From Startup to 40 Employees: The Reality of Running a Family Business

What does it really take to run a successful family business with your partner—without it tearing your relationship apart?In this episode of It’s Family Business, we sit down with Dale and Kirsty Neale, owners of a thriving service-based business in the funeral industry, to unpack their journey from humble beginnings to building a 40+ staff operation.They share honest insights into:Scaling a business from scratch while raising a familyManaging a growing team and creating a strong workplace cultureNavigating the challenges of working with your spouseBalancing business demands with family life and personal prioritiesThe reality of 24/7 businesses and how it impacts relationshipsLessons learned from business failures, partnerships, and big risksDefining success—beyond money, status, and growthFrom “never saying no” in business to learning when to step back and prioritise family, this episode is packed with real, unfiltered advice for business owners, couples in business, and anyone thinking about starting a family-run company.Whether you’re scaling your business, struggling with work-life balance, or wondering how to successfully work with your partner—this conversation offers practical takeaways and relatable moments you won’t want to miss.