From E-Commerce to Coaching Couples: Larry & Sue’s Journey to Financial & Marital Freedom

Feeling stuck in a cubicle or overwhelmed in your business with no way out?

Many couples dream of working together and building a business—but the reality often leads to stress, miscommunication, and burnout.

Larry and Sue Pruett have been there.

After 20+ years of working jobs and building businesses side-by-side, they sold their e-commerce company and transitioned into purpose-driven coaching. Along the way, they faced debt, burnout, shifting roles, and raising five kids—all while staying united in marriage and business.

In this episode, they share how they built freedom through intentional planning, multiple income streams, and aligning their marriage with their mission. Whether you're a solopreneur, a married business owner, or just dreaming of your Freedom Day, this episode will show you what's possible.

Key Takeaways:

• How to build a business with your spouse without ruining your marriage

• The strategy they used to leave their jobs and go all-in on e-commerce

• Why they saved 6 months of expenses (and toilet paper!) before quitting

• The biggest mistake they made in business—and how they recovered

• How their family mission statement became their most powerful business tool

• Why helping couples in business is their ultimate calling

About the Guest:

Larry and Sue have been married for over 35 years and are parents of five adult children. They have been entrepreneurs for over 20 years, with the last 12+ years being full-time. They are business and marriage coaches who help married entrepreneurs build the business of their dreams ... side by side!

Links:

https://www.sidebysidebusiness.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I would just go right back into building this up. I'd be trying to build up the email list. I would be doing everything I could to get on podcasts... And I think we'd start reaching out to people and start selling things on consignment."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "Going into debt for our business... it was just this big burden that we carried until we could climb out from that."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Profit First by Mike Michalowicz and Simple Money Rich Life by Bob Lotich.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Our Family Mission Statement. It helps us make decisions, say no more often, and filter new opportunities—even with ChatGPT prompts.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to pick your schedule… You get to decide how and when you do things.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

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