Great read from Brian and Christine McElvanna from NCC IT Services on how they conquered the notion of ‘Don’t Mix Business with Pleasure’.
Brian and Christine first met while working at AIB. They had an instant connection, joking that it was love at first sight over their office partitions. Six years later, Brian made the decision to join his family’s IT business, NCC IT Services in Newry.
The couple tied the knot in 2008 and relocated to Lissummon. Christine found a job at a local solicitor’s firm, while Brian took on the challenge of running the family business. Brian admits that taking over the company was no easy feat and that he relied heavily on Christine’s support and insight.
Brian McElvanna, Managing Director of NCC IT Services said:
“One of the big changes you have to deal with when running your own business is that you don’t have anyone else to vent or bounce things off to, so Christine became the one I discussed things with at home.”
Christine agreed, adding that she felt more involved in the business as a result.
After 12 years of marriage and four children, Covid-19 hit, forcing the couple to reassess their priorities. They found themselves becoming much more focused on their family unit and Brian proposed the idea of Christine joining the business.
Although they had reservations about how it might impact their relationship, they ultimately decided that maintaining clear and defined roles would be key to making it work. Christine now works on the accounts and operations side of the business, leaving the couple with the flexibility to prioritise family life, like picking the kids up from school.
Working together hasn’t been as challenging as they had initially anticipated, largely due to their shared values and similar approach to business. They do, however, make a conscious effort to set aside time to discuss home life, particularly over their morning coffee ritual. This allows them to better appreciate each other’s daily tasks and reduces the amount of work talk that spills over into their personal lives at home.
Overall, Brian and Christine’s story serves as a reminder that with clear communication and a willingness to adapt, it is possible to achieve a healthy work-life balance and you can mix business with pleasure!
Their advice to other working couples? Set aside time to discuss your priorities and make a conscious effort to disconnect from work during your downtime.
To find out more info about NCC IT Services, please visit:
www.nccits.com