Working Together with Family

By: Kristen Castillo

A Day of Elegance

• Who: Liz Piña and Patty Bonillas, co-owners, A Day of Elegance
• Relationship: Sisters
• What made you want to work together? “My sister is my best friend so when I decided to embark on this adventure who better to do it with than my sister?” says Piña.
• The best part of working together: “Our business meetings at Starbucks, for sure!” says Piña.
• Advice for other families working together: “I say do it, but know what you’re getting into,” says Piña. “Working with family is very tricky but you get to enjoy the rewards together. In my case, I get to hang out with my best friend on a daily basis.”

Crown Point Catering

• Who: Vicki Hamilton, Owner, Crown Point Catering and Jon Hamilton, Executive Associate
• Relationship: Mother/Son
• What made you want to work together? “It was time,” says Hamilton, noting Jon was “born into the business” and worked as a server and kitchen member since high school. “Once he graduated from college and worked for other organizations, in 2009 he joined our team as a full-time key player.”
• The best part of working together: “That I get to see my son every day!” says Hamilton. “Our key employees have been with us from one month to 30 years, so the best part is seeing my entire Crown Point Catering family every day.”
• Advice for other families working together: “Keep your personal identity separate from your business identity,” says Hamilton, excited to be a grandmother. Baby Liam, the third generation of the Crown Point Catering family, was born in June.
• Handling conflict: “We work side by side and share a similar vision of who we are and what Crown Point Catering stands for.” Initially, Jon reported to the Staff Specialist to buffer the mother/son relationship. “This was key to his personal success and the company’s growth,” says Hamilton. “We deal with conflict right away and don’t let it fester.”

Archive Bridal

• Who: Paulette R. Khoury and Maria Elsom, co-owners of Archive Bridal
• Relationship: Sisters
• What made you want to work together? “We helped each other make our own wedding gowns and had such a great experience collaborating that we wanted to turn our passion for weddings and fashion into a career,” says Khoury.
• The best part of working together: “We get to see each other every day and enjoy immediate, honest feedback on our creative ideas,” says Khoury.
• Advice for other families working together: “Don’t talk about work during family time!”
• Handling conflict: “We scream at each other for two minutes, call one of our brothers for perspective, and then hug it out,” says Khoury.

Flowers Forever

• Who: Paula Marn, Owner, Flowers Forever and Christine Early, Lead Designer, Dominique Early, Wedding Floral Designer, and Pearse Early, Deliveries & Installations
• Relationship: Mother (Paula), Daughter (Christine), Granddaughter (Dominique), and Grandson (Pearse)
• What made you want to work together? “We were new to San Diego County in 1988 and didn’t know anyone in our industry but trusted each other. We are passionate about floral design and understand the family dynamics of weddings.”
• The best part of working together: “We get to see each other all the time,” says Christine. “I met my husband here, and both my children got their first jobs here.”
• Advice for other families working together: “Identify each family member’s strengths and let them shine. Be supportive of each other’s ideas. Take care of your family business, and it will take care of you.”
• Handling conflict: “We talk it out and are more open with each other because we’re family,” says Dominique.

Brothers Signature Catering

• Who: Brothers Signature Catering & Events: Jimmy Kashou (Director of Catering & Events), Steve Kashou (Purchasing), Eddie Kashou (Accounting), Linda Kashou (President), Merna Kashou (Secretary), Julie Kashou (CFO), and Matthew Kashou (Café Manager)
• Relationship: Brothers and their spouses
• What made you want to work together? “As a family, we have a unique trust and bond that makes us a strong team,” says Jimmy. “It’s all we’ve known since childhood.”
• The best part of working together: “Each family member has their own strengths. We’re super family-oriented and do a lot together outside of work, so this allows us to spend more time together.”
• Advice for other families working together: “Keep family time and work time separate. Set job titles and keep opinions separate unless wanted.”
• Handling conflict: “Open-door communication, with Eddie often acting as the moderator.”

Bob Hoffman Photo & Video

• Who: Bob Hoffman, Co-Owner and Chief Creative Officer, and Tara Hoffman, Co-Owner and Chief Customer Satisfaction Specialist
• Relationship: Husband and wife
• What made you want to work together? “Since work is such a big part of life’s journey, what could be better than working with your life partner?” says Bob. Tara notes they balance each other’s strengths well, with a mix of creativity and structure.
• The best part of working together: “There’s a lot of familiarity and trust when you work with family. You know what everyone is capable of,” says Tara. Bob adds, “Tara’s personality helps put clients at ease. She’s my secret weapon.”
• Advice for other families working together: “Spend time with friends and relax without discussing work,” says Tara. Bob advises, “Plan couple time to build your relationship, which helps capture the romance other couples share.”
• Handling conflict: “We talk it over and rely on our instincts to reach a consensus,” says Bob.

Two Sisters Farm

• Who: Jenny Leddy, Marketing, and Alisa Roberts, Sales
• Relationship: Sisters
• What made you want to work together? “Growing up, my sister and I loved doing creative things together. After drifting apart for a while, we found time to reconnect through creative projects, especially for my wedding,” says Leddy. “Now, we live on the same property and love working together again.”
• The best part of working together: “We totally get each other and back each other up on tough decisions. It’s been a great feeling to grow and share this business together.”
• Advice for other families working together: “Have weekly meetings to voice concerns and assign specific roles to family members.”
• Handling conflict: “Assign specific roles, be honest, support each other, and have fun!”