Doing business with dad

Business: Home building

Michael New learned everything he knows about home building from his dad, John, an architect and engineer who made a career building high-end homes in Southern California.

From the age of 15, John brought his son to work on construction sites, but originally tried to dissuade him from pursuing a career in the home-building industry, believing it was too risky.

"He threw me in the trenches, trying to discourage me from getting into the business of building homes," Michael said. But, "I developed a love for it."

After college, Michael launched his own custom home-building company in Colorado and then founded DirectBuild, a consulting program for people who are building their own homes. "With my dad's help we put it together," Michael said, "we used our combined experience - he drew the plans and I ran the business."

Now the News own two stores and have recently launched a franchising program.

Of course, Michael admits, when you're dealing with family, you don't always see eye to eye. "My dad liked building one or two homes a year and that wasn't enough for me." But, "I know he's extremely pleased with what's been happening with DirectBuild."