5 Things We’ve Learned The Hard Way While Running A Family Business

5 Things We’ve Learned The Hard Way While Running A Family Business

In this episode, Marti and I sit down to talk through five lessons we’ve learned the hard way while running a family business. We share an honest look at what it takes to build a business together, from learning that just because we can do everything doesn’t mean we should, to understanding the real cost of chasing every new idea. We also talk about communication, protecting family time, building better systems, and why profit matters more than just chasing revenue. If you’re building a craft business, working with family, or trying to grow without burning out, this conversation is a reminder that success is not just about working harder—it’s about getting clearer on what really matters.

Making The Most of Your Time

In this solo episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, we’re diving into one of the biggest excuses that holds entrepreneurs back: “I just don’t have enough time.” The truth is, we all get the same 24 hours—it’s not about finding more time, it’s about making better decisions with the time we already have. If you’ve been waiting for the “right season” to start your business, grow your skills, or take the next step, this episode is the reminder that the perfect time rarely shows up—you have to intentionally make time for what matters most.

Surviving The First Year of Business

It’s not the desire to start a business that gets the job done. The willingness to take a chance and the resilience to push forward when it’s hard is what actually leads to success. Scott set out a goal to start a leather business and has followed through. He decided on a product line, refined his skills, and took it to the marketplace.  In this episode we talk about taking calculated risk, understanding your customer, and being willing to fail & adjust. If you are looking to survive your first year in business and want a healthy dose of inspiration, then this episode is for you.

Success Isn’t Talent—It’s Skill Stacking

Most people think success in leathercraft comes down to talent—but that belief is exactly what holds them back. In this episode, we break down the real path to growth: skill stacking. From learning the fundamentals of tooling to building pricing, marketing, and production skills, success isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about doing the right things in the right order.  If you’re serious about growing your business and want help stacking the right skills, check out my workshop, Craft a Strong Business here: https://twentythreeplus.com/pages/craft-a-strong-business [https://twentythreeplus.com/pages/craft-a-strong-business]

The Reality of Owning a Business: Discipline Over Freedom

What does it really take to run a business? In this episode, we sit down with a second-generation business owner who grew up in the trenches, stepped away, and came back to take the reins. We talk about the reality behind the “freedom” of ownership, why discipline matters more than flexibility, and what it looks like to lead a team without losing respect. From pushing through hard days to taking calculated risks and honoring the legacy you’ve been given, this conversation takes a look at what it actually takes to build something that lasts.