Organisation is the key to juggling family and a growing business

Balancing the demands of parenthood with an expanding business can only be done with military-style organisation and help from champion babysitters, says Passionberry founder Fiona McIntyre.

NINE YEARS AGO Fiona and her husband, Jason, left their corporate careers and bought 60 acres of bare, dry paddock north of Auckland. After some serious research, they decided to give strawberry growing a go.

Fast-forward to today, and they are the proud parents of three-year- old Riley and their other baby – Passionberry – a strawberry cocktail business, made from their sweet-tasting premium berries.

Fiona says her number one tip for managing a business and parenting is organisation. It’s vital that she and Jason understand exactly what the other is doing each day so they can plan and assist where needed.

“Second tip agree on times when you shut the office door and don’t talk about the business.”

Their young son is a great reminder of what life is like beyond work, and an incentive to switch off and enjoy family time together.

Third, enlist the help of champions from babysitters and family who can help when things are hectic, to advisers like business bankers who can make business easier with expert support.

“As a young couple running a start-up together, you can expect to fulfil many roles such as support person, business adviser, homemaker and general dogsbody employee. Without adequate support and systems in place it is easy to get behind in one or many of these,” Fiona says.

That’s why their bank, ANZ, has proved invaluable in helping Passionberry to grow, says Fiona.

“ANZ is so accessible – our manager is always just a phone call away and ready to help. When you are a busy business, it’s good to know you won’t be waiting on the phone for half an hour.”

The couple’s Bank Manager took the time to really understand their business, and has offered solutions that meet their individual needs, from online banking tools to temporary EFTPOS terminals for use at food shows and