Four couples who make it work — at home and on the job Together 24/7


In the following profile, four cou- ples who live and work together in the North Shore area near Boston share the joys and challenges of their relationships.


By SUSAN JACOBS Y


ou’d think they’d get on each other’s nerves or become bored. Is it possible to keep their relationships fresh when they spend so much time together? How do they balance family/work respon- sibilities? How do they schedule vacations when they are both needed in the office?


Despite these issues, many couples


who live and work together clearly relish their relationships. “We are married to the business, as well as each other,” said Dennis and Michele Feld, who own and operate


days per week. “In the floral business we must


work all holidays, and most weddings take place on Sunday. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but we


must leave at 6 a.m. if we are going to the flower market,” Michele said. “It’s hard work, both mentally and physically. You’re on your feet 10 hours a day, running in and out of a


cooler. There is a lot of stress,” Dennis added.


At night the couple retreats to their relaxing oasis at home to enjoy quiet time together, ever mindful that they


Evans Flowers in Peabody, Mass. “We’re always thinking about the business, and [the office calls] go to our cell phone after hours.” Despite the fact that they have 13


employees and three grown children who will pitch in when needed, each spouse still puts in six-and-a-half


luxury of living and working with my best friend.’


‘I have the


Dennis and Michele Feld, who own and operate Evans Flowers.


might have to field work-related mat- ters after hours. Although they are both avid golfers, it’s nearly impossible for them to play together because that means two people are gone from the shop simultaneously. In the store they gravitate toward


different tasks. Dennis interacts with customers and handles the business side of things. Michele is a master flo- ral designer who has won numerous awards for her work. “Even though we spend all day together, we are not on each others’ toes because we’re in different areas of the shop,” Michele explained. “When we leave in the morning,


16 JEWISH TRIBUNE • Wedding Section • January 20-26, 2012


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