Cracker Barrel's attempted rebrand lit up the internet—but the logo was only the tip of the iceberg. In this episode, Robert and Kay Lee unpack what really happened: rapid, sweeping changes to brand visuals, menu staples, and in-store experience that left loyal customers feeling ignored. Robert draws on his Coca-Cola days to connect the dots to "New Coke" and other big-brand missteps.

The lesson for married entrepreneurs? Expansion is great—if you bring your core with you. We talk about how to modernize without losing the soul of your brand, why you must weight research toward your existing buyers, and how "nostalgia" (surprise!) still wins with younger audiences. Translation: keep what people love, then pilot the new.

You'll also hear practical ways to pressure-test change as a couple-led team—from founder interviews and customer listening to limited market tests—so you protect profits, avoid avoidable conflict at home, and buy back time you'd otherwise spend doing cleanup.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

• Protect the core: modernize, don't amputate.

• Weight research to loyal customers before chasing new segments.

• Give choices (keep the classics while piloting new offers).

• Test small (limited locations/segments) before rolling out big.

• Honor the brand story—talk to founders/OG customers early.

• Nostalgia sells (even with Gen Z); don't discard it.

• Measure reality, not vibes: let sales, retention, and sentiment data lead.

• As spouses in business, align on "non-negotiables" first to prevent conflict later.

• Expand the market by adding rings around the core, not replacing it.

• Listen continuously—surveys, DMs, and event feedback are your free focus groups.

After a jam-packed few weeks onboarding clients and juggling a major project, Robert & Kay Lee get real about a message every married entrepreneur needs to hear: "Hustle now, rest later" is a myth that steals joy, strains marriages, and sabotages long-term business value. In this candid conversation, they unpack why constant grind doesn't equal greater achievement—and how to build a business that grows and lets you enjoy life with your spouse now, not "someday."

You'll hear how choosing family over finance actually creates a stronger company: better culture, lower turnover, healthier leadership, and a business people would want to buy or inherit. They share practical first steps to break the cycle—like taking intentional time off (even half-days), setting clear boundaries between work and home, and building trust in your team so the business can run without you. The goal? A sellable, scalable, legacy business that supports your marriage rather than competing with it.

If you've ever thought, "I'll rest when I'm dead," this episode is your gentle (but firm) reset. Learn how to pace your ambition, protect your relationship, and design systems and team capacity that free your time. You can grow profits and deepen connection—without grinding yourself or your marriage into the ground.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

• Hustle ≠ Happiness: Achievement alone won't deliver lasting joy; healthy relationships and rhythms do.

• Family Over Finance: Prioritizing marriage and home life strengthens culture, performance, and retention.

• Design for Exit (or Freedom): Build a business that runs and grows without you—making it sellable, transferable, and actually attractive to the next owner or your kids.
  Start Small, Start Now: If a full day off feels impossible, begin with a half-day or device-free evening; build the "time-off muscle."

• Boundaries Create Balance: Define when business ends and family begins so work doesn't invade every conversation and moment.

• Delegate & Trust: Train (or replace) where needed so you can disconnect without fear—the house won't burn down.

• Burnout Hits Early: Even under-40 owners are burning out; prevention beats recovery every time.