Making Marriage and Business Work at Cameron Hughes Wine
A Blog by Antonio Neves
You always hear this: “Never go into business with friends or loved ones.” And I’ve always thought this seemed like great advice. Friends are friends and business is business and, for some strange reason or another, they tend not to mix so well. I think it’s that thing called money that gets in the way. Well, apparently, husband-and-wife team Cameron Hughes and Jessica Kogan never got the memo. And good for them.
Today, Cameron Hughes Wine is a huge success, selling massive amounts of high-end wine in stores like Costco and Sam’s Club. But it wasn’t always this way. In the early days, instead of having inventory stacked on retail shelves, it was stacked in Cameron’s and Jessica’s apartment, car and anywhere they could find space. Not the most ideal or romantic situation for newlyweds, and it led to many challenges throughout their marriage. Both Cameron and Jessica were frank with me about this during our interviews for their “Cool Runnings” segments on Business on Main. Being partners in work and life definitely made things harder on themselves than if they were only in business together. Long story, on the same days when they didn’t know if Cameron Hughes Wine would survive, they also didn’t know if their marriage would last. Happily, not only has their company survived, but their marriage has thrived.
The difference for Cameron and Jessica has been solid communication. This means having the tough talks that no one wants to have. This means knowing that if this business doesn’t work out, we may lose everything. This means putting someone else’s interest before yours. This means waiting to have kids. This means so many different things — and Cameron and Jessica addressed all of them head-on. They were determined that even if their company failed, their marriage didn’t have to perish with it.
Something Jessica told me during our interview really stood out. She recalled the moment when she realized that even though the company was a partnership, at the end of the day Cameron’s name was on the bottle, not hers. For her this meant conceding leadership of the business to Cameron. If the business failed, it was his name on the bottle that failed with it. She went on to explain how this revelation was a release for her and her marriage and ensured that she fought the right battles with her husband and partner. This was a major breakthrough for them personally and business-wise.
In so many businesses large and small, people fight for the power to sit at the head of the table. Jessica realized that this battle wasn’t worth it. She could be just as effective steering the business without the glow of the spotlight. What’s fascinating about this married couple is that if circumstances were reversed and Jessica’s name was on the bottle, it’s clear that Cameron would do as she has and fully support her. Because of that trust and love, Cameron Hughes Wine is a wildly successful business. Because of that trust and love, Cameron’s and Jessica’s marriage is in great shape, with two beautiful daughters bringing them joy. Because of that trust and love, Cameron and Jessica have no complaints.
Antonio Neves is the host of Business on Main’s Web series, Cool Runnings, and a correspondent for NBC NextMedia Productions.
