Success means different things to different people, especially in the realm of entrepreneurship. For Brian and Mary Jo Sullivan, understanding what success looks like for them has been a vital part of their journey. As they navigated the challenges of starting and growing their engineering firm, they learned that measuring success should be a personal endeavor, tailored to their unique values and circumstances.

Understanding What Success Looks Like

“One of the most important things I believe an entrepreneurial couple can do when starting any business is to identify what success looks like for them. Success is measured in many, many different ways, and the only ways that matter are those of that couple specifically.

Some of my really good friends from college started very similar engineering firms to mine, one well before mine and one right around the same time. Thank God, all of us have been very successful, but in very different ways.

One is a solopreneur who’s absolutely crushing it, able to control his schedule the way he wants, coaching his children’s sports, attending their events in college, and juggling all of the other commitments that this fantastic dad has on his plate. All while creating a wonderful income for his family and continuing to do the work that he loves. As an engineer, he is uniquely gifted, and he loves dealing with clients as well as designing and coming up with solutions that no one else can think of.

The second has a firm with ten or so employees. So he gets the balance of still being involved in engineering while having people on his team that he can have an impact on. So he’s able to perform both aspects of the business that he loves.

For me, I gave up on most of the engineering as I grew our firm to eventually a team of 50+ people. Giving up the engineering portion wasn’t that difficult for me because I really love dealing with people. I love dealing with the clients and our team members, and more importantly, I love having an impact on people. Giving up the engineering portion allowed me to do that.”

Brian and Mary Jo’s insights highlight the importance of defining success on your own terms, especially as an entrepreneurial couple. Whether it means balancing family commitments with a thriving solo career or leading a larger team, understanding what fulfillment looks like is essential for both personal and professional growth.

If you’re interested in more insights and stories about balancing faith, family, and business, order “Entrepreneurial Trinity“.