Mike and Cori Gallucci own Things That Rock, an eclectic retail store that sells sterling silver gemstone jewelry, home decor, and spiritual/meditation tools (from crystals to books) in Hill City, South Dakota. Mike and Cori take on different responsibilities at the store, consistent with their strengths. Cori does the ordering and hunts for beautiful new products; Mike engages and serves customers. In business and in marriage, Mike and Cori celebrate their success. “When we succeed (meet or exceed sales goals, receive genuine, touching feedback from customers, etc.), it is a shared success, and one that we know we could not have achieved without the cooperation and actions of the other.” While the opportunity to work together brings both Cori and Mike a great deal of satisfaction, it doesn’t come without pressure. “Things That Rock, and only Things That Rock,  provides the food we feed our family, the home in which we reside. Because of this, we must (nearly) always put the store first, which is a very difficult thing to do and has required many personal sacrifices over the years.” No matter the challenge, the two have found that being in business together has deepened and strengthened their relationship. 

Peter and Makenzie Mitchell stumbled upon the business they created, The Sour, an artisan sourdough bakery featuring delicious loaves of sourdough, cinnamon rolls, cookies… and more. In an effort to make some extra cash, Peter decided he would see if anyone was interested in purchasing his family-adored sourdough bread. With Makenzie’s photography skills and her marketing on social media, the response was overwhelming. Although they share success, the two recommend that getting into business with your spouse isn’t for everyone. “If you are your partner’s biggest fan, then absolutely go for it, but I do feel like being a champion of one another is the key to success.” From having business meetings in their kitchen, to involving their kids in the idea-making, Peter and Makenzie enjoy it all. “We enjoy so much of it, but being a sounding board for the other is really fun. Getting inspired, pouring a cup of coffee, and going over ideas together in our kitchen just really feels so life giving.” The greatest difficulty the two face in working together is motivation. “While we each have our strengths and weaknesses the other can make up for, we both tend to lack a bit of motivation, which can make it challenging at times to push through creative blocks or difficulties that may come up.”

Eliza and Joseph Raney own and operate Skogen, a unique fine-dining restaurant in Custer, South Dakota, that features world-class menu items, including an amazing wine list, that changes seasonally. Skogen offers an exceptional dining experience; Eliza welcomes guests with a bright smile, and Chef Joseph will wow you with his food. Eliza and Joseph love the opportunity to create and operate Skogen together.  “Spending time with each other, and seeing our business grow and change year after year. Creating something together and watching it change and blossom over the years has been a beautiful thing. We both get to paint the same ‘picture’ together.” Eliza and Joseph recognize that working together means you have to shift priorities between marriage and business to make them both a success. “Sometimes the business needs you. Sometimes the family needs you. Sometimes you need yourself.  It’s important to react to what is needed, quickly. At the birth of your business, you obviously have to be 110%. Your family and support system need to be in line with your goals and vice versa. Your work goals need to be in line with your family’s needs. You have to do what’s necessary not to leave either one to hang dry. This is an evolving learning process. It probably always will be.”

Mackenzie and Jessie Turner own Black Hills Outdoor, a full-service boat and outdoor motorsports dealership, and The Marina at Sheridan Lake, which includes a convenience store, boat rentals, and a vacation rental. Luckily for Mackenzie and Jessie, they share a vision of how they want their businesses to run. They share the same values when it comes to customer and employee satisfaction. Running two businesses can often mean long days. “This year has been one of a lot of change and growth for us individually and as a family. We had a new baby and a new business and, during our busy seasons this summer, we were often working 12-14 hour days at separate locations.” Although Mackenzie and Jessie dedicate countless hours to running their businesses, they recognize that prioritizing their relationship is the key to success in both their marriage and business. The pair makes sure to schedule time off to recharge, and both maintain a non-negotiable workout routine.  

Tara and Jon Schaack started Schaack Family Dentistry in 2004. Tara and Jon knew the Black Hills was the perfect place to start their practice. “The sense of community and the culture of support that comes from the small-town attitude of this area really provides a positive foundation for small business.” Both Tara and Jon attended undergraduate school at Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. During dental school, Tara and Jon knew they wanted to practice together. They share business responsibilities, each responsible for the area of the practice that highlights their individual strengths. The two complement each other perfectly. “For Jon and me, being in business together means that we get to share the joys and successes of our practice as best friends and partners.” The two balance their responsibilities both at home and at work. When they’re at home, Jon and Tara focus their energy on their family. “When we are at home, we have a different job to do — raising our three daughters!” If you’re thinking about going into business with your significant other, Tara and Jon recommend that you are honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and you must be willing to compromise. “If working with your significant other or spouse will jeopardize your personal relationship, it’s not worth it.” 

Nick and Alicen Dupont own Dupont Real Estate, a boutique-style real estate business in Rapid City. Nick enjoys working with clients out in the field; Alicen enjoys the back-of-house administrative work. Dupont Real Estate started in 2017 with only three realtors. Today, the company has 22 realtors. One of the best things about being in business together is that they can make their own schedules. This is especially important for their marriage and prioritizing time with their kids. The flexible schedule also gives them the opportunity to travel and workout together. It’s not uncommon that the two will chat about real estate over a glass of wine or dream about the future of Dupont Real Estate with their kids. The two balance each other out to make running a business fun and exciting. “It’s helpful if there’s one that’s more bossy (Alicen) and one that’s a little more passive (Nick).” The two try to keep things fun at home and at work. “Having fun is an important aspect of our life … so we make sure to implement that into our work life as well!”