Couples who live and work together
In honor of Valentine’s Day this month, we’re excited to feature 14 couples who share not only their lives but also their workspaces. It’s a unique dynamic, filled with joy, challenges, and special moments that come with balancing both love and business.
Dr. Eduardo and Kathleen Balbona, Art of Medicine, PA
Ed and Kathleen met in medical school. “She was a teaching graduate student and I was taking the class,” said Ed. “She was really good at dissecting cadavers.” Fast forward, the couple are married, having children, and living in Jacksonville. After working in corporate medicine for several years, Ed decided to open his own practice in 2002. “When you are starting out, you don’t have any money to pay anyone, so I asked Kathleen to join me,” laughed Ed. “The two of us did everything to get the practice going.” Ed says he tries not to talk about the office at home, which can be difficult. “Medicine takes over your life; it’s who you are,” said Ed. “Kathleen sees it and knows that sometimes, I’m just being a doctor, I’m not ignoring her. She has that insight.” The couple have survived hard times, including when Hurricane Irma destroyed the office. “Since we work together, we depend on each other, we didn’t turn on each other,” said Ed. Kathleen, who has a PhD in biomedical research, introduced Ed to birding, a hobby they now both enjoy, which has taken them as far as the Galapagos Islands.
Dori and Christian Thomsen, Soluna Yoga + Spa
After running into each other in college, the Ritz bar in Jacksonville Beach and a Jaguars game, Dori and Christian soon came inseparable. They have been a couple for 20 years and recently celebrated 10 years of Soluna Yoga + Spa. “After a busy workday, it’s comforting to have someone who knows exactly what is being talked about as we share the highs and lows of the day,” said Dori. “We can process and unwind together, which not only helps us manage stress but also strengthens our bond.” When they’re not working, they love to spend time cooking together, tackling house projects, and going on spontaneous road trips. “Our biggest tip for couples considering working together is to travel and experience the world together,” said Dori. “Immersing yourselves in new experiences and challenges will build trust, and teach you how to navigate uncertainty – skills that are invaluable when it comes to running a business together.”
Kelly and Clinton Ross, Davalt Optical
Kelly and Clinton Ross worked together for several years, building their respective professional experiences in opticianry and a solid double foundation as co-workers and friends before “sparks flew,” Clinton said. With a proven track record of working well together, they decided to take over Davalt Optical from its founding owner. Working together just works for them. “Once you get over those boundaries and kind of put away the ego, it’s the way to go,” Clinton said. Kelly and Clinton lean on each other’s strengths at Davalt Optical: Kelly said her strength lies more in math and numbers while Clinton is more the people person – “although I hate to admit it,” she said. They share a passion for their business as the second-generation owners of Davalt Optical and would have a sea otter or a monkey for a pet, if they could.
Kiley Wynne Efron and Sam Efron, Taverna and Taverna Oceana
Sam and Kiley met at a restaurant in San Francisco and only worked together a short time before falling in love. They moved to Jacksonville with the shared goal of opening their own restaurant. Soon, they were having lunch at Cafe Carmon, one of Sam’s favorite spaces, and designing their own eatery, not realizing a year later, they would be opening Taverna in that very place! “We share a passion for food and wine that was infused into our daily lives so we deeply connected over that,” said Kiley. “Restaurant management and ownership involves an intense work schedule and lots of late nights, so it helped that we were on the same page, and living the same lifestyle.” After 16 years of marriage and business, Kiley and Sam are most proud of their children and their two restaurants’ success. “We are both creative people, so we have made space for individual and professional creative growth,” said Kiley. “We have allowed our roles in the company to change, while making sure our marriage and relationship come first.”
Kerrie and Daniel Hileman, Fore Score Golf Tavern and The White Magnolia Bridal Collection
Meeting during their senior year of college, Kerrie and Daniel moved to Jacksonville within a year and soon after, opened The White Magnolia, which was Kerrie’s dream. After 8 years, Daniel joined her full time in the bridal shop, and 3 years later, they also opened Fore Score. “It’s so nice having a built-in support system,” said Kerrie. “We understand the pressures each other are under, and we can celebrate each other’s wins on a deeper level. We are both creatives, so it’s fun to be able to bounce ideas off one another at any given moment. It’s also invaluable to have someone who knows you so well and can give feedback, even if it’s tough to hear sometimes.” Running two successful businesses and raising three boys keeps the Hillemans very busy, but the family makes time for annual vacations, boating in the Florida Keys and skiing in Colorado. “Working with your spouse can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges,” said Kerrie. “We think it’s important to define each person’s role so that its clear who is taking on which pieces of the business as well as establish boundaries between work and personal life as much as you can. Also, embracing each other’s strengths and differences can make you a stronger, more efficient professional team.”
Marie and Eric Juchniewicz, Hugh’s Riverside Automotive
Marie and Eric met while working together at the same McDonald’s in Gainesville. After marrying and moving to Middleburg, Eric began working at Hugh’s and Marie joined him 14 years later. The couple commutes to Riverside together, which gives them time to connect. “Conversations for some couples are reduced to a series of texts,” said Eric. “We have time during our shared commute to have conversations.” The secret to their success? “We decided that there was no need in arguing over trivial topics or things in life that we had no control over,” said Eric. “We are a united front for our marriage and our business.” The two are so intertwined, the office even served as the location for their daughter’s wedding during the pandemic! When they aren’t working, Marie and Eric enjoy spending time on their farm in Starke. And after 26 years of marriage and two children, they still go on dates.
Jane and Jeff Chefan, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, Chefan Group
A mutual friend introduced Jane and Jeff, and shortly after marrying, they moved to Jacksonville and started a business together. He was a building contractor and she helped with bookkeeping and design selections. “We enjoy being together so it’s fun to collaborate on ideas and solutions whether at work or at the dinner table,” said Jane. The couple have worked together for 35 years and both have a good sense of humor, trust, love, respect and similar interests. “Laugh as much as possible while working together,” Jane recommends, as she recalled getting locked out during an open house and having to climb through a small window to get back in. “Listen with an open mind and be patient and kind. Learn from mistakes and keep the past mistakes in the rearview mirror.” The couple’s proudest accomplishment is their two daughters, who also live in Jacksonville with their young families. When they aren’t working, Jane and Jeff love to spend time with their grandkids, travel, go boating, play golf and tennis, visit new restaurants and chill out with their four-legged babies, Lillie and Daisie.
Melissa and Ethan Gregory, Allison James Estates and Homes
Fun-loving Melissa and Ethan met on the adult kickball field, playing for a team called Surrender the Booty. They decided to start working together after they had their first child. “We thought it would offer us work/life balance and allow us both to support our family while having the flexibility to be there for the major milestones,” said Melissa. They take a tag-team approach, so they never miss an important moment with their two kids. Melissa names understanding what each other deals with at work as the biggest perk to working together. Ethan handles the transactional items, while Melissa focuses on the marketing. “We draw boundaries so that work doesn’t take over our whole lives,” said Melissa. “It’s nice for each of you to have a lane that you can thrive and flourish in.” The couple enjoys traveling and trying new things. “We’ll go on interesting dates where we learn a new skill like throwing pottery, glassblowing, ax throwing, or kayaking to name a few,” said Melissa.
“They give us quality time away and allow us to catch up, typically while having a laugh at ourselves.”
Megan and Phil Visali, The Players Group
After meeting at an insurance industry Christmas party, the following year, Megan and Phil began working together, which they have done ever since. Phil even proposed to Megan during a corporate convention. “We love the fact that we have so many common interests and goals, not only professionally, but personally,” said Megan. “It’s been so rewarding to work with someone who has the same passion and vision as you do. Working with your spouse also allows you to always have a person to brainstorm with or vent to.” Megan admits it can be hard to get out of work-mode at home. “It’s our biggest struggle. We both want our business ventures to be successful within the community, but at the same time, having a strong family unit is just as important – if not, more,” said Megan. “We try to dedicate certain days and/or times to family time and leave work to the side. Family dinners, game shows, and board games are all common occurrences for us during the week.” A unique way they stay personally connected is through cold plunges together, a favorite mental challenge.
Brittany and Mike Cooney, Gemma Fish + Oyster
Since Brittany and Mike met while working together, it was a natural decision to continue working together after they got married. “Our work is our life!” exclaimed Brittany. “We love what we do and it’s who we are. Everything about our businesses intermingle into our life. And we wouldn’t want it any other way.” The couple own and operate San Marco’s Gemma Fish + Oyster as well as Ember & Iron in St. Johns. Brittany says working together is the best thing a married couple could do for their relationship. “It’ll break you down at times but build you up 10 times stronger,” she said. “When you go down in flames with someone and climb back up, your bond becomes extremely strong. We have been through many rough roads, stressful nights, and tough times in our business and it’s made our marriage very strong because of it.” When they aren’t working, Brittany and Mike enjoy going on runs together, spending time with their six children and doing anything adventurous, like indoor skydiving.
Katie and David Ward, B&W Marine Construction
Introduced by mutual friends 16 years ago, Katie and David run a family business that has served the local community for 42 years. “The best part of working and living together is that, unlike most people, you get to spend the entire day with your best friend,” said Katie. “Plus, we never miss a meal together.” Their 4-year-old son is often at the office as well when he’s not in school, which keeps the office interesting, like the time he ordered $3,800 worth of Amazon goodies on his dad’s computer, and it was not discovered until a U-Haul delivery arrived! “We try to keep a sense of humor and find a way to laugh at each other and with each other,” said Katie. While it can be a challenge to keep work and home separate, they make an effort to “switch off,” and enjoy quality time together. “We love hosting Saturday night Kitchen Karaoke with our friends and neighbors, because nothing says ‘we’re relaxed’ like belting out 80s hits after a couple of cocktails,” said Katie. “It’s the perfect recipe for laughter, bad singing, and some of our best memories.”
Nancy and Rich Darlow, The UPS Store #3458
Lovebirds Nancy and Rich met on the first day of college and decided to open The UPS Store upon recommendation of Rich’s father. “It was a chance to work in a new environment,” said Rich. The couple admits they don’t really separate home and work and their biggest challenge is “not killing each other!” laughs Rich. They often work separate shifts and enjoy dinner out at the end of the week. Key to their success is “lots of patience,” said Rich. “Our proudest achievement as a couple is we have grandkids who work for us!” In their
free time, the Darlows enjoy cruising and wine tastings.
Missy and Scott Riley, Stellers Gallery and Missy Riley Art & Pieces
Missy was an art consultant looking for paintings for a client, when she walked into Stellers Gallery and met Scott. “We both admire and respect each other,” said Missy. “We definitely don’t always agree with styles or tastes but somehow we know how to compromise. And I don’t always win!” Missy says the best part about living and working together is supporting each other in both aspects and frequent communication. The couple has a healthy work / life balance because they have clearly defined their roles in business and at home. This is also her recommendation for couples who are considering working together. “Stick to your roles, use your strengths and let them use theirs,” said Missy. “And by no means, do not discuss business issues after a drink or two!” In their free time, the Rileys enjoy spending time with family and friends, and getaways for great dinners out near their home in Willmington, NC.
Keith Johnson and Chris Hardison, Design Additions
Keith and Chris met through mutual friends while living in Savannah, and working together just happened naturally. “Design Additions started as a weekend hobby we both enjoyed, and over the years, it grew into the thriving business it is today, 24 years later,” said Keith. “Our love for each other is the foundation of our partnership. It’s not always easy, but mutual respect and patience make it work. We truly are each other’s best friends.” Working together also means having the same schedule, which is especially helpful since they both teach, and the consistency is great for raising their two children. At work, they play to their strengths: “Chris is more the front person handling the merchandising and display windows,” said Keith. “I am more involved in the production of our furniture pieces and the back office stuff – like paying the bills!” In addition to date nights, communication and thoughtful gestures, trips to New York City to “plunder” keep their relationship strong.
Laurie and Tony Jarvis, Cool Moose Cafe
Tony noticed Laurie at the salon next door at Cool Moose Cafe and was able to get her phone number for a coffee date. He was running the cafe on his own and asked her for help. “She responded by telling me she had my back, took up a significant burden of the management, and we have had each other’s back ever since,” said Tony. He says balancing work and life, and staying connected with his wife, are not an issue for the couple. “It’s way more challenging when we are not working together because at that point we have separate problems and agendas at work and it’s harder to get on some page,” said Tony. “The best part of living and working together is that we intuitively divide and conquer together.” Sometimes that means Tony does the dishes and folds laundry! When they aren’t working, Tony and Laurie enjoy spending time with their two sons, and trips to Little Talbot Island, Amelia Island, and the Golden Isles.
