08/11/2026
BALANCING FAMILY & BIZ - CHEERS TO 23 YEARS
Growing up in a family business, it was the norm to have home chores mixed in with business tasks in our household. Seeing my Mom on the phone booking guests for our Motel and Cottages, witnessing her at the dining table balancing the books, or Dad bringing home blueprints and making adjustments for his latest build, it was just a part of life. I saw the daily routine of my parents as small business owners up close and personal. Actually, when I was little, I thought everyone’s parents had a business!
That’s come full circle with our kid and Fresh Media, at just a few days old, to now a growing teen sharing his own ideas about business, he’s been in the mix.
The day we were released from the QEH, Rob, William and I headed to the office to meet the crew and show our little bundle around the place. Fond memories of him on my lap as a toddler watching as I designed, sent emails and planned next steps fr the business. PD days with him hanging out near my desk drawing his own ads for Burger Love and giving me feedback on our client work… an Art Director from day-one. 🙂 Doing homework in our meeting room after school when we have a deadline pending, or some March Break time playing video games with our programmers kiddo in the room next door.
He’s grown up alongside of Fresh Media over the last 16 years, and although he has my DNA, he’ll pursue his own path in the future, but if he ventures into business, Rob and I will be cheering him on and there to listen, support, and celebrate.
Fun fact, my Mom & Dad continuously volunteered to help at our business over the years. 😊 I’d tell them they earned their retirement years even when they’d just show up to help in some way.
Did I ever find that magical work/life balance formula? Not really.
However, over the lifespan of Fresh Media, I’ve learned that business and life are indeed intertwined, family business means both will overlap, and even though I found difficult at times in William’s earlier years. In the end, I wouldn’t change a thing.
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