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Late Night Ramblings - Post Shark Tank

Chad Riddersen

Posted on May 03 2012

We were ecstatic when we got our first online order, we felt a glimmer of hope when we opened our first retail account, we literally hurt when we got our first customer complaint, and smiled for days when we received our first glowing review.  I say all this, because running a business is such a roller-coaster.  Being on Shark Tank was like that signature, breathtaking drop -  we are laughing, screaming, and just holding on tight.  I remember pulling all-nighters in college, feeling like I couldn't type one more letter, but looking back, that must've been training for this very moment.  Sleep is an afterthought and that's okay.  The one thing that pains me is not being there for my girls as much as I had hoped.

A snapshot of our living room right now.

I came across an article in entreprenuer.com that said the following, "If you're going to be successful, you've got to love your business more than anything else--even your family."  WOW.  When I read this, I felt like someone punched me in the gut.  I'm determined to be successful, but I refuse to believe this.  I have a company and product, because of my family.  I have the most amazing partner who is my family, and family is helping us survive this ride.

I don't even know where I'm going with this blog post, but I just had to take a minute away from work and think big picture.  Thanks for listening.  Anyone agree/disagree?  How do you all juggle work and family?

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27 comments

  • The Go To Girl: July 02, 2015

    ahhh yes I can sympathsise, was a small business owner juggling kids and family myself………..keep going you will feel good even on a bad day! :)

  • johnloppnow: July 02, 2015

    Doh, its late and now I see it. Sorry for hogging up so much comment space.

  • johnloppnow: July 02, 2015

    I just posted a great thought. I don’t see it. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to share in person. Night.

  • shannon kohler: July 02, 2015

    Keep up the good work!!! I can’t wait to get mine in a week or two.

  • johnloppnow: July 02, 2015

    Great post!
    I think you articulate what most people, especially business owners go through.

    First thing I would say is to live by your deepest values and follow your conscience. Always!

    Second, learn from the one you are following and choose that person wisely.

    Here is what Jesus had to say about how to think about each day (moment). I start each day with this prayer and then converse with Him about the days needs and what he is calling me to do.

    http://www.mydailybread.us/mydailybread/Jesus_on_Gods_Will.html

    Ok, I’m tired and just wanted to share somethings.

    Congrats on your growing business.
    As you grow your business, make sure you two are in regular conversation about the important things.

    Invest the most in your marriage first, family (w/kids) second. This will pay the greatest dividends.

    Money and businesses come and go, but it is your marriage and family that will (if wise choices are made) be there for love and support.

    I appreciate your sharings.

    John

  • Irma Niekum: July 02, 2015

    SO AGREE! I have my own business and look forward for the ‘golden moment’ like the one you are experiencing now! So embrace the good feeling, the sleep deprivation, the absence from the kids, the long hours at work, ‘cos it’s all worth for the long run! I’m so happy for your success and I look forward for my LOLA cup I bought for my son…all the best!!

  • Dan: July 02, 2015

    Thanks for sharing. Totally agree. I think I see my box. :)

  • Ryan Anderson: July 02, 2015

    I whole heartedly agree. True success is the ability to manage both your business and personal relationships simultaneously. At no point should one ever have to sacrifice ones relationship permanently for the good of the business! The family will be there for you, even when the business is not and that is something that should never be taken for granted.

  • Haley: July 02, 2015

    Hang in there. All of your hard work and sacrifice will pay off. Who says you can’t have it all?

  • scottherring: July 02, 2015

    Hanna -

    You’re wrestling with and answering your own question. You know you don’t want to work this way forever, so push now and enjoy what’s on the other side. You’re doing this FOR and WITH your family by your side. There’s a great deal of hidden good to that… You’re able to work alongside your husband and share in this ‘overnight’ success. You’re paying forward valuable lessons to your children about creating personal wealth, networking, marketing, and possibly life balance.

    Just hang in there for a while, and I bet you’ll be one of those “Shark Tank” follow-up stories (wearing a big smile at the park with your family) next season. Your product is remarkable, so it’ll have a life of its own after you finish this production and packaging run. Mark my words: it won’t be YOU doing this manual labor forever.

    Short term sacrifice, long term gain! You have a community of fans here to prop you up too :)

  • Courtney Chavana: July 02, 2015

    Aww. Well I can imagine that this is very overwhelming for you because of the high demand of your awesome product and you want to please your customers. My advice is to get as much outside help as possible. Taking out a few hours or maybe an entire day (if possible) to have the alone time you need with your husband and kids will def. make u feel better. In my opinion, no matter how much anyone loves their job, you should ALWAYS make time for yourself and your loved ones. Good luck :).

  • Debbie Castonguay Tharp: July 02, 2015

    success is in the eye of the beholder! You have already acheived success by having a family, your awesome business is just a bonus!

  • mees: July 02, 2015

    i hope that entrepreneur.com article writer was being sarcastic or facetious. his narrow-minded view of success is not what you are aiming for! keep up the hard work, but don’t put your business ahead of your family! you can be successful at both as long as your keep your heart and mind focused on Him.

  • lollacup: July 02, 2015

    Thanks…must do.

  • lollacup: July 02, 2015

    thanks!

  • lollacup: July 02, 2015

    Thanks for your thoughtful response. I keep reading it over and over…

  • Laura Hathaway: July 02, 2015

    I agree with you – your family is the most important! Take care!

  • Kim: July 02, 2015

    I love your heart in not forgetting why you hav your business in the first place. It would be terrible to have a successful business and a family that is falling apart at the seams because you are too preoccupied with packing boxes to invest in your children.

  • India Rows: July 02, 2015

    The fun, exciting (an maybe weird?) thing about seeing y’all on Shark Tank is that we feel like we know you! I love your candidness in all of your posts and I appreciate you being so honest about your experiences. I bet this time is crazy… I am still waiting on my cups!! I am very patient, though, and remain a proud soon-to-be lollacup owner! All the best to you!

    India
    IndiaRows.com

  • Gina Boulton: July 02, 2015

    WOW Great comment by John! I am also a mompreneur, i set our to create my business when my husband deployed to Afghanistan it was the hardest 8 months of my life, With a 8 week old baby and 8 yr old daughter it really puts everything into perspective. Family 1st and foremost IS your success. Then your passion for what you do comes next. Your family is an inspiration i wish you all the success!

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