inc.com | Facebook: https://facebook.com/IntersourceInc  | Twitter: @INTERSOURCEinc

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> For Eric & Nancy, love definitely came before work. These high school sweethearts were just 14 years old when they met before freshman year. 


And while Eric never imagined himself a business owner, Nancy was born into the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Her family runs their own flooring business that Eric actually worked for after graduating high school. He continued there off and on over college breaks before he entered the design world himself.


Meanwhile, Nancy—who had fallen deeply in love both with Eric and with interior design at a young age—went to school and pursued roles with other companies in interior and commercial design before she “came home” to the family business. There she got a glimpse into what it takes to run a company and into the technical side of the flooring biz.


Now, the two run their own full-service residential and commercial flooring company that focuses on serving interior designers and contractors—the best of both worlds in their opinion! (And don’t worry, their business does NOT compete with Nancy’s family business. We checked. 😉)


These two lovers and business owners have been together for 39 years total and married for 32 of those. They graciously divulged a few secrets to their relationship success with us...

  • Commit to keeping things fresh and exciting. Never stop “dating.”
  • Find traditions (like weekend getaways) that focus on your relationship and quality time together.
  • Carve out time together without distractions—even something as simple as sitting outside at the end of the day to enjoy a glass of wine & kid-free conversation.


In addition to building each other up, they have become experts in cultivating and nurturing a team as well. 


After 20 years in their industry, Eric & Nancy felt the need for a cultural change in their own business and dug deep into becoming even better at what they do—for themselves, their team and their clients. Here’s some of the advice they gleaned from that experience...

  • Never assume because you’ve been in your business for a long time that you know everything or that there isn’t a better way. Keep learning.
  • Consult experts and get outside of yourself when it comes to business advice.
  • Come back to your mission statement & vision and update it as you grow.
  • Get crystal clear on your own job descriptions along with your team’s job descriptions and how you’re holding them accountable. This way you don’t micromanage.
  • Have an open door policy and let your team bring ideas to you. You get better results and it cuts down on drama (which no one has time for!).


This pair also highlighted the importance of making an impact outside of their team through their involvement in “Design for a Difference”—where they help to guide the efforts of interior designers and others in their community as they makeover local non-profit spaces. The work they’re doing for these groups is truly incredible!


Honestly, we could go on and on with the advice, wisdom & kindness we gained from this lovely and loving couple, but we’ll leave it here so you can tune into this week’s episode for yourself. You don’t want to miss it!

More From Our Couple


Reach out!

Eric & Nancy Flom

Email: info@intersource-inc.com | Facebook: https://facebook.com/IntersourceInc  | Twitter: @INTERSOURCEinc

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 15 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 3544 The creative and committed Eric & Nancy Flom are parents, designers and married entrepreneurs who co-own Intersource, Inc.—a flooring company in Minneapolis. These two fell in love young and their 39-year-long relationship has flourished right alongside their design dreams, their family and their business. The creative and committed Eric & Nancy Flom are parents, designers and married entrepreneurs who co-own Intersource, Inc.—a flooring company in Minneapolis. These two fell in love young and their 39-year-long relationship has flourished right alongsi entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 5 - Rob & Sherry Walling - Hope in a F***-ed Up World 6 6 Ep. 5 - Rob & Sherry Walling - Hope in a F***-ed Up World full 0f094b24-ac73-4267-bc74-abd7c08d3c60 https://share.transistor.fm/s/97569473 These two powerhouses fell in love before they fell into business together. But even when Rob & Sherry met on their college track team, they were just as serious about running their race then as they are now - several businesses later.


Today, they continue sprinting forward together as they support each other and countless other founders and entrepreneurs on their paths.


Rob has helped tens of thousands of startup founders through his numerous co-authored books (one with Sherry), 2 podcasts, and dozens of conferences & essays. He’s invested in 36 startups, and has built 7 businesses to six- and seven-figures in revenue...but has only taken investment once. His current projects include TinySeed, MicroConf, and the Startups for the Rest of Us podcast.


Sherry has a PhD in clinical psychology and two masters degrees. She’s the founder of Zen Founder - the antidote to burnout, anxiety and loneliness that so often accompanies the entrepreneurial journey. She currently manages it while hosting a podcast by the same name as well. She’s also written an amazing book called, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your S**t Together. (Trust us, you’re going to want to add it to your Amazon cart now!)


It’s a mind-boggling amount for anyone to juggle - much less successfully scale while also being devoted love partners and incredible parents. Thankfully, they shared some of their success secrets with us! Here are a few to get you started...

  • Lean into your support. You need people you can trust.
  • Focus on a limited number of projects at a time or things will start to fall off. Nothing quality in your life from business to relationships can operate on auto-pilot.
  • Have balance in your life outside of work. It’s healthy to have work projects, but also to spend time invested in family and passion projects or hobbies. 
  • Don’t try to fire on all cylinders on everything at once. It will just set you up to become burnt out and frazzled.
  • Do things for yourself that are live-giving and that keep you nourished & well.

For even more tips on managing it all with your partner in love, you don’t want to miss our conversation with this phenomenally Zen dynamic duo! It was an honor to host them on our podcast and we know you’ll love them as much as we do.

More From Our Couple

Reach out!

Rob & Sherry Walling

Email: rob@startsmall.com & sherry@zenfounder.com | Twitter: @zenfounder & @robwalling

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

]]> These two powerhouses fell in love before they fell into business together. But even when Rob & Sherry met on their college track team, they were just as serious about running their race then as they are now - several businesses later.


Today, they continue sprinting forward together as they support each other and countless other founders and entrepreneurs on their paths.


Rob has helped tens of thousands of startup founders through his numerous co-authored books (one with Sherry), 2 podcasts, and dozens of conferences & essays. He’s invested in 36 startups, and has built 7 businesses to six- and seven-figures in revenue...but has only taken investment once. His current projects include TinySeed, MicroConf, and the Startups for the Rest of Us podcast.


Sherry has a PhD in clinical psychology and two masters degrees. She’s the founder of Zen Founder - the antidote to burnout, anxiety and loneliness that so often accompanies the entrepreneurial journey. She currently manages it while hosting a podcast by the same name as well. She’s also written an amazing book called, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your S**t Together. (Trust us, you’re going to want to add it to your Amazon cart now!)


It’s a mind-boggling amount for anyone to juggle - much less successfully scale while also being devoted love partners and incredible parents. Thankfully, they shared some of their success secrets with us! Here are a few to get you started...

  • Lean into your support. You need people you can trust.
  • Focus on a limited number of projects at a time or things will start to fall off. Nothing quality in your life from business to relationships can operate on auto-pilot.
  • Have balance in your life outside of work. It’s healthy to have work projects, but also to spend time invested in family and passion projects or hobbies. 
  • Don’t try to fire on all cylinders on everything at once. It will just set you up to become burnt out and frazzled.
  • Do things for yourself that are live-giving and that keep you nourished & well.

For even more tips on managing it all with your partner in love, you don’t want to miss our conversation with this phenomenally Zen dynamic duo! It was an honor to host them on our podcast and we know you’ll love them as much as we do.

More From Our Couple

Reach out!

Rob & Sherry Walling

Email: rob@startsmall.com & sherry@zenfounder.com | Twitter: @zenfounder & @robwalling

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

]]> Tue, 08 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 2890 The extremely-accomplished (and hilarious) Rob & Sherry Walling are married co-owners, serial entrepreneurs, authors, podcasters, and parents to three kids (and one puppy!). Today, they’re sharing with us how they wear so many hats and still manage to find hope, happiness, and Zen in this crazy world we’re all living in. The extremely-accomplished (and hilarious) Rob & Sherry Walling are married co-owners, serial entrepreneurs, authors, podcasters, and parents to three kids (and one puppy!). Today, they’re sharing with us how they wear so many hats and still manage to entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business Yes Ep. 4 - Aaron & Alisha Soule - Building a Lifestyle & Knowing When to Scale 5 5 Ep. 4 - Aaron & Alisha Soule - Building a Lifestyle & Knowing When to Scale full f48ad56d-d44f-4934-adb9-526685bc3a4b https://share.transistor.fm/s/20d373bb Aaron was born with the entrepreneurial bug and had always dreamed of being a business owner, but thought in order to make it happen that he needed a revolutionary product or mind-blowing idea. Then, when he found himself in desperate need of a career change, he and Alisha decided to take a leap. They took her side-hustle contracting gig and scaled it big time to become their family business.


They didn’t know how it would go, but they knew from past experiences that they could successfully work together. In fact, they shared with us some of their tried and true tactics for prioritizing each other and their communication.


Here are their tips for other couples considering embarking on their own entrepreneurial journeys:


  1. Nothing is off the table for discussion. Communicate about everything.
  2. Stay united and together no matter what. Dig deep enough to know that every disagreement can be worked through. At the end of the day, you’re always on the same team.
  3. Be quick to say you’re sorry and willing to listen and understand where the other person is coming from.
  4. Give each other grace and realize that we’re all a work in progress.


In our discussion, they dive into what it’s been like to parent their kids during COVID-19 quarantines without their normal childcare while still growing their business together. They also share how being present, engaged parents who are in control of their own schedules is an ongoing motivating factor that keeps them going, even on the tough days of business ownership. 

For those of you who are non-profit leaders, there are some great nuggets for you in the second half of this episode. Aaron and Alisha are non-profit gurus and they shed some light on how non-profits should be pivoting and adjusting post-COVID:

  1. Slow down and don’t be reactionary.
  2. Take stock of your donor base, especially 1st and 2nd tier donors and know where they are and what their commitment is
  3. Find ways to lean into what’s happening in the world right now. How have your constituents been impacted by it, and adjust your programming and funding needs accordingly


This is definitely an incredible episode - with an even more incredible couple - that you do not want to miss! 

The Podcast Tool Kit 

  • Learn more about Aaron & Alisha’s business, Three Rivers Consulting, where they help organizations (both nonprofits and for-profit businesses) build financial integrity, operational excellence, organizational strength, and sustainable growth.

Reach out!

Aaron & Alisha Soule

Email: aaron@threeriversconsulting.net & alisha@threeriversconsulting.net 

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Aaron was born with the entrepreneurial bug and had always dreamed of being a business owner, but thought in order to make it happen that he needed a revolutionary product or mind-blowing idea. Then, when he found himself in desperate need of a career change, he and Alisha decided to take a leap. They took her side-hustle contracting gig and scaled it big time to become their family business.


They didn’t know how it would go, but they knew from past experiences that they could successfully work together. In fact, they shared with us some of their tried and true tactics for prioritizing each other and their communication.


Here are their tips for other couples considering embarking on their own entrepreneurial journeys:


  1. Nothing is off the table for discussion. Communicate about everything.
  2. Stay united and together no matter what. Dig deep enough to know that every disagreement can be worked through. At the end of the day, you’re always on the same team.
  3. Be quick to say you’re sorry and willing to listen and understand where the other person is coming from.
  4. Give each other grace and realize that we’re all a work in progress.


In our discussion, they dive into what it’s been like to parent their kids during COVID-19 quarantines without their normal childcare while still growing their business together. They also share how being present, engaged parents who are in control of their own schedules is an ongoing motivating factor that keeps them going, even on the tough days of business ownership. 

For those of you who are non-profit leaders, there are some great nuggets for you in the second half of this episode. Aaron and Alisha are non-profit gurus and they shed some light on how non-profits should be pivoting and adjusting post-COVID:

  1. Slow down and don’t be reactionary.
  2. Take stock of your donor base, especially 1st and 2nd tier donors and know where they are and what their commitment is
  3. Find ways to lean into what’s happening in the world right now. How have your constituents been impacted by it, and adjust your programming and funding needs accordingly


This is definitely an incredible episode - with an even more incredible couple - that you do not want to miss! 

The Podcast Tool Kit 

  • Learn more about Aaron & Alisha’s business, Three Rivers Consulting, where they help organizations (both nonprofits and for-profit businesses) build financial integrity, operational excellence, organizational strength, and sustainable growth.

Reach out!

Aaron & Alisha Soule

Email: aaron@threeriversconsulting.net & alisha@threeriversconsulting.net 

 

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.

]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2020 08:21:38 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 4591 Aaron & Alisha Soule, owners of Three Rivers Consulting and parents of three, are sharing their journey of building their company while navigating the uncertain path of knowing when to scale and how to keep their family afloat without the security of a 9-5 income. Also as a bonus for any non-profit leaders listening, there are some great nuggets about how you should be pivoting your programming right now in the second half of the episode. Aaron & Alisha Soule, owners of Three Rivers Consulting and parents of three, are sharing their journey of building their company while navigating the uncertain path of knowing when to scale and how to keep their family afloat without the security of entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 3 - Jason & Shelly Dailey - Take a Breath & Drink Whiskey 4 4 Ep. 3 - Jason & Shelly Dailey - Take a Breath & Drink Whiskey full cf7994d8-b5bd-426f-a42a-60133e62c47c https://share.transistor.fm/s/b9ce6eef Type A chaos-lovers Jason and Shelly Dailey are college sweethearts turned serial entrepreneurs who own not one, but two businesses together - a digital marketing agency and a distillery. Join us today as we pour a glass, take a deep breath, and dig into the secrets of their success.

Initially attracted to each other’s drive and passion, Jason and Shelly were lovers before becoming co-business owners. However, their desire to seek adventure and entrepreneurial spirit were always present. 


With digital marketing finesse hardwired into his DNA, Jason established his full-service agency, Brandography, in 2008 - the same year he and Shelly got married and bought their home. Shelly was unofficially a part of the team from day 1, but officially jumped on board in 2012.

Through each transition and evolution of Brandography, the pair has ebbed and flowed into the roles that best support each other when and where it’s needed.


Then in 2015, they also joined the vibrant Twin Cities distilling and brewing scene when a new client to Brandography approached Jason to help him launch a whiskey brand and distillery. Shelly passionately dove into the project with Studio Distilling officially opening its doors to the public in 2018. She remains a key partner in the business and has helped guide it through endless excitement and challenges even recently as they’ve pivoted to also help create hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Some of the key ingredients to this couple’s recipe for success when put in the pressure cooker of balancing work and love include...


  • Go back to the basics of respect in business. Treat the other person how you want to be treated.
  • There are times you need to separate your roles and know when to treat each other as co-workers (and when not to). Boundaries are crucial.
  • Always be each other’s biggest supporters, but also recognize each other’s strengths and let one or the other person take the lead based on that. Give each other the bandwidth to do what they need to do.
  • Find the balance that works for you and go with it. Continue to swim downstream rather than trying to swim up.

For even more tips, tricks, and laughs from this amazing couple, listen to the episode now (whiskey optional, but encouraged).

The Podcast Tool Kit 

  • Learn more about Brandography for a full spectrum of digital marketing services.
  • Learn more about Studio Distilling and be sure to pay them a visit the next time you're in the Twin Cities area.

Reach out!

Jason & Shelly Dailey

Email: info@brandography.com | Instagram: @studiodistilling | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brandography & https://www.facebook.com/StudioDistilling/ 

 

Our  Podcast

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


If you’d like to share how you’re mixing business with pleasure in your own life and be featured on our podcast, complete this form.


If you never want to miss a single tantalizing moment or update from Mixing Business with Pleasure, subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> Type A chaos-lovers Jason and Shelly Dailey are college sweethearts turned serial entrepreneurs who own not one, but two businesses together - a digital marketing agency and a distillery. Join us today as we pour a glass, take a deep breath, and dig into the secrets of their success.

Initially attracted to each other’s drive and passion, Jason and Shelly were lovers before becoming co-business owners. However, their desire to seek adventure and entrepreneurial spirit were always present. 


With digital marketing finesse hardwired into his DNA, Jason established his full-service agency, Brandography, in 2008 - the same year he and Shelly got married and bought their home. Shelly was unofficially a part of the team from day 1, but officially jumped on board in 2012.

Through each transition and evolution of Brandography, the pair has ebbed and flowed into the roles that best support each other when and where it’s needed.


Then in 2015, they also joined the vibrant Twin Cities distilling and brewing scene when a new client to Brandography approached Jason to help him launch a whiskey brand and distillery. Shelly passionately dove into the project with Studio Distilling officially opening its doors to the public in 2018. She remains a key partner in the business and has helped guide it through endless excitement and challenges even recently as they’ve pivoted to also help create hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Some of the key ingredients to this couple’s recipe for success when put in the pressure cooker of balancing work and love include...


  • Go back to the basics of respect in business. Treat the other person how you want to be treated.
  • There are times you need to separate your roles and know when to treat each other as co-workers (and when not to). Boundaries are crucial.
  • Always be each other’s biggest supporters, but also recognize each other’s strengths and let one or the other person take the lead based on that. Give each other the bandwidth to do what they need to do.
  • Find the balance that works for you and go with it. Continue to swim downstream rather than trying to swim up.

For even more tips, tricks, and laughs from this amazing couple, listen to the episode now (whiskey optional, but encouraged).

The Podcast Tool Kit 

  • Learn more about Brandography for a full spectrum of digital marketing services.
  • Learn more about Studio Distilling and be sure to pay them a visit the next time you're in the Twin Cities area.

Reach out!

Jason & Shelly Dailey

Email: info@brandography.com | Instagram: @studiodistilling | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brandography & https://www.facebook.com/StudioDistilling/ 

 

Our  Podcast

Email: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com | Instagram: @mbwp_podcast | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBWPPodcast/ 

One last thing before you go...


If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Mixing Business with Pleasure, let’s talk.


If you’d like to share how you’re mixing business with pleasure in your own life and be featured on our podcast, complete this form.


If you never want to miss a single tantalizing moment or update from Mixing Business with Pleasure, subscribe to our newsletter.

]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2020 02:00:00 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 4023 College sweethearts turned serial entrepreneurs: software companies, marketing agencies and a distillery. Jason and Shelly Dailey have built, sold and scaled multiple companies individually and together, all while being staying happily married for almost 10 years. College sweethearts turned serial entrepreneurs: software companies, marketing agencies and a distillery. Jason and Shelly Dailey have built, sold and scaled multiple companies individually and together, all while being staying happily married for almost entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No Ep. 2 - Chris Martinez & Oyuki Gallegos - Dude Falls in Love, ¡Guey! 3 3 Ep. 2 - Chris Martinez & Oyuki Gallegos - Dude Falls in Love, ¡Guey! full d0a2333f-de95-431c-837e-2b8f33870c06 https://share.transistor.fm/s/83d7cecd Chris Martinez saw successful agencies providing the all-you-can-have subscription model by outsourcing creative talent. He built DUDE Agency in Tijuana Mexico, which provides website development services mostly as a whitelabel to other agencies. 

Their "origin story" is very interesting. Chris was a client of the company Oyuki first worked for and when they first met Chris was smitten. Oyuki on the other hand wanted nothing to do with him. Chris persisted and next thing you know they are living together, helping each other through some difficult situations and getting engaged.

Chris talks about how he pivoted from having an outsourced team in the Philippines to moving to Tijuana and staring a new team there.

Oyuki talks about her father and several other family members passing away in a short period of time and on top of that their dog had to be put down. Chris and Oyuki both talk about how going to therapy was their saving grace.

Chris also talks about how loosing his father to cancer at a young age helped him to help Oyuki through her loss and grieving.

The most entertaining thing about this episode is listening to Chris and Oyuki both talk about the cultural differences between US and Mexico, both in terms of work culture and relationships. The talk about the male machismo and the "gringo tax".

They talk about initially not wanting to work together because they didn't want work to ruin their relationship. However, they got over it, and Oyuki has now become a partner in the business. She is now in charge of both HR and Finance, while Chris has bought out his other partner and remains the CEO.

Chris and Oyuki talk about how they work together - who leads and who plays a supporting role in various situations - Chris is the boss at work while Oyuki is the boss at home. More specifically at work, they talk about focusing on what each person is best at, on what they strong suits are. It took Chris a while to realize that he wasn't very good at things like HR, Accounting, etc. and he has brought in a skilled executive team, including Oyuki, to focus on those things he isn't good at.

They talked about how bringing Oyuki in as a partner initially caused some strife with other leadership team, but when they went through a restructure, everything ended up working much better.

]]> Chris Martinez saw successful agencies providing the all-you-can-have subscription model by outsourcing creative talent. He built DUDE Agency in Tijuana Mexico, which provides website development services mostly as a whitelabel to other agencies. 

Their "origin story" is very interesting. Chris was a client of the company Oyuki first worked for and when they first met Chris was smitten. Oyuki on the other hand wanted nothing to do with him. Chris persisted and next thing you know they are living together, helping each other through some difficult situations and getting engaged.

Chris talks about how he pivoted from having an outsourced team in the Philippines to moving to Tijuana and staring a new team there.

Oyuki talks about her father and several other family members passing away in a short period of time and on top of that their dog had to be put down. Chris and Oyuki both talk about how going to therapy was their saving grace.

Chris also talks about how loosing his father to cancer at a young age helped him to help Oyuki through her loss and grieving.

The most entertaining thing about this episode is listening to Chris and Oyuki both talk about the cultural differences between US and Mexico, both in terms of work culture and relationships. The talk about the male machismo and the "gringo tax".

They talk about initially not wanting to work together because they didn't want work to ruin their relationship. However, they got over it, and Oyuki has now become a partner in the business. She is now in charge of both HR and Finance, while Chris has bought out his other partner and remains the CEO.

Chris and Oyuki talk about how they work together - who leads and who plays a supporting role in various situations - Chris is the boss at work while Oyuki is the boss at home. More specifically at work, they talk about focusing on what each person is best at, on what they strong suits are. It took Chris a while to realize that he wasn't very good at things like HR, Accounting, etc. and he has brought in a skilled executive team, including Oyuki, to focus on those things he isn't good at.

They talked about how bringing Oyuki in as a partner initially caused some strife with other leadership team, but when they went through a restructure, everything ended up working much better.

]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 23:52:34 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 4246 Chris Martinez and Oyuki Gallegos of DUDE Agency, tell us how they unexpectedly met through work, and build a relationship from there. They talk about building and scaling a company in Mexico and how loss and grieving almost broke them apart and how therapy helped them get through it. Chris Martinez and Oyuki Gallegos of DUDE Agency, tell us how they unexpectedly met through work, and build a relationship from there. They talk about building and scaling a company in Mexico and how loss and grieving almost broke them apart and how thera entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business Yes Ep. 1 - Tim Brown & Bea Bonte - Lovers First. Business Partners Next. 2 2 Ep. 1 - Tim Brown & Bea Bonte - Lovers First. Business Partners Next. full 5d729a62-1d8b-4d2d-afd9-55f5f3a9204f https://share.transistor.fm/s/64b68046 Tim and Bea Bonte from Hook Agency joined us to talk about how they build their agency.

Hook Agency focuses on providing Web design, development and SEO services to the construction, contractor and home services industry.

Tim and Bea's relationship started with love. They met while Tim was still playing in a band. Tim then went on to work for a variety of digital agencies, consulting on the side, and then turning his side hustle into a full-time gig with Hook Agency.

Tim hired Bea and they have since built a team of over 10 full-time employees, moved into a larger office (just a few weeks prior to COVID) and have built a culture that people love.

Tim and Bea very clearly break down what each of their responsibilities are. Tim is the CEO, driving the direction and vision of the agency, while also getting involved with marketing and client strategy. Bea is the Chief of Client Experience and Culture. Her job is to ensure that both external clients and partners and the internal team are happy and satisfied.

The two have a lot of integrity, which shows when they talk about how they will turn down business when clients or prospects want to do something that they don't agree will be effective at driving real revenue impact.

We talked about how bad clients can really negatively impact agency culture and how we all need to focus on being good human beings first and business owners second.

Tim talked about how him and his team are able to produce a high volume of quality content, which has helped them build their brand presence:

  1. Lower the bar
  2. Find the little things that people care about (e.g. headline and subtitles for videos)
  3. Get the team to take part in content creation - give yourself and your team permission to suck

Coming up with company values - they need to be what you hire and fire both employees and clients based on:

  1. Scrappy
  2. Humble
  3. Results-Driven

How to resolve work disagreements - "don't fight in front of the kids"

How to create a balance by understanding what each partner wants to do. Tim likes to work, and Bea understands this and allows him to work as much as he wants as long as he isn't getting too frustrated, at which point she tells him to take a break.

How to put the relationship first: Be sure to call out what your spouse/partner has done both in the business and in the relationship. Appreciate how they have grown as a person

]]> Tim and Bea Bonte from Hook Agency joined us to talk about how they build their agency.

Hook Agency focuses on providing Web design, development and SEO services to the construction, contractor and home services industry.

Tim and Bea's relationship started with love. They met while Tim was still playing in a band. Tim then went on to work for a variety of digital agencies, consulting on the side, and then turning his side hustle into a full-time gig with Hook Agency.

Tim hired Bea and they have since built a team of over 10 full-time employees, moved into a larger office (just a few weeks prior to COVID) and have built a culture that people love.

Tim and Bea very clearly break down what each of their responsibilities are. Tim is the CEO, driving the direction and vision of the agency, while also getting involved with marketing and client strategy. Bea is the Chief of Client Experience and Culture. Her job is to ensure that both external clients and partners and the internal team are happy and satisfied.

The two have a lot of integrity, which shows when they talk about how they will turn down business when clients or prospects want to do something that they don't agree will be effective at driving real revenue impact.

We talked about how bad clients can really negatively impact agency culture and how we all need to focus on being good human beings first and business owners second.

Tim talked about how him and his team are able to produce a high volume of quality content, which has helped them build their brand presence:

  1. Lower the bar
  2. Find the little things that people care about (e.g. headline and subtitles for videos)
  3. Get the team to take part in content creation - give yourself and your team permission to suck

Coming up with company values - they need to be what you hire and fire both employees and clients based on:

  1. Scrappy
  2. Humble
  3. Results-Driven

How to resolve work disagreements - "don't fight in front of the kids"

How to create a balance by understanding what each partner wants to do. Tim likes to work, and Bea understands this and allows him to work as much as he wants as long as he isn't getting too frustrated, at which point she tells him to take a break.

How to put the relationship first: Be sure to call out what your spouse/partner has done both in the business and in the relationship. Appreciate how they have grown as a person

]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 23:52:19 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 5310 How to hire your wife, scale a business, build a culture and have a great time while doing it. Also learn how to create great volumes of quality content to build your brand. How to hire your wife, scale a business, build a culture and have a great time while doing it. Also learn how to create great volumes of quality content to build your brand. entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business Yes Ep. 0 - Welcome to Mixing Business With Pleasure! 1 1 Ep. 0 - Welcome to Mixing Business With Pleasure! trailer 39d7f0ab-a527-421e-bc9a-1cb6f8121dce https://share.transistor.fm/s/879d8d13 Welcome to mixing business with pleasure, a podcast about loving your work and working with your love. We are your hosts, Gaby Israel Grinberg and Mike Grinberg.
 
When Mike and I set out to create a podcast, the idea of interviewing couples that also work and own a business together was a no brainer. We came up with the idea for Mixing Business with Pleasure back in 2017. We wanted to scratch your own itch. We want it to connect with other entrepreneurs like us. We want it to validate some of our feelings and questions about working with a spouse. We wanted to meet interesting people.
 
And in case it wasn't obvious, we are a husband and wife entrepreneurial team. We have a digital marketing agency called Proofpoint marketing.

We started the agency back in 2017 and it has been a long road to where we are today. We've learned a lot about each other along the way, and both our business and our relationship is stronger for it. It hasn't been without its bumps in the road, though. And we have found that the husband and wife, entrepreneur relationship brings with it, unique challenges that most entrepreneurs don't face. 
Being an entrepreneur can often be a lonely and isolating journey. Doing it with your spouse can surprisingly make it even more so. I mean, you can't really go complain about your business partner to someone else. And business coaching can often feel like a therapy session. It's no surprise that when most people we meet find out we were in a business together, we get a response that sounds something like "I could never work with my wife or husband."
   
It took an enormous, and unexpected outside pressure for us to muster up the courage to move forward with the Mixing Business with Pleasure podcast. But I'm really glad we did. 

What started as a very small kernel of an idea has blossomed into a mission to uncover stories, make connections, and very soon to nurture a community of other couples who work together. Over the past three months, we've recorded many episodes and met some incredible couples who are really proving the business and pleasure do mix well together.

Our mission is to help couples in business by uncovering the inspiring stories of those who have successfully built a business with their life partner and foster community, where couples can connect, converse and celebrate each other's successes. While learning from each other's challenges. 

Here's what you can expect from this podcast. Real stories from real couples who are running thriving businesses together. You'll learn about their successes and their failures. You'll learn how they juggle work, marriage, parenting, and everything in between. And most importantly, you will get actionable tips which you can apply to both your business and your relationship so that you too can successfully mix business with pleasure. 

You can also expect to hear a mix of corny jokes. Mostly from Gaby. Mike and I taking jabs at one another. And. Last but not least you're going to get a chance to meet some amazing couples who have done wonderful things not only in their business but also for themselves in their marriage for their family their community their employees and the greater good at large.

We'll be releasing new episodes every Tuesday. 
We hope you tune in. 

]]> Welcome to mixing business with pleasure, a podcast about loving your work and working with your love. We are your hosts, Gaby Israel Grinberg and Mike Grinberg.
 
When Mike and I set out to create a podcast, the idea of interviewing couples that also work and own a business together was a no brainer. We came up with the idea for Mixing Business with Pleasure back in 2017. We wanted to scratch your own itch. We want it to connect with other entrepreneurs like us. We want it to validate some of our feelings and questions about working with a spouse. We wanted to meet interesting people.
 
And in case it wasn't obvious, we are a husband and wife entrepreneurial team. We have a digital marketing agency called Proofpoint marketing.

We started the agency back in 2017 and it has been a long road to where we are today. We've learned a lot about each other along the way, and both our business and our relationship is stronger for it. It hasn't been without its bumps in the road, though. And we have found that the husband and wife, entrepreneur relationship brings with it, unique challenges that most entrepreneurs don't face. 
Being an entrepreneur can often be a lonely and isolating journey. Doing it with your spouse can surprisingly make it even more so. I mean, you can't really go complain about your business partner to someone else. And business coaching can often feel like a therapy session. It's no surprise that when most people we meet find out we were in a business together, we get a response that sounds something like "I could never work with my wife or husband."
   
It took an enormous, and unexpected outside pressure for us to muster up the courage to move forward with the Mixing Business with Pleasure podcast. But I'm really glad we did. 

What started as a very small kernel of an idea has blossomed into a mission to uncover stories, make connections, and very soon to nurture a community of other couples who work together. Over the past three months, we've recorded many episodes and met some incredible couples who are really proving the business and pleasure do mix well together.

Our mission is to help couples in business by uncovering the inspiring stories of those who have successfully built a business with their life partner and foster community, where couples can connect, converse and celebrate each other's successes. While learning from each other's challenges. 

Here's what you can expect from this podcast. Real stories from real couples who are running thriving businesses together. You'll learn about their successes and their failures. You'll learn how they juggle work, marriage, parenting, and everything in between. And most importantly, you will get actionable tips which you can apply to both your business and your relationship so that you too can successfully mix business with pleasure. 

You can also expect to hear a mix of corny jokes. Mostly from Gaby. Mike and I taking jabs at one another. And. Last but not least you're going to get a chance to meet some amazing couples who have done wonderful things not only in their business but also for themselves in their marriage for their family their community their employees and the greater good at large.

We'll be releasing new episodes every Tuesday. 
We hope you tune in. 

]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 23:52:01 -0700 Mixing Business with Pleasure Mixing Business with Pleasure 190 Being an entrepreneur can often be a lonely and isolating journey and doing it with your spouse can surprisingly make it even more so. Our mission is to help couples in business by uncovering the inspiring stories of those who have successfully built a business with their life partner, and foster a community where couples can connect, converse and celebrate each other’s successes while learning from each other’s challenges. Being an entrepreneur can often be a lonely and isolating journey and doing it with your spouse can surprisingly make it even more so. Our mission is to help couples in business by uncovering the inspiring stories of those who have successfully built a bu entrepreneurship, relationships, couples who work together, working with your spouse, working with family, family business, business, marketing, business coaching, couples in business No