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My one person shop has just become a two person shop with the addition of my younger brother. Does anyone else have a brother/close relative working with them? Tips on keeping things smooth would be of help.
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Rule #1: There is one chief in this shop. Your ideas and methods of work will be duly considered but unless otherwise advised, all work will proceed in a manner as previously established.
Rule #2: Commitments of the shop and/or services will be given as dictated by previously established methods. This includes all communications with current and prospective clients.
*Justus,My wife is my "second" employee. Everything works out fine with us because we are both committed to the business.As for your brother, just remember that he is an employee first, and your brother second while at work in the shop. Treat him as you would any other employee, and give him due respect and courtesy. Help him to understand right from the start that you are the boss, and he is the employee, and while at work in the shop, this is the rules of the business. I'd be willing to bet everything will work out fine as long as both of you understand this, and follow the guidelines set up early on.James DuHamel
*Justus,This is a subject that is near and dear to me. I have eight brothers and have had working relationships with several of them. Three have worked for me at one time or another. One is currently working for me.Others have posted some good advice.If you butt heads outside of work you are sure to butt them at work, which has the potential for problems.In any working relationship, expectations are key. Make sure you are both on the same page. I made the mistake of having a sort of open door policy for my brothers in the past. This didn't work out.I have a very productive working relationship with my brother who is working for me now. He has worked for me probably three times over the years and tried out a few other construction jobs as well as putting himself through college. In the past year I have really thrown him to the wolves and he is running his own crew for the most part. I am on the verge of offering some type of profit sharing due to the level of responsibility he is taking on. The one thing I have is 100% trust that he is always looking out for my best interests, something that is hard to find in brothers, or employees.The employer/ee relationship can be clouded by the brother relationship, but doesn't have to be. Age differential seems to play a role. I had less success with the brothers that were closer to my age. I worked for one who is younger, and I loved it. When he worked for me, it was always a hassle. The current brother is 11 years younger, and I think the difference is enough for him to respect that I have some experience that he can benefit from. But its a two way street as I will bounce things off him from time to time too.Mom is always happy to see her boys working together.
*If my brother ever came and worked with me, I'd instantly make him a full partner.blue
*One of my brothers I'd make a partner...the other one I'd make unemployed.
*Justus,I've been in business with my father, my wife, my brother in law, and all three of my children. My father was a great mentor and slowly transitioned over the business through many years.My wife was my best asset plus a great partner.My BIL was a good business man but our ethics and methods differed substantialy and he asked to be bought out.My oldest daughter became the best forklift driver/delivery/yard manager I've ever had.My second daughter worked well, but had no interest and soon moved on.My son worked and was fired on three separate occassions...........turmoil and anquish.Working with relatives is a situation that requires constant attention and very honest open communication. Even if it doesn't work out the relative is still part of the family...and you may have to sit across from him at Christmas dinner.Patience, understanding, and fairness. Good Luck....................Iron Helix
*best thread in a while..I grew up around and worked for a long standingfamily of carpenters. And man wouldn't those sparks fly! I was friendas with the youngest son..the "baby." There were several sons and the oldest coulda been my father the age difference was so big.But didn't they work and think alike. Great earlytutorial for me with regard to work and human nature and family business. Love those 'wooden shoes'..When the old man said, "uh oh", everyone stopped, then out came the catspaw and its metal on metal...oh baby..some one help the layout guy!Mongo- I didn't clk on the att...okayOne on- help de stigma tize mental illness and lose the insult..u no..alz..atta boy. I know, there's no snow by u..j pk..
*I really appreciate all the posts. Things have been working out ok so far, (ie: I haven't killed him yet) There are other factors in this particular relationship, I'm currently fighting a custody battle for him, and if I win not only will I loose my cheap labor, I'll gain another mouth to feed. He'll be able to help me after school, and on weekends, but I'm going to miss the extra hand I've had during the day. My post was more for the future, after he get's out of school. I personally want him to go to college so he doesn't have to work from dawn till dusk for the rest of his life, but I want to be prepared for the likelihood that he and I will be working together for a good long time.
*I arrived at a job site to find 2 brothers (painters) on the kitchen floor fighting. This is one end of the spectrum. I also know 2 brothers that have worked with each other for years and are very successful financially. They don't speak to one another much but they are successful. I also know of a father and son team that worked together successfully in all ways. Whether you think you can get on well with a relative depends on both parties.
*Best masons I know are a father/son team.Dad is from the Old World and does things at the Old World pace, and does them correctly. His priority has always been to do the job, and to him, getting paid is simply a bonus.The son started with him, and after a few years went out on his own to go faster, faster, faster. More jobs brought more grews, more crews forced him to hunt for more jobs. He eventually gave up carrying stone for carrying a clipboard. Once he realized where he ended up, he wanted to go back to the beginning. He did it on his own for a few years and now he's back with his Dad.Outstanding workers...outstanding work. They're the kind that you don't get a bid from, you just show them the job and tell them to send you a bill at the end of the week.
*I've had my one year younger brother as an employee for five years and then a partner for the last fifteen. We get along fine because we don't work that often together. Whoever is the lead on the job calls the shots.I've worked with my son for the past year plus. That has been a tremendous test of patience for us both but it has also brought about a great amount of mutual respect. This kid hasn't always made things easy for himself and it is rewarding to see him become a credible worker. Who knows what the future will hold?
*MY FATHER, GRANDFATHER & 3 BROTHERS PLUS 3 UNCLES & ONE BROTHER IN LAW makes up our FAMILY ELECTRICAL / HVAC/PLUMBING & HEATING CO> MAKES FOR SOME FUN & HEATED ARGUEMENTS...
*Do you yell a lot on the job too ?Typing in all caps is considered shouting. There are other ways to emphasize what you write, such as italics or bold lettering.Check just above or below the edit box, (the one you type your new message into.), and you will find the words, "quick-edit help. Click on those blue words, (not these ones, they won't work.), and you will be taken to a page that will describe some of the editing options you have here at Breaktime.b : )
*I could work well with one out of my four brothers. We were once in partnership and her only left to move because of his love life.I've seen lots of brothers in work together who did well. I've seen lots of good craftsmen who ruined their businesses by hiring sons, cousins, nephews, etc knowing that they would still be stuck supporting them whether they worked or not.I've also worked in a couple of outfits where the brothers were over me. Tag team authority situations don't do anything for company morale. That's something to keep in mind if you plan to grow. Good people won't work for you long if there isn't fairness.Good thread.
*Luka (sorry) Do we yell hell yes...
*ROFLOLYup, sounds like family, all right.b : )
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My one person shop has just become a two person shop with the addition of my younger brother. Does anyone else have a brother/close relative working with them? Tips on keeping things smooth would be of help.