4 Proven Tips for Starting a Business with Your Spouse: Real Insights from Entrepreneurs Kelvin and Mandy Slater

After years honing their skills as cooks, servers, bartenders, and managers in the restaurant industry, Kelvin and Mandy Slater yearned for independence. The married couple launched their own restaurant in 2003, expanding it to five thriving locations before selling in 2015.

An exciting opportunity at Ponce City Market in Atlanta soon followed, prompting them to found Slater Hospitality. Today, the company manages a portfolio of restaurants in the vibrant market.

Related: 8 Essential Startup Tools for Every Entrepreneur

Kelvin, a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization for over three years, values the peer learning: "It's great and humbling to be around other entrepreneurs who are growing their business." His journey has reinforced the importance of intentional relationships with his wife and children.

Drawing from their hands-on experience building multiple successful ventures together, Kelvin shares these essential tips for entrepreneurs partnering with a spouse:

• Treat it like a marriage: Approach your business partnership with the same respect and care.
• Set aside weekly time to discuss family, goals, and your relationship.
• Prioritize date nights to nurture your personal connection.
• Invest in developing key team members to support your growth.

Related: Can you really be successful in both business and relationships?

This article originally appeared in the February 2018 issue of SUCCESS magazine. Photo by Amy Sinclair.