"Her weakness is her slicked-back hair," Drew Scott says without flinching.
The usually serious half of the popular HGTV twin duo isn't afraid to throw a few jabs now and then. "Drew is a robot!" his four-minute-older twin Jonathan retorts, referencing Drew's workaholic tendencies.
The brothers are shooting the final episodes of Brother vs. Brother in Texas—one of their four home improvement shows—that have built a devoted following of over 18 million viewers in the past six years. Yes, the 6-foot-5 duo could be called tall, dark, and handsome (they get hundreds of marriage proposals weekly on social media), but their real appeal is the down-to-earth humor and playful sibling rivalry.
“We use humor to defuse tension,” Jonathan explains. “We take the work seriously but not ourselves.”
It works. Since launching Property Brothers in 2011, they've consistently topped HGTV ratings and expanded with shows like Brothers Take New Orleans.
Related: The Property Brothers share 4 tips for budding entrepreneurs
Their big smiles and on-air pranks evoke nostalgia for anyone with siblings. But behind the fun are brothers who've spent 30 years building a multi-million-dollar digital and media production brand from scratch.
It began at age 7 with JAM Enterprises (Jonathan, Andrew, Mom)—making and selling nylon hangers. While neighborhood kids played soccer, the twins designed crayon business cards. Their slogan: 'We take care of your fittings.' With help from mom Joanne, uncle JD, and friends, they handled manufacturing, door-to-door sales, and growth plans. A neighbor ordered thousands for her Japan stores. They flipped their first home at 18, launching a furniture line, New York Times bestselling book, four hit shows, and Scott Brothers Entertainment.
Though they've collaborated lifelong, success required defining roles and resolving conflicts as partners first, brothers second.
COURTESY OF HGTV
“People say you can't work with family, but that's not us,” Drew says. “We have a no-B.S. policy.”
Siblings make ideal partners—they know each other deeply. Research, like University of Illinois professor Laurie Kramer's work, shows siblings shape socialization, conflict management, and competition. A 2009 Purdue study found most adult siblings maintain positive bonds.
Related: All in the family
Yet few team up in business. Jonathan speculates it's due to unspoken high expectations leading to resentment.
Veteran sibling entrepreneurs share 7 tips for mixing family and business:
1. Identify strengths and weaknesses. Drew excels at networking; Jonathan at hands-on work. Early on, list and rate each other's traits for fresh insights.
2. Voice expectations clearly. Define roles from the start and as you grow. “Treat it like a business,” Jonathan advises, regardless of love.
COURTESY OF HGTV
3. Divide and conquer. Jonathan renovates 50+ homes yearly for Property Brothers and Buy and Sell; Drew handles branding. Trust strengths, voice disagreements respectfully, and lead in your domain.
4. Align goals. They crafted a 10-year plan merging visions, embracing calculated risks and adaptation.
5. Enforce no-B.S. policy. Solve issues directly. “Being stubborn isn't an asset,” Drew says. “See through others' eyes to grow.” Focus on brand goals for solutions.
6. Leave personal feelings at home. Shooting 60+ episodes yearly plus ventures means constant time together, but clear communication keeps it professional.
7. Don't let success go to your head. Aiming for $500 million by 2018 end, they laugh at 'overnight success' labels after decades of grind. Stay grounded by remembering your 'why'—like rebuilding a Katrina victim's home in Brothers Take New Orleans. “We inspire families and change lives,” Drew says. “Bigger brand means helping more.”
Related: True success begins the second you start giving back
This article originally appeared in the March 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
