When Abby and Davis Watts started dating after working together at radio station WBVM-FM 90.5 (Spirit FM) for seven years, they began that romantic relationship with a decidedly unromantic pro/con list. • "We were nervous of what the changed dynamic could bring," Abby said. "But we knew we collaborated well already in our work environment. We agreed it was worth the risk."
The Watts have been together for three years now, and their work relationship has continued to thrive as their romantic relationship has deepened. Their lists were accurate: they've found success combining home and work life, but they also confirmed concerns that such a blend comes with different risks (and rewards) than those faced by a couple with separate work lives.
Work life. Home life. We talked with four couples who put the two together. It's a 24/7 lifestyle that comes with challenges. It wouldn't work for every relationship, but these couples say their shared business success simply reflects the strength of their marriages.
Elizabeth and Devon Vocke started their business together eight years into their marriage. Elizabeth says she doesn't remember specifically deciding to work together; it just evolved.
The Vockes own Evoke Strategy LLC, a Tampa-based marketing firm specializing in public relations and digital marketing. This month marks their fourth business anniversary and their 12th wedding anniversary. Devon has been an online entrepreneur for most of his adult life and is energized by new endeavors. Elizabeth's traditional public relations experience gives her insight into strategic long-term planning. Both approaches get equal value in their business efforts, a position they learned at home first.
"We already both respect each other's views and opinions," Devon said.
With that mutual respect, both conscientiously listen to the other's viewpoints and include each other in all decisions. This means considering not just the spouse's opinions, but truly understanding their mindset and their emotional background. Together, they feel they can offer clients the benefits of that joint vision. For the Vockes, the shared esteem of a happy marriage equates with the foundations of a good business partnership.
Jomo and Charmaine Cousins describe their shared workplace, the Love First Christian Center, a non-denominational church in Riverview, not as a job but as a vocation, and one deeply connected to who they are as a couple.
"The church is a reflection of my marriage. You have to live it," Jomo said.
Jomo began his career as a professional football player and motivational speaker; he now serves as pastor to a growing congregation (he estimates weekly attendance at just under 2,000). Charmaine's marketing background helped build the church's presence in the community in the early days; she currently handles the church books and oversees the women's ministry, among other roles.
Married almost 20 years, Jomo and Charmaine have experienced shared challenges - raising three children, career changes - but Charmaine acknowledged that her husband's calling to start a new church in 2008 initially caused her trepidation. However, resolving disagreement quickly and effectively is central to both their home and work relationships.
"We can't let our emotions get us off course. We have to fix it," Jomo said.
Guiding his congregation to forgiveness, the pastor feels he and his wife must live that example - apologize whether they are ready to or not, admit failure, and compartmentalize work and home friction so challenges in one space don't bleed into every aspect of their relationship.
Tracie Mayo and Eileen Donovan attribute their shared success at work and home to a balance of their respective skills. They have been together more than five years and married since 2015. They believe the Mayo Mortgage Group, their mortgage company that serves the Tampa Bay area, benefits from their complementary knowledge and personalities.
"I'm good at what she doesn't like to do and she's good at what I don't like to do," Eileen said. "We're a good balance. We meld well together."
Eileen's background as a mortgage underwriter aids her focus on documentation and details. Tracie's years as a mortgage broker give her experience in connecting with clients, what she calls the "upfront" side of the business.
These work roles match the couple's personal roles. Tracie describes Eileen as "laidback" and herself as more "high strung." The combination helps both of them. The stability in their personal life guides their work relationship.
"The strength of your home life determines the strength of your work life," Tracie said. "We have a like-mindedness about the things we do."
Abby and Davis are the newlyweds of this story; they've been married only two months.
But after three years of dating while working as radio hosts at Spirit FM, a Christian radio station, the Brandon-based couple feel they have established a work/home relationship that benefits both themselves and their workplace.
"Of course there are moments when we've talked about work in our private time," Davis said. "It's about communication. When we need to, we can just say 'It's time to stop working and move on.'"
Abby finds it stimulating to have a colleague at home.
"I love my job and I would find it impossible to just turn it off. When good ideas come at home, I can share them right away when the pressure of the work day is off."
The couple "fights well," they agree, in both private and work time, focusing on good listening and taking time to step back from an emotional moment.
"We make sure the lines of communication are always open," Davis said. "It's more than advice. It's necessary."
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Respect, good conflict resolution, open communication, capacity for constant companionship: "It's the same advice I'd give a couple getting married," Elizabeth Vocke said.
But for each of these marriages, the secret to life as a co-working couple seems to be something in addition to these common themes - they all love their careers. Not one of them is just bringing home a paycheck or just putting in the hours. They are passionate about their work; it is an extension of themselves.
And, as such, it is an extension of their marital relationships.
Contact Emily L. Hay Hinsdale at hillsnews@tampabay.com.
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