Learning To Work Together

When four friends decided to open a Coder School franchise together, they were nervous about what it could mean for their relationship. So they created a structure that left no room for gray areas.

- Stephanie Schomer

When husband-and-wife team Dave Tjen and Lynna Tsou were considering opening a unit of the Coder School in Berkeley, Calif., they knew they needed partners. Both had full-time jobs (and side hustles), and they wanted another pair of brains to juggle the responsibilities. With caution, they went into business with their friends Mike and Kelly Scribner and opened the doors to their operation in January 2017. But by taking advantage of their respective skill sets, creating clear boundaries, and remembering that they (and the seven kids between the two couples) are friends first, they’ve created a business that doesn’t just enhance their own work lives, but one that has also become a valued part of their local community.

How did you all decide to go into business together?