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  Women who run their own businesses reveal their strategies for attaining success.
  

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Tennessee
The entrepreneur feared that their relationship with her spouse might be damaged following a tax discussion where it became evident that she was earning substantially more than him.

Amy Porterfield, aged 47, had a conversation with
Business Insider
Earlier this month, she discussed her marriage to Hobie and explained that being the primary earner did not ruin their partnership; instead, it necessitated certain adaptations from both individuals.

The entrepreneur is an author, digital marketing specialist, and the head of Amy Porterfield, Inc., having relocated to Nashville with her spouse about three years back.

Following their move, Amy and her spouse, whom she called “a real alpha male,” concluded that it was time for him to retire.

Challenges emerged due to Hobie’s premature retirement; however, the businesswoman informed Business Insider that these difficulties eventually reinforced and preserved their union.

Prior to Hobie’s significant career transition, he served as a general contractor with the aim of becoming a firefighter in California.

Amy served as the director of content development at Anthony Robbins Companies in San Diego, a position she held for almost seven years.

The entrepreneur told Business Insider that she felt motivated to take control of her projects after Anthony invited online marketers to attend a meeting.

She observed that the entrepreneurs at the meeting were setting their own working hours and enjoyed creative liberty, precisely what she desired.

Amy developed a business strategy, and in 2009, she established Amy Porterfield, Inc., a firm specializing in social media consulting. She serves as both the CEO and the host of the podcast titled “Online Marketing Made Easy,” featuring her insights under the same name.

The entrepreneur told Business Insider that she started earning more income than anticipated roughly two years following the establishment of her consulting firm.

The aim of Amy in establishing the company was to make money on her own terms rather than being the primary financial provider for Hobie and her stepson.

During its third year of operations, she achieved remarkable success with her business’s growth, which ultimately led to her earning more income than Hobie did.

During a tax consultation with their accountant, Amy found out that her earnings were higher than Hobie’s.

The online marketing specialist informed Business Insider that their accountant disclosed both her and Hobie’s annual earnings, revealing that she earned more than her spouse.

As a firefighter, Hobie earned an annual salary of $100,000, whereas Amy generated $1 million in revenue during the third year of running her business.

Hobie told Amy that he was proud of her for earning such a substantial income, but he admitted feeling strange knowing she was bringing home more money than he did.

Over the years, Amy’s salary remained higher than Hobie’s, and he consistently supported and applauded her achievements without reservation.

After relocating to Nashville, the pair engaged in an earnest discussion regarding Hobie’s future, resulting in him stepping down from his professional endeavors.

Amy informed Business Insider that she had the mobility for relocating due to her job, whereas Hobie’s profession didn’t offer similar flexibility.

According to requirements, Tennessee must acknowledge firefighting certifications granted by entities accredited by either the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress or the National Board of Professional Qualifications.
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
.

Even with this regulation, Amy mentioned that Hobie would have still been required to progress through the hierarchy once more at a different fire station.

Ultimately, they agreed that he should leave his job prematurely, and when speaking with Business Insider, Amy mentioned that her backing of this choice was stronger initially compared to Hobie.

Hobie struggled to adapt to retired life, feeling uneasy about not earning an income to support his family.

He also had trouble with the idea of not having a job that gave him a purpose, which made Amy fear that her husband would resent her for the decision.

Amy openly shared her concerns with Hobie regarding her fears, resulting in the two of them establishing rules on how to handle his upcoming retirement.

Although the entrepreneur brings home the income, Hobie takes charge of managing the household and overseeing their day-to-day affairs.

Hobie frequently handles tasks like running errands, taking care of yard work, doing laundry, and scheduling appointments.

He oversees both the upkeep of vehicles and the management of contractors along with renovation projects.

He and Amy continue to handle their investment and retirement accounts jointly, with him taking care of the bill payments. In the past year, she earned an impressive $20 million for their family and released a self-help book aimed at budding entrepreneurs.

Amy told Business Insider that she sometimes felt envious of Hobie’s leisurely moments when her day at work was particularly hectic.

Nevertheless, she was always touched when he would ask, “How can I simplify things for you? What do you require from me?” particularly when stress weighed heavy on her.

Amy’s business presently employs 23 people full-time, with a significant number being female workers.

The entrepreneur, who authored “Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World,” told Business Insider that she serves as an example of a lifestyle that many women may believe is unattainable for them.

Regarding her bond with her spouse, she emphasizes that open dialogue has been crucial for sustaining their robust relationship as their domestic responsibilities have changed over time.

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