Defining Roles in a Family Business
Running a business is hard. Running a family business? That brings a whole new layer of complexity.
In this episode 376 of The Bright Balloon Podcast, I sat down with Andrea and Aidan from the HiFloat team—mother and daughter, and part of the incredible three-generation family behind one of the balloon industry’s most loved products.
We recorded this episode live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention, and I couldn’t wait to dive into this conversation because so many balloon businesses are family-run—spouses, kids, siblings—and it’s not always easy.
Blurred Lines and Tense Decisions
When your business partner is also your partner-partner (or parent or kid), boundaries can get messy. It’s tough to separate work conversations from dinner table talk. Roles can be unclear, emotions run high, and making objective decisions becomes even harder.
Andrea and Aidan opened up about how their family has navigated all of that—especially after adding the third generation to their company. From spouses joining the team, to kids stepping into leadership roles, they’ve done the work to figure out what makes a family business actually work.
Defined Roles, Open Communication, Shared Values
What’s their secret? Clear roles and honest conversations.
Andrea shared how important it was to define responsibilities from the very beginning—especially when her husband and later, her children, joined the company. She even joked that the original founders (her parents) kept their business relationship strong by keeping secrets: “He never told her the formula for HiFloat, and she never told him who the customers were.”
It sounds funny, but the point is real: even in a tight-knit family, clarity and structure are key.
Aidan also shared how meaningful it’s been to join the company on her own terms—and how having space to own her role in marketing has helped her thrive without stepping on toes.
Making Business Decisions Based on Facts, Not Feelings
My favorite takeaway? Andrea’s advice to “make decisions based on facts, not feelings.”
It’s so easy to say yes to things because they sound fun or feel exciting—but that doesn’t always mean they’re right for your business. Whether it's choosing which events to attend, products to launch, or roles to hire for, she stressed the importance of checking your numbers and keeping your emotions in check.
This episode is full of relatable insights for anyone working with (or considering bringing in) family. If you're building a business with your spouse, kids, or close friends, this one’s for you.
Listen to "Defining Roles in a Family Business" here!
