The question is: How do you work with your spouse?
The answer is – I don’t! If I worked with my husband (which I basically do since we both work at home) but if I actually worked in his business with him, there would be a murder suicide. I’m not sure who would commit what to whom, but that is the inevitable outcome.
Lucikly for all of us TrailHeads lovers, Stephanie works just fine with her husband all.day.long. Of course, I wanted to get to the bottom of this phenomenon of partnering so I decided to do a hard-hitting in-depth send her an email with a few questions about the inner workings of TrailHeads and working with your spouse day after day after day…you get the point.
Once Upon A Time Ed and Stephanie Rafferty said “I do” (it was actually in 2002), in the year that followed they had their first child Elle and started TrailHeads together.
Are these two go-getters or what? I couldn’t start the oven when I had the twins, let alone a business! Of course, I wanted to know more about Stephanie and TrailHeads so I asked and she answered. Here’s how it went down:
Q: I know you started the business after your first daughter was born but why did you start it?
A: Ed and actually started the business before we were even engaged- he always wanted to have his own thing, he was in sports marketing and I was in design, so the combined experience really lent itself to starting something new.
Ah-ha! So she was sucked into his business. Too bad he wanted his own thing – HA!
Q: I would kill my spouse if I worked with him everyday. How do you manage a marriage and a business?
A: It’s very difficult at times! We have to practice patience all the time. But we’re doing what we love to do, so besides the stress of running a business, when you get right down to it, we’re happy doing our jobs and being close to home is the best for staying involved in our daughter’s daily lives (ages 9&10)
She also said that everyone asks this question since they have never witnessed a miracle before either.
Q: Your office is “solar powered” and that is awesome…but what does that mean exactly?
A: We have solar panels on the roof that generate about 90% of our electrical needs during the longer, sunnier months. When there isn’t enough sun light, we are still connected to the “grid.”
Sometimes I wish I could live off the grid.
Q: You donate 3% of all sales to three amazing charities – National Sports Center for the Disabled, Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Breast Cancer Research Foundation – why these three? Any special meaning or ties to them?
A: Ed is legally blind, so the Guiding Eyes is a natural fit. NSCD is an amazing place- Ed knew about that one; helping people overcome challenges is kind of a base line for deciding who to donate to. And BCRF because we all know too many women first hand that have battled breast cancer and we had to pick one!
Say what? Ed is legally blind, runs part of this successful business, has two daughters and is a philanthropist? This is obviously how you can work with him everyday. He’s super human.
Q: What’s your favorite piece of TrailHeads gear and why?
A: I wear the Power Gloves every day, and usually a contour ponytail hat or headband like S011 or S222. My fave for comfort, colors and versatility- run, hike, dog walking, walking the girls to school, jumping in the car for some reason…
Oh to have a ponytail!
Q: What’s your favorite form of exercise? Do you get the girls involved too?
A: Hiking, running, cycling, and soccer is coming on strong! The girls like to do their own thing, so I wish I could say we run together- but they think I am so boring!!
I know that seems awful right now but somedays I wish the boys would find me infinitely boring!
Q: You are the original creators of the “ponytail” hat. Does it bother you that ALL fitness gear companies have that now and do you get a cut?
A: We had seen ponytail hats out there before we started ours, but we do feel like we made them popular. We just have to stay ahead of the game and keep offering new and innovative product. I am always looking for new colors, new fibers, new reflective trim to keep it new and exciting. I don’t love seeing them everywhere, but it’s a good way to keep us on our toes!
I know a thing or two about being on my toes and lately, that is frozen toes and fingers and ears! Just as luck would have it, the latest and greatest gift my friends at TrailHeads sent me is this beauty:
And it’s reversible! The other side is black and goes with everything.
Cray cray, right? I was actually in the middle of drafting my I Heart Headbands and Runnerbox post when I got it in the mail. Clearly we’re a match made in headband heaven. And this headband is heaven on a run. It stays put, wicks away sweat and keeps my ears toasty. What more can you ask of a headband?
Ok, enough about me already. What you really want to know is what’s in it for YOU, right? I feel ya. Here’s the deal:
20% discount site wide at TrailHeads from 2/7/14 – 2/14/14 using code 4LIFE020
GIVEAWAY REVERSIBLE HEADBAND!
To enter follow in all the ways you can or tell me in the comments that you already do:
Follow TrailHeads on Facebook
Follow TrailHeads on Pinterest
Follow on Twitter @TrailHeadsCT
BONUS:
What’s your favorite TrailHeads product? Which are you most likely to buy with your 20% discount?
Winner will be announced Friday, February 14th as a little Valentine gift to you, because I love you. Awww.
OK, I liked everything and I don’t own anything from trailheads but I am totally intrigued by the promise of a no-slip and no-headache headband so I would have to give one of those a try.
You will love it! It’s really more comfy then any of the others I own. I was worried it would slip but nothing really slips out of this hair! Thanks Tara 🙂
I LOVE the reversible headband you are sporting in this post, Allie! Especially since I just got my pony tail chopped and am trying to figure out how to train with short hair! That headband looks PERFECT! Thanks for another awesome post!
The transition from long to short can be tough! Headbands are where it’s AT! You will love this one. It’s like a hug for your head…that also loves sweat. Gross but necessary 🙂
Love the interview! I worked with my husband twice. Once is how I met him and once his last job before he became disabled. Can’t say it’s my favorite thing. We could never run a business together.
I follow TrailHeads on Facebook.
Right? I’m always asking mine when he’s going to get an office that isn’t in our house!
Thanks Carla 🙂
I so wish we could be solar powered, I just love all the alternative energies! I think D and I could work together if I were the boss 🙂
I hear you! I would definitely have to be the boss 🙂
The trick is to be the boss, but let him think he is the boss…
I love it! Every smart woman knows how to handle her man 🙂 Thanks Stephanie – you’re a hit!
Oh these are very cute and definitely love that you shared this couple and their products with us today and bonus about the giveaway. Oh and I with you on not being able to work with my husband. Not sure who would kill who first, but definitely as much s we love each other, could not work together!
I really do admire a couple who can work together. A loving marriage and business partners is a tricky thing!
What a great idea to interview Stephanie! It sounds like she and Ed are living their dream and doing it without strangling each other. That really is a miracle. LOVE the reversible headband. I need one of those too!!
I really wanted to know more about them and why they do what they do. I love small business owners living their passion and dream. It’s so inspiring!
You should totally have them send you a headband. I love mine and plan on sporting it again today in all this snow!!
As you know I am a big TrailHeads fan…I have a closet full of running gear, but the stuff I wear pretty much all comes from them!!
I was out there today with my headband, neck warmer and gloves!…my running top was in the wash 🙂
My latest trailhead is my driveway… I love the pony tail stuff, and that their gear looks and feels good.
I know what you mean!
I wish I had a ponytail just so I could wear those cool hats.
Awesome interview. I totally admire anyone who is a successful entrepreneur. Do what you love and you never work a day in your life! I don’t have any TrailHeads gear. I would love the ponytail hat. Cramming my hair into my current winter running hat is a pain in the ass.
I can imagine! That’s why those hats are so popular. 20% off – nows your chance 🙂
What a great story this couple has. But I have to admit I really got a kick out of your little side comments.
I gotta keep it funny around here but, YES they are pretty inspiring. Thanks Karen!
What an amazing couple! Despite his disability, they have created a thriving business and give back too. I wish they could get on Shark Tank for the free publicity and exposure. I think the show would love their story and would help promote their product. Thanks for the interview. I really enjoyed it. (And BTW, my husband and I have been working together in our business for over 34 years…and haven’t killed each other yet, though it’s come close a couple of times. The trick is to keep business, business…and personal, personal. And always TALK. It helps that we have different strengths and “jobs” in the business and respect each other’s “expertise”. )
Clearly I need to interview the two of YOU! I actually saw Dave on a run this past week in the truck and he waved. I think he knows who I am now 🙂
Shark Tank would be PERFECT for them!! What a great idea Chris!
This is awesome. Love learning more about Trailheads. While my husband and I both work from home, I’m not sure we could work together. I mean, we could but it might not always be pretty 🙂 Happy weekend Allie!
Exact same thing here Christine!
Happy weekend to you – it couldn’t come soon enough 🙂
What a great team they are! Fun to learn more about them. And I’m pretty sure working with my husband would be a no-go, too!
I love hearing about how people started their businesses. Their passion and determination always shines though! So inspiring.
Ok, I was totally floored by hearing that Ed is legally blind. Superhuman, indeed! I am envious about this because if I worked with my husband, I’d probably cry every day. He’s a nice boss to his employees, but..yeah..it wouldn’t work.
Always love a personal look at the history of an amazing company!
I love it too. As you know, I love TrailHeads gear and I wanted to know more about the people behind the product. It takes a certain kind of amazing to be a successful business owner.
Sometimes I cry b/c my husband works from home!!
I was shocked to learn that Ed is legally blind. Just amazing.
I want that headband you are rocking! I also would love to get a hat to fit a pony through. I have spent so much money on hats (The NorthFace, UnderArmour just to name two of them) and they all ride up above my ears, so frustrating. Every year I try a new one, looks like TrailHeads may be the answer!
I think it is!! Sadly, I have no need for the pony hat but the headband is GREAT! I wore it again today and it may be warmer then some of my more expensive hats, like the brands you mentioned. I also had this great Smartwool one and I accidentally put it in the dryer. Now it’s a beanie.
Ok, so I liked them on facebook (not sure if I was supposed to tell you or not). I have a really, really big head so regular headbands and ear warmers just fly off 🙁 I’m intrigued that this would be combo ear warmer/headband for running life in the polar vortex….. Even if I don’t win I will probably order one anyway with my 20% off IF I can stick with my workouts this week (haven’t run in over a week due to snow/ice/no power/no water) and totally fell off the wagon with my Weight Watchers…..
Sounds like you need new gear to motivate you back onto the wagon! I don’t know about you but sometimes that does the trick for me. Also – because it’s ridiculously freezing outside – I did a few loops of my neighborhood and, at the halfway point, I came inside my house to switch out my gloves and pop a few Sport Beans. It worked like a charm. Plus, mentally, you’re close to home so you can tell yourself you can go home and get warm at any time. Try it…along with a TrailHeads hat or headband of course!
You are absolutely amazing. First of all to be running outside in these cold and slippery conditions BUT you actually stopped at home and immediately went back out??? How many of us would have done that? How many are more like me who once I stepped foot inside my house, it would take a village to get me back out the door again. I want to be you when I grow up.
This is just one of the reasons I love you Chris – you have endless compliments for me 🙂 I made my pit stop VERY quick so I wouldn’t get any ideas. I had everything right next to the door so I could make a fast transition.
As for the picture – you need to create a profile in Google+ or attached this “account” to your FB page. I think if you right click on the image (or where the image is supposed to be) it will give you some options! Good luck.
I have a question that has absolutely nothing to do with this topic. How do you guys get a picture of yourself next to your name? All I have is a box with a blue design in it.
I LOVE Trailheads gear (and like them on Facebook) and after reading your interview I love them even more! The neckwarmer is my favorite, I wear the pony hat often and I now have my husband rocking the reflective ear warmer. Mother Nature is not cooperating with our spring half marathon training so we are wearing whatever we can to stay warm!
Best of luck with your training!
I hear you! I was out in the vortex today and it got ugly near the end.
Good luck with your training and thanks for all the TrailHeads love 🙂
I do love that headband!! How cool is it that their offices are solar powered?! (I’m with you, I need to be off the grid all the time!) lol! I could never work with my husband, we have recently began commuting into the city together and that has been quite interesting…….lol. Enjoy your weekend Allie!
I love your choice of words there – ha ha!! Mike and I had that 6 hour car ride together recently which was also “interesting!” Thanks Nellie 🙂
I love love love the ponytail hat. I have a ponytail headband/ear warmer thing but I never wear it because let’s face it, if it is cold enough that you need your ears warmed, you probably just need a hat. So cool!
How I wish I had a ponytail so I could wear the cool hat!! And you’re right about the ear warmer/headband – I usually only wear it to run where it makes sense to need some ventilation 🙂
I didn’t know anything about this company! Thanks for the interview. What an awesome partnership! Their business will continue to thrive because they are doing good deeds! I admire them for working together. That is tough!
I really admire them as well. I love when small business owners give back to organizations that they believe in! It’s inspiring.
I just followed TrailHeads everywhere, and I want those power gloves! I rarely run outside, but I walk the dog everyday and my hands are never warm enough. And I want the headband so I can be like you, Allie 🙂
And I clearly need to go black shoe/boot shopping so I can be like you! Ha ha – love it 🙂
I follow TrailHeads on FaceBook, Pinterest and Twitter!!!
I think my favorite item of theirs are the gloves that I won earlier this year. And my sister in law is loving the pony tail headband since I sent it to her.
I think that this is destiny since I just decided after your last post on headbands that since you rock them so much with short hair I need to give them a try – maybe with this cool reversible one!!!
Your sister is loving you these days! You totally need to rock the headband Kim, you will love it. I hope you win 🙂
I follow Trail Heads on FB & Twitter.
Thanks Jennifer!
I follow Trailheads everywhere!(: On FB. On interest & Twitter. I love my Trailheads gloves with a hideaway mini pocket!!
Woohooo!!! Thank you!
I LOVE TrailHeads! I rave about my TrailHeads convertible mittens and my snowflake ponytail hat. You can tell they were designed by a runner and they’re very well made. I’d love to try this headband out too!
I follow TrailHeads on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest already.
That is so great! It’s so nice to have gear that actually works for your sport, right? Thanks Marla!
I follow TrailHeads on Pinterst!
I love reading your blog!! Never commented before, but for a chance to win something I will!
I follow Trailheads on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter 🙂
Thanks for commenting (and reading!) – consider yourself entered my friend!
I love that this is a charitable company and their products are great. I worked for husband/wife business owners for a decade and they rocked it. I’m sure Ed and Stephanie do too!
Some couples can really pull it off and it’s admirable for sure. Thanks Ilene!
I follow Trailheads on Twitter! 🙂
I love TrailHeads, follow them wherever I can, and I would love to use the 20% off on the Power Gloves, especially with this unending winter weather!
That’s great! Thanks Jill. I feel like I need to wear the gloves *inside* these days!!
Wow, I love these headbands! I don’t think we get Trail Heads merchandise here in Canada? I will certainly keep my eye out for it though! 🙂
I’m not sure about Canada?? I’ll have to ask Stephanie! Thanks for the question.
I follow TrailHeads on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for a great giveaway!
You’re welcome! Good luck 🙂
I loved hearing more of their story! As soon as it warms up a bit, I am going to start running! It is just too cold here in New England!
I am not really a huge fan of running in general, but I realized the other day that if I started I could have 30-60 minutes of peace and QUIET and that makes me a lover of it already!
Why do you think I run so much? It’s my only time for quiet!! I know it’s freezing out but you get used to it.
I can’t wait to start reading about your new adventures in running 🙂
I like the black/day glo reversible fleece headband.
I follow on Facebook/Pinterest and Twitter
Great! Thank you!!
I Love all my Trailheads gear. Follow you on Facebook & Pinterest.
Awesome!! Thanks 🙂
I love trailheads and have been using their dazing ponytail hats since I first got one 3 years ago!
I follow trail heads on twitter and Facebook!
That is so great!! Thanks Victoria 🙂