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Is hiring family a smart move or a future problem?
My wife and I both work in the business, so this one is personal. There are real advantages to family being involved. Trust is already there. The stakes matter to both people. Decisions can happen fast. But business and marriage can blur together quickly. A route problem can follow you into dinner. A customer issue can show up on date night. A disagreement about operations can feel heavier because it’s not just a coworker pushing back, it’s your spouse. That part takes work. Clear roles help. So do boundaries around when you’re talking as business partners and when you’re just husband and wife. Family can make a business stronger, but only if the relationship doesn’t become the place where all the business stress gets dumped. Have you worked with family in your business, and did it help or create problems you didn’t expect?How To Run a Full Time Business While Taking Time Off for a New Baby?
My wife and I are being blessed with a second child that is arriving in January and I couldn't be more excited and happy! I am a little worried about running my business while my wife is home with the baby, our senior dog and some times our toddler too. I do want to take time off to be home with them, but do need to put food on the table. I hired a young guy that I am in full training mode with right now. Someone who can still generate some income while I am at home with my family. I think working like 3 days a week staggered is looking like the best option for me now, but also considered a short day everyday? I don't know. It is a lot to take in and think about but I wonder if anyone else had a child while they were running a business? How did you handle it?Balancing the Hustle: How do you separate business from family time?
Hey everyone, We talk a lot about optimizing our routes and managing our workflows, but I wanted to drop a question into the Life & Family section about a different kind of balance. When you’re running a home service business, the work doesn't always stay at the job site. Phone calls, scheduling, and bookkeeping have a way of bleeding into dinner time and weekends. I’m curious to know how you all handle the boundary between the hustle and home: Setting Boundaries: Do you have a hard cutoff time where the work phone goes on "Do Not Disturb," or do you find yourself answering client messages late into the night? Family Involvement: For those who run family businesses, how do you make sure your regular family time doesn't turn into just another business meeting? Unplugging: What's your biggest tip for mentally switching off "work mode" so you can be fully present with your spouse, kids, or pets at the end of the day? Running a business is a 24/7 mindset, but our time with family is what we're working so hard for in the first place. I’d love to hear how you keep those boundaries strong!What is one boundary you’ve set in business that’s drastically improved your quality of life?
Over the years I’ve learned boundaries are the most important thing as a business owner. I used to check my work email the second I opened my eyes, I’ve worked till midnight sometimes, I’ve given up my weekends. I’m curious to hear what others have done!How to Get Your Spouse to Help Support You and Your Business?
Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice. I run a small business, and I pour a lot of time and energy into it. You know, calls, ads, everything! My wife, though, feels frustrated when I’m not available for what she wants when she wants it. I get that balance is key, but I’m not sure how to get her on board. How do some of you manage to get your spouse or partner to support your business journey? She has even told me at times to get a job, so it shows she doesn't understand what I am doing. I’d love to hear what’s worked for you—or even what hasn’t! I’d love for her to be part of the business more—ideally, I’d like her to handle admin one day. I want us to build this together, so she knows the ins and outs—bringing in leads, closing them—so that the success stays in the family. But I’m not sure how to get her excited about that. Anyone had luck getting your spouse to see the dream and want to jump in? PS: Background info, I used to be an RN but created a service business to be happy. It was either become one of those Jaded Nurses or leave and create something I will enjoy and still get to help people.Phase 3 grant /// More Than a Grant: Investing in Dreams, Growth, and Community Impact”
This is a great example of having a clear plan and understanding exactly where the investment needs to go. I like that we're not just looking at the grant as funding we’re using it as a tool to remove obstacles, improve efficiency, and build a stronger foundation for long-term growth. Investing in equipment, operations, and our brand shows that we’re focused on creating a sustainable business that can serve more customers while maintaining quality. It’s exciting to see entrepreneurs taking their craft seriously and building something with a vision for the future. Wishing you the best of luck with the grant. I hope it helps take Sharp Artisan to the next level! 💪🚀 come on phase 3 😁
Parents in the Trades: Has AI Changed the Career Talk You're Having With Your Kids?
A few years ago, the AI convo was mostly about which white-collar jobs might disappear. Now?? Parents are starting to see the trades as one of the safer bets. If you're a parent working in the trades, has that shifted how you talk to your kids about the possible career choices in the home service industry? Turns out AI is making the trades more appealing, not less. That's one of the bigger findings in Jobber's new report! Worth a read 👉 Annual Blue Collar Report
