Some people flee their coworkers once the day comes to an end, but these two can’t wait to spend time together outside of the office. Meet Curtis and Barbara Daniels, a husband and wife Notary team from Oceanside, California, who have been in business together for 11 years.
“We are best friends, so it is nice to spend the day with your best friend,” said Curtis. “If we need a break, Barbara ‘suddenly’ has an appointment out of the office.”
Barbara, a former bank teller, has been a mobile Notary and signing agent since 1997. But in 2003, the couple decided to add a storefront to their Notary business model and purchased a Post Net photocopy and printing franchise. The storefront helped them diversify their income opportunities beyond the mobile Notary business.
Curtis obtained his commission in 2007 so they could have a Notary on site during business hours while Barbara continued to take on loan signings and other mobile Notary assignments.
So how do they mesh their work and personal lives? “It helps that we get along,” Curtis said.
Like the best friends they are, Curtis and Barbara cherish their shared daily routines. They begin their days at the gym, then go to work together and often return home together at the end of the day.
“Sometimes we have personal interests after work that we do separately, but sometimes those things involve even more time together such as bowling in a league or attending our children’s sports,” Barbara said.
Even though they spend so much time together, the couple draws a clear distinction between work and family obligations. “Business is business and home is home,” Barbara said.
The pair has advice for other Notary couples. “Find your niche. It shouldn’t be a competition,” they said. “Find a way that helps each other to be efficient and successful. Utilize each other for reference, quizzes and support.”