Many people venture into this industry with the hopes of attaining freedom and prosperity. They’re drawn to the idea of running their own business — starting something for themselves. 

But building an agency from the ground up is hard work. It takes time, money, and complete dedication to your agents and clients. It’s easier if you have a trusted partner to work alongside you. 

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At Spark, we partner with a dozen husband-and-wife agency owners who love doing life and business together. By playing to each other’s strengths and practicing open communication, these duos have built some of the fastest-growing agencies in the country. Our team interviewed a few of these couples to learn more about their decisions to become business partners, how they run their agencies, and the love stories behind it all. 

Meet Pam and Rich 

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The love story

Pam and Rich are based in Colorado and have been together for nine years, though they say it feels like 50. The day they met, they both knew they had found their perfect match. 

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“Our life kites fly higher than I could’ve ever imagined because of Rich’s constant courage to add more string to the spool. My vision and his patience and tenacity keep us soaring high, even in the most turbulent storms.”  — Pam 

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“Pam is my inspiration and motivation. I would not be where I am today without her unconditional love and support. Pam told me once that she does not pursue happiness, she runs alongside it. I love running alongside happiness with Pam in my life!” — Rich

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Starting Medicare Mentors

Early in their relationship, Rich shared a story of how his retired military parents were confused by Medicare and ended up spending over $40,000. At the time, Pam was a captive agent with UnitedHealthcare and asked Rich if he’d ever consider getting his license. She believed Medicare sales would allow him to continue to serve veterans and make a difference, like he did in the Army. 

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Playing to each other’s strengths 

Pam’s strength is dreaming big. Rich’s strength is his willingness to approach potential partners and organizations — to discover the opportunities that make the dreams come true. 

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Merging work and life 

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“We see our personal life and our work life as integrated. We love this way of living, and some of our best ideas sprout from the clink of glasses as the day winds down. If either of us needs space and shut off time, we use our safe word, ‘pistachio,’ and table thoughts until the next day.” 

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Words of wisdom 

How do you know if it’s a good idea to start a business with your life partner? 

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“Do you both become more creative and energetic when you talk about business ideas together? Do you respect each other above and beyond anything else? Do you want success for yourselves, your clients, business partners, and possibly a team? If the answer to these questions is yes, then go for it!”

Meet Roche and Ryan

The love story 

Roche and Ryan met at work in the Philippines. When they’re not working out of the Houston office (and successfully convince their teenagers to hang out with them), they’ll have game night or head out to the breakfast buffet. Even with eight kids, they always make time to prioritize one another. 

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“We love to go to local speakeasies, have a drink and relax…Sometimes immersed in conversation, occasionally quiet and reflecting. But together is what is important.”  

— Ryan 

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“He fills what I cannot do and vice versa. There is no competition, just growing together while having fun. And our kids see that which is one of the greatest things.” — Roche 

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Starting Phil-Am
Driven by a desire to help local seniors, Roche became an independent agent and eventually opened her own agency. Then, in May 2024, feeling unsatisfied with the status quo, Ryan left his successful corporate career and joined forces with Roche. 

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Playing to each other’s strengths 

For both Roche and Ryan, success starts and ends with building relationships. Roche approaches relationships with compassion while Ryan approaches them with honest, no-BS dialogue. Leaning on one another, they’re able to build genuine, long-term relationships with mutual trust and clear communication. 

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Merging work and life 

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“I love the fact that I work alongside my husband in every area, spending quality time while working. He is a visionary and an exceptional leader who I look up to not only in our home, but in every aspect of our lives.” — Roche

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“We are on the same page with our relationship and trust one another in the totality of what we are in the office and out. I love the fact that I can have my wife with me every step of the way.” — Ryan 

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Words of wisdom 

What advice would you share with couples who want to start a business? 

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“You have to know who you are as a couple and not be afraid to communicate about everything…frustrations, success, unhappiness, feelings of being alone, personal relational needs if you feel like you are not the focus of your spouse…everything. This is the true key to our success as a married couple in the business — we can discuss everything and not judge or get offended.” 

‍Spark is the fastest-growing independent NMA serving agencies, brokers, and clients through our single, industry-leading platform. Follow Spark on LinkedIn to hear more success stories from the industry’s top agents and principals.