Mixing Business with Pleasure

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.

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: 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 Think GREATThink GREAT NowThink GREAT Foundationerik@thinkgreat90.comgina@thinkgreat90.comhttps://www.instagram.com/eriktherwanger/https://www.instagram.com/thinkgreat_/https://www.facebook.com/ThinkGREAThttps://www.linkedin.com/company/think-great-llc-/https://twitter.com/thinkgreathttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLflbx0qQDfy2MMoi5g9roQ/videos Mixing Business with Pleasure: @mbwp_podcastiTunesSpotifyGoogle Podcasts 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: 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 Pink CallersMyers 5 Groupdoug@pinkcallers.commichelle@pinkcallers.comhttps://www.instagram.com/pinkcallers/https://www.instagram.com/myers5group/https://www.facebook.com/pinkcallershttps://www.facebook.com/myers5group/https://www.linkedin.com/company/pink-callers/https://www.linkedin.com/company/myers-5-group/https://twitter.com/PinkCallershttps://twitter.com/myers5group Mixing Business with Pleasure: @mbwp_podcastiTunesSpotifyGoogle Podcasts 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: never 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 ChanteaFunctionisedFitLabpodcastjgoetz@functionised.comcgoetz@functionised.comhttps://www.instagram.com/functionised/https://www.facebook.com/functionisedhttps://www.facebook.com/jimgoetzfithttps://www.facebook.com/chanteagoetzfitnesshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chantea-goetz-phd-s-m-s-ces-42843b42https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgoetznewjersey/ Mixing Business with Pleasure: @mbwp_podcastiTunesSpotifyGoogle Podcasts 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.

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: 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 Weiss Law GroupLongpole LifeMy Lazy Wear 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.

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: 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 Norhartmike.kaeding@norhart.comalyssa.kaeding@norhart.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mikekaeding/https://www.instagram.com/norhartapartments/https://www.facebook.com/norharthttps://twitter.com/mikekaedinghttps://twitter.com/norharthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekaeding/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssakaeding/ Mixing Business with Pleasure: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com @mbwp_podcastiTunesSpotifyGoogle Podcasts 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: 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: Balloonamanda@getballoon.comnoah@getballoon.comhttps://www.instagram.com/balloonplatform/https://www.facebook.com/BalloonPlatformhttps://twitter.com/BalloonPlatformhttps://twitter.com/AKGreenberghttps://twitter.com/NoahBornsteinhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/balloonplatformhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagreenberg/https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahbornstein/ Mixing Business with Pleasure: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com @mbwp_podcastiTunesSpotifyGoogle Podcasts 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: 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: https://apple.co/3knPOzohttps://amzn.to/3fa0Je0https://bit.ly/2KhcTqlhttps://bit.ly/3f4BtWMhttps://bit.ly/36IaL2lhttps://bit.ly/3pF4eOvhttps://bit.ly/3pBOFY2 More From Our Couple: The Farmer and The BelleIMBD pageIMBD pagephotoschristmascomedymovie@gmail.comhttps://www.instagram.com/farmerbellefilm/https://www.instagram.com/jenngotzon/https://www.instagram.com/jimjamec/https://www.facebook.com/FarmerBelleFilm/ Mixing Business with Pleasure: mikeandgaby@mixingbizwithpleasure.com @mbwp_podcastiTunesSpotifyGoogle Podcasts 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: 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 Nixie’s CoffeeLOVE 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.

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: More From Our Couple 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.

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: know 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 Real Food Blends 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 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: 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 His & Her BarMr. Wine Guy Podcast 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.

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: on 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 Black Star WealthMoney Conversation Guide for CouplesQueenPinsJunior Achievement 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.

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: your 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 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.

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: 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 Yarusi Holdingspodcastdaily vlog: Second Cup of Coffee 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.

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.

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... never 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 Anything on AnythingQuadMeets 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.

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... More From Our Couple UGURUSDigital Agency Owner PodcastEthiopia Reads 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... 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 UGURUSDigital Agency Owner PodcastEthiopia Reads 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.

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... 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 Closers MediaCoffee & Closers 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.