Richie and I are well known as the co-founders of Milk Chocolate, but what some people may not be aware of is that we’re also best friends. Our relationship began 28 years ago, all the way back in high school. While we weren’t exactly chummy throughout our secondary education, our friendship groups merged following graduation and we quickly became good mates.
In 2007, we ended up working at the same advertising company. It was there that we discovered our mutual passion for property and building and decided to flip a house together in Sydney. We soon figured out that we wanted to do this for a living, and thus began the early days of Milk Chocolate.
After 10 or so years of running the company, we’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to have a strong partnership. Scouting the right person is absolutely crucial when starting a business, and it truly can make or break your success. We’ve also come to realise that our kinship has made us better business partners.
To that end, here are a few reasons why, to us, establishing a business with your best mate is practically a no-brainer.
We have a deep understanding of one another
After nearly three decades of friendship, Richie and I know each other pretty damn well. With that familiarity comes an acute understanding of the intricacies of our personalities that only reveal themselves over time.
We see this intimacy as key to the success of our alliance. Knowing how to communicate with and manage one another lets us overcome differences of opinion and business hurdles efficiently. As well, we’re comfortable challenging, pushing and being honest with each other, which has led to growth both personally and for the business.
We have a lot in common
Commonality is one of the pillars of good friendship, but it also makes for a fantastic business partnership. Milk Chocolate was built on our joint love of property, building and renovations, and by sharing that passion, it means we’re equally motivated to grow the business and drive it forward. We’re also completely aligned on our business goals and share similar ambitions and work ethic – all of which are imperative for the prosperity of our company.
...But we also have our differences
Our interests may be similar, however, we’re very aware of our differences. Having a good grasp on each other’s strengths, weaknesses and unique skillsets early on – well before we launched Milk Chocolate – allowed us to quickly establish our very different roles and responsibilities in the business. This saved us a lot of hassle in the beginning and now gives us the ability to focus our time and attention on where we’re best suited.
We also tend to clash on certain things, but this creates healthy debate and a fresh perspective, as we understand each other well enough to know how to approach our disagreements.
There’s an existing level of unconditional trust
Having gone through so much of our lives together, we’ve had each other’s backs through both personal and professional challenges. There’s a deep trust that develops through those experiences – a trait that’s an absolute non-negotiable when building a business with another person. Without years of companionship behind you, that level of trust and transparency can take a while to evolve.
It’s just plain fun
Not only do Richie and I spend our workdays opposite one another, but we also have the same friendship group. I’m incredibly close to Richie’s wife, too. While the lack of work/life separation might seem a little nuts to some, I believe it’s evidence of finding the right co-founder.
Launching a business with another person inevitably means spending a near unhealthy amount of time together, so doing it with someone you genuinely enjoy hanging out with can make all the difference to your professional relationship. Richie is an awesome person to have around; he’s fun and energetic, and a great sidekick. Embarking on this journey together makes what can be a difficult experience much easier – and often a lot of fun.
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