By: Trip Chaser
Teaming up with your life partner when it comes to business can be a double-edged sword. Having someone you like, trust, and know well by your side can be a huge advantage. The seamless communication, the shared values and goals, and the mutual support can definitely make running a business with your husband an awesome experience.
However, there are also a lot of issues that can arise when mixing marriage and business. The risks of conflicts, disagreements, and power struggles can bleed into both your personal and professional life. It can be a stressful and challenging experience to balance both at the same time.
For Dalene and Pete Heck, the couple behind the travel card game Trip Chaser, juggling business and marriage is an adventure in itself. Famous for their world travels, this couple, now putting down roots in Nova Scotia, shared tips on how to make running a business with your spouse awesome rather than terrifying.
Leverage Your Shared Passions
After getting stuck at home during the pandemic, Dalene and Pete brainstormed on what could be next for them. It was their idea of inventing a travel-themed card game that sparked excitement, given that they spent eight years seeing the world as digital nomads.
“It’s important to find a common ground that both of you are excited about. For us, it was our love for travel,” Dalene said. “Having a shared passion can create a strong foundation and help you stay motivated in your business.”
It’s this passion that birthed Trip Chaser, a game that turns armchair travelers into explorers, one card at a time. The Hecks’ travels across 60 countries infused the game with authentic experiences, making it more than just a product, it’s a piece of their shared journey.
Dalene explains, “We wanted to channel our experiences into something that could bring joy to others. With Trip Chaser, even people who may not have the resources or time to travel can still experience the thrill and adventure of it.”
Learn How to Adapt
The path to success is often littered with unforeseen challenges, something the Hecks know all too well. Their free-wheeling travel ways came to a screeching halt in 2016 when Dalene was diagnosed with leukemia, and then after recovering from that, the global impact of COVID-19 tested their resilience further. Yet, they turned these obstacles into opportunities for innovation.
“When life throws curveballs, we pivot,” Dalene shared. “It was definitely difficult to start from scratch after our nomadic lifestyle was abruptly halted, but we found new ways to continue pursuing our passions through new projects. A lot of times, partners, whether in business or in life, can either crumble or come out stronger when faced with tough times. We chose the latter.”
During trying times, the easy way out is to blame the nearest thing you can find: your partner. But the Hecks learned that supporting each other so they can adapt to change is key.
Separate Business and Personal Time
Unlike the typical husband and wife who go their own way in the morning and reconvene at night to catch up over dinner, working with your partner means you are together 24/7. While this may seem daunting, the Hecks advise keeping a healthy balance between personal and professional time.
“One moment you’re talking about what you’re having for lunch and then the next, you’re discussing a work-related project,” Dalene shared. “While it may seem convenient at first, you’re also running the risk of having your business take over your personal life. Make sure to set boundaries and schedule quality time for yourselves where work is off limits.”
Dalene also stressed the importance of having your own solo time, whether it’s for self-care or pursuing individual interests. “It’s vital to have some alone time to recharge and reflect,” she said. “This helps keep our relationship strong and allows us to bring our great selves into our work.”
Celebrate Small Wins Together
When Dalene and Pete started their travel journey way back in 2009, they never expected to be recognized for it. It was a life-changing decision they made motivated by the realization that life is indeed so short,
When they started getting awards like being named National Geographic’s Travelers of the Year, it was a pleasant surprise that they celebrated together. Another milestone was finally being able to launch the Trip Chaser card game after years of conceptualization, beta testing, and production.
As working partners, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate each other’s achievements, no matter how big or small they may seem. These moments not only strengthen your bond as a couple but also motivate and inspire you to continue pushing toward your goals together.
“Having our travel experiences and even mishaps turned into a fun card game was definitely an important milestone for us,” Dalene shared. “And sharing this momentous achievement with my husband is perhaps one of the most awesome feelings ever.”
Want to experience traveling in the comforts of your own home? Consider checking out the Trip Chaser card game, the armchair travel adventure that might take you around the world without the spending, the hassle, and the suitcases.
Published by: Martin De Juan
