If you were to ask 10 people whether it’s a good idea to have married couples in business together, you might get 10 different responses. For Bob and Stephanie McEwen, Signworld Business Partner affiliates, it has been a match made in heaven. By Nancy E. Williams
If you were to ask 10 people whether it’s a good idea to have married couples in business together, you might get 10 different responses. For Bob and Stephanie McEwen, Signworld Business Partner affiliates, it has been a match made in heaven.
For over 13 years, the McEwens have owned SignCraft Solutions in Wake Forest, North Carolina. While business ownership has presented challenges, the husband-and-wife team is grateful they’ve had each other to lean on.
“Owning a business and working together is good because we have common goals and discussions about the business. There are times it can be challenging because we have different opinions on some topics, and we need to agree on how to get on the same page. We have a strong relationship, so it has worked well,” Bob said.
Even with the successes they’ve experienced in their business, Stephanie still appreciates how her husband has kept her grounded. “Any partnership takes work, compassion and humility. On any given day, I can master one or two of these, but all three on a daily basis is hard. Luckily, Bob is also forgiving, and I try to be the same. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she shared.
As members of a franchise system that is a franchise family, it makes sense that Bob and Stephanie’s steadfast relationship has had an impact on their community too. The McEwens have over a 90% return customer rate.
“I love providing quality large-format branding that will serve our customers for years to come and seeing all our work out in the community, realizing we have been a part of making it a better place to live,” Stephanie said.
Like the McEwens, Denise and Gordy Wolfe have found success as a husband-and-wife team. They tapped into Signworld’s proven business strategy over 10 years ago and own Majestic Sign Studio in Corona, California.
“Owning the business with my husband has been an eye-opener,” Denise said. “We’ve learned that, although we are very similar and have the same goals, we have very different work styles. We complement each other: Where I have a weakness, he seems to have a strength and vice versa. The key is being able to turn off the business and have a good work-life balance.” Because the couple work in the business together, they have created a method to keep their business and personal life separate. Gordy calls it the “seven-seven rule;” neither can talk about work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
While the rule is fairly clear-cut, the Wolfes just can’t help talking about their business because they admire the family culture Signworld has cultivated.
“The thing I love most about our Signworld business is the large network of owners in the organization,” Stephanie shared. “There are some incredible businesses and incredible owners that allow us to reach beyond just our local market – not to mention the lifelong friendships we’ve made with many of the other owners.”
“We’ve made it a true family affair, with our son joining the business seven years ago,” Gordy added. “He brings a fresh and new perspective to the business.”
With its no rules, no monthly royalties concept, Signworld offers entrepreneurs the flexibility and confidence to build their businesses and create a family legacy for years to come.
Nancy E. Williams