The Power of Partnership: How Couples Succeed in Business

Andy and JT welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, Andy sits down with Bob and Caroline Kelliher of Transworld Business Advisors of Western and Central Washington to explore what it’s really like to run a business as a couple. From running a 10,000-square-foot party supply store and later expanding to multiple locations, to teaching at Le Cordon Bleu and now helping entrepreneurs buy and sell companies through Transworld, the Kellihers have turned decades of shared experience into a thriving partnership. They discuss how they divide responsibilities, balance home and work life, and why mutual respect and clear communication keep both their marriage and ventures strong. Tune in for an honest, funny, and heartfelt look at partnership in work and in life! 

 

Listing of the Week: 

JT Harp, President and CEO of Transworld Business Advisors of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, presents a legacy bakery that’s been a beloved community staple for decades. Known for its loyal customer base and strong brand equity, this turnkey operation includes retail, wholesale, catering, and optional real estate. With infrastructure, staff, and supplier relationships already in place, it’s ready for a new owner to grow and modernize. For more information, contact JT at [phone] or [e-mail] 

 

Deal of the Week: 

A cozy three-room inn in historic Roslyn, Washington, famously known as the filming location for Northern Exposure, has been sold again! Once a 19th-century dental office, the property was first sold after Bob and Caroline Kelliher met the buyers by chance at a local pub. This time, a local pastor and his family purchased the inn, eager to run a small, community-focused business. With multiple offers and plenty of local interest, it sold above asking with cash and seller financing. To learn more, call Bob at [phone] or Caroline at [phone], or email them at [e-mail] or [e-mail]. 

 

Key Takeaways From This Episode: 

 

• [00:30] Introducing today’s guest topic: What it’s really like to run a business as a couple with Bob and Caroline Kelliher. 

• [03:11] How they met while working together, began their first venture, and divided their roles. 

• [05:46] Expanding to multiple locations, launching “Sweet Caroline’s” bakery, and teaching their kids entrepreneurship. 

• [06:24] Their years working apart: Caroline’s near-decade teaching at Le Cordon Bleu and Bob’s time working in Las Vegas. 

• [07:06] How they started working together again: finding their next chapter together with Transworld, and how they divide their roles. 

• [10:34] Their top advice for couples in business: define roles and leave emotion out. 

• [11:45] Why they view entrepreneurship as a lifestyle, not just a career. 

• [13:41] Deal of the Week: Bob and Caroline Kelliher (Western & Central Washington) sold a historic three-room inn in Roslyn, WA, to a local pastor and his family. 

• [17:08] Listing of the Week: JT Harp (Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky) is selling a long-standing community bakery with a strong brand and loyal customers. 

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

The Deal Board Podcast  

Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel  

United Franchise Group  

Transworld Business Advisors  

Transworld on LinkedIn  

Transworld on Facebook  

Call us — [phone] 

Email us [e-mail]  

Bob Kelliher 

Bob Kelliher email 

Call Bob at [phone] 

Caroline Kelliher 

Caroline Kelliher email 

Call Caroline at [phone] 

JT Harp 

Legacy Bakery with Decades of Success – Real Estate Option 

 

#thedealboard #transworldbusinessadvisors #realestate #commercial 

 

Quotes: 

 

“I'd say, leave the emotion out and focus on the goal — the common goal.” — Caroline Kelliher [0:10:42] 

 

“I don't think all husbands and wives can pull this off, but if you can, it's amazing. It’s definitely worth trying.” — Bob Kelliher [0:10:52] 

 

“We are of service in a way. I love the job so much because I'm helping people get to retirement. I'm helping that first-time business owner own their own business. I remember when I did that, it was the most amazing thing.” — Bob Kelliher [0:12:00] 

 

“I think everybody should own their own company at some point. And if it doesn't work out, you will learn so much from it that you'll be a better person for whatever you do in the future.” — Bob Kelliher [0:12:15]