Balancing Family and Finances: Why UW Works for Couples
Hi, we’re Gary and Emma. One of the best parts of our Utility Warehouse journey is that we now get to run our business together. It wasn’t always like that — in fact, Emma wanted nothing to do with it at the start! But as time went on, UW became a way for us to not only secure our future, but build something as a couple.
Two Different Strengths, One Shared Vision
While we have our own customer contacts and individual ways of working, we’ve found a great rhythm together. Emma is brilliant with partner support — warm, encouraging, and experienced in helping people feel confident. I’m more technical and customer-focused, and I’ve taken the lead on getting things like this website up and running.
From UW’s perspective, we’re one Partner because we work under a joint partnership — but we both contribute equally in our own ways. It’s a true 50/50 effort, and that’s part of what makes it work so well.
Freedom to Choose Our Days
Before UW, Emma was working over 60 hours a week as a childminder, and I was running a computer repair business. We were constantly on the go, managing clients, family, and all the stress that comes with self-employment. UW gave us the ability to step away from those businesses entirely — and now, we work when we choose.
There’s no clocking in or fixed schedule. If we want to take the afternoon off, we do. If we want to travel or spend time with family, we can. That freedom is worth its weight in gold.
A Hidden Strength: Supporting Each Other
One of the most unexpected benefits of building a business together is the emotional support. When one of us has a tough day or feels unsure, the other is there to encourage and remind us of how far we’ve come. We face challenges together, and it makes all the difference.
Advice to Other Couples
We didn’t start as a couple in the business — Emma wasn’t interested initially. But she still supported me behind the scenes while I got going. Eventually, she got involved herself. Looking back, we’d say to any couple: use your strengths. Support each other, share the load, and pull in the same direction. That’s when the magic happens.
UW isn’t just a business opportunity — it’s a partnership builder. And when you grow together, you can achieve so much more than you ever thought possible.