Rivalry has no place on the job for these successful siblings

Mom-and-pop businesses of yesteryear conjure up images of warm smiles and attentive service. And while these businesses still exist today, more often than not it isn't mom and pop running the show anymore. Sometimes it's mother and daughter, or father and son, or even brothers and sisters.

In Naples, there are plenty of siblings who have put their days of hair-pulling and name-calling aside and laid their childhood rivalries to rest so they can working side-byside creating thriving businesses.

A solid relationship

Not much about brothers Matthew and Benjamin Riley has changed since their days at Naples High. They still pal around with some of the same friends, they continually challenge each other on the soccer field, and they remain close-knit.

What has changed is that the two no longer work nights and weekends as the clean-up crew at their father's company, Thomas Riley Artisans' Guild.

A college education and a desire to help grow what their dad started earned them their roles today: Matthew as director of client relations and Benjamin as operations manager and contract administrator.

JIM MCLAUGHLIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY Ben (left) and Matt Riley stand at the mahogany lectern the Thomas Riley Artisans' Guild made for the Golden Apple teacher awards program. Funny thing is, neither one had any real intention of returning to Naples after college, let alone working for dad.

After graduating from the University of North Florida, Matthew went on to utilize his business degree in several industries before joining the family business in January 2003. "When I saw what our father's company was doing, I was excited about coming back and helping to elevate it," he said.

Benjamin completed his engineering degree at Boston University, traveled some and eventually made his way back to Naples thinking he'd work a little while and then move on. "I was 23. How far ahead do you look when you're that age?" he said. "But I got ingrained in the company and decided to stay."

Although they have different roles at the artisans' guild, their responsibilities complement one another, with Matthew acquiring sales and Benjamin putting those projects into production. Not only do they feel fortunate to be able to work together, they also are happy that their dad is able to take more personal time since the brothers came on board.

JIM MCLAUGHLIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY Mom Dolores Constantino with Gina Romano and Lisa Constantino at Gina's Cafe in the Park "The idea is for us to run the business and for him to be our guiding light," said Matthew. "We want to make it a secondgeneration business."

They joke around about how the most important decision of each day is what to have for lunch. "Food is really important to us," Matthew laughed. Yet it's not all fun and games. While the pressure to run their dad's business does gives them a sense of pride, it occasionally leads to some constructive battles.

"Sometimes it gets a little heated, but in a good way," said Benjamin.

And no matter what happens at work, they can always take it out on each other on the soccer field.

So happy together

At first glance, it's difficult to see the similarities between siblings Gina Romano, with her short blond hair and fair skin, and Lisa Constantino, with her long dark hair and her angular features. But get these sisters talking and the resemblance becomes clear.

JIM MCLAUGHLIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY Kathy Hoeft and Kelly Salmons Of course, they admit they didn't always get along. "She was younger than me and she always bothered me," laughed Lisa as she nudged her younger sister's arm.

Today, however, Gina, 34, and Lisa, 39, have grown to rely on one another and even like each other, especially given that Gina is technically Lisa's boss.

With her mom Dolores, Gina co-owns Gina's Café in the Park, a Naples eatery on Commercial Boulevard. Lisa is a server and a cook, an arrangement that suits these sisters who have a long history of working together.

They started helping out at their parents' Collier County restaurants, where the girls served and in Lisa's case, cooked. "I would normally be the one who ended up in the kitchen," she said. "I liked it."

From there, the two went on to serve together at other well-known Naples establishments, including Mr. Mom's and Frascati's. It wasn't until Lisa opened up her own place, Third Street Café, that the two finally went their separate ways — but not for long.

After Lisa sold her downtown eatery a couple of years ago, Gina told her to come waitress at the café. While it wasn't Lisa's choice, she admits she's content because, "I can bring my kids and I can eat here. Plus they pay me well, so it all works out," she grinned.

Even though they work together seven days a week, after hours Gina and Lisa are quick to call one another sometimes two and three times a night. They typically vacation together, and in the past have even lived a block apart in the same community. "We can't get enough of each other I guess," said Gina.

In comparison, their younger sister, 28-year-old Tania, has never wanted anything to do with the family restaurants. "She'll come in and help if we need her, and she comes here every day for lunch," said Gina.

Dolores ponders over whether the next generation will take over the restaurant, but Gina and Lisa have other plans. First, let their mother retire. Second, continue to work hard and hopefully get to relax and enjoy their success one day. "Maybe we'll all retire and move to Hawaii together," Lisa said.

Complementary strengths

Kelly Salmons is 37 years old, a graduate of the Naval Academy and married with two children, but she still refers to her younger sister, Kathy Hoeft, as brat. Kathy is even programmed into Kelly's cell phone under Brat. "That is my nickname," proclaimed Kathy proudly.

Only 24 months apart, these two had the typical love-hate relationship growing up. Over the years, though, the bickering and torment gave way to true friendship, and when Kathy presented her plan for a Naples fitness center to her immediate family, Kelly was eager to help her sister's dream become a reality.

Today, three years after opening its doors, The Health Club of Naples is in great shape despite obstacles including permitting delays, road construction and the state of the economy. "There has been nothing easy for me in the first three years of business," said Kathy with a laugh.

What has been easy is the working relationship with her sister, who serves as her general manager. While Kathy acquired clients, Kelly was behind the scenes learning the Florida regulations, statutes and taxes and overseeing the build-out of the facility on Immokalee Road. And when the first client was waiting at the door the day they finally opened, both sisters screamed in excitement.

"This is Kathy's dream, but I enjoy doing this for her," said Kelly.

Of course, they never imagined the day when they'd be working together. The two were on different paths — Kelly with her Navy and computer background, and Kathy a licensed physical therapist. "I was doing geeky things, and she was off doing PT," said Kelly. But when they came together in this venture, both were pleasantly surprised how well their talents complemented one another.

During their off time, they know when to talk about business and when to just talk about life. "Yes, we eat, sleep and dream it, but since we are family and we get along so well, we're in tune," said Kathy.

More importantly, Kathy knows she can rely on her sister to handle the money, the contracts and the daily business operations, leaving Kathy to work on clients' health and well-being. This is not only beneficial to the business, but also speaks to their strong relationship.

Together they stick by their number one rule: Family is first, and the business will never break it.