Real Life Work Wife: Working With Your Spouse

What happens when your work spouse is your actual spouse? In this episode of Coffee Break With Jake, we dive into the real-world dynamics of running a business with your spouse. 

Jake sits down with Katie & Parker Smith of Alarm Protection Services, Barb & Dwight Sears of Silent Guard Security, and Jim & Rita Parker of Parker Security Services. Together, they unpack what actually works when love and livelihood overlap. 

From communication and culture to hiring, growth, and hard pivots, this is a candid look at how strong marriages shape strong companies.

Episode Highlights:

✅ “Attitude reflects leadership”: how respectful spouse-to-spouse communication cascades into company culture and customer care.
✅ The Sears family playbook
✅ Katie and Parker's transition lessons
✅ Startup grit from Jim & Rita
✅ Making big decisions without blowups
✅ Rapid growth without family chaos
✅ Home vs. office and setting healthy boundaries

Coffee Break With Jake is recorded live every Friday at 11am ET. Join us live or register to attend at https://go.ssandsi.com/coffeebreak

Creators and Guests

Host

Jake Voll

President of SS&Si Dealer Network

Guest

Barbara Sears

Owner at Silent Guard Security Somerset

Guest

Dwight Sears

Owner of Silent Guard Security and Davis HVAC Experts Kentucky

Guest

Jim Parker

Owner of Parker Security Services

Guest

Katie Smith

Chief People & Strategy Officer (CPSO) at Alarm Protection Services

Guest

Parker Smith

Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Alarm Protection Services

Guest

Rita Parker

Owner of Parker Security Services

What is Coffee Break with Jake?

Jake Voll brings security industry professionals together to discuss best practices, challenges, and opportunities.