“Don’t ever take a business partner,” was the sage advice from my dad, many ions ago. He had been burnt on more than one occasion by his partner — his partner a victim of myopic thinking and jealousy that stemmed from financial and emotional insecurities.
Of course, I never listened. I too suffered massive losses to my partner due to a strategic disconnect and a variant value structure. I made a huge mistake that cost me dearly, both emotionally and financially. I made a mental commitment to myself — never again.
And then I met a couple of ladies who love owning a company and working together. Meet Debbie Livingston and Frances Ford. Fifty-fifty partners in ReEmployAbility, a firm that specializes in back to work programs for those injured or disabled on the job.
They have a decade-long relationship with a common purpose. Over lunch with the two of them, I noticed a deep respect for each other, a genuine belief in a common vision, and a level of trust that was refreshing. They laughed and poked fun at each other in a spirited way, never taking their eye of their common goal — building a company of value.
They never argue about money, have complementary skills, and believe in each other.
One is organized, the other more creative. One is right brained, the other left brained. Both passionate, both honest to each other, and both genuine.
I admire their resolve, and am envious of their belief in each other.
Just remember — they are the exception. Not the norm.
About Hemant Rustogi