Family Brand: The Secret to Becoming a Stronger Parent, Spouse, and Family with Chris & Melissa Smith

This week, I sat down with Christopher Carter Smith and Melissa Smith, the power couple behind Family Brand.

Chris and Melissa's story is one of transformation—they were on the brink of divorce in their fourth year of marriage, but nearly 20 years later, they now have a thriving family with five incredible children.

They realized that as entrepreneurs, we often invest so much time and money into the brand, strategy and culture of our businesses ... but at the cost of our families.

Don’t our families deserve the same intentionality and commitment we give to our businesses?

That realization led Chris and Melissa to write a different story for their family. They founded Family Brand to help other families create a culture by design (not by default), define and live by powerful core values, and craft a clear vision for the future.

In this episode, you'll discover practical tips and inspiring insights to help you become a better parent, a more supportive spouse and build a stronger, more united family. If you're ready to transform your family life, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways

Language creates

If you don’t decide what your family stands for, the world will decide for you. Taking control of your family’s identity and values is like steering the ship in the right direction, making sure your family’s actions align with what truly matters to you rather than being swayed by whatever’s trending out there.

The language you use to describe your family’s values and goals is powerful. It’s like setting the stage for everyone to understand and commit to what your family is all about. When you clearly articulate your family’s mission and values, it’s way easier to stay united and purposeful. Deciding on family values isn’t just about making decisions. it’s about committing to them wholeheartedly. This commitment helps your family stay on course even when life throws curveballs. It creates a strong, cohesive family identity that stands the test of time. 

"I just don't think there is a whole lot of difference between what it takes to build a really intentional, successful business and what it takes to build a really intentional, successful family."  - Chris Smith

Culture matters if you want true success for your family

In our conversation, we talked about how In-N-Out's culture contributes to their success. Just like In-N-Out, make a clear and unwavering commitment to your family values. This consistency is key to building a strong, recognizable family identity that resists all the external pressures and distractions life throws at us. It’s your secret sauce for long-term success and stability.

In-N-Out knows exactly who they are and what makes them unique. By defining and embracing your family’s unique traits and strengths, you can create a distinctive culture that stands out and thrives—just like In-N-Out does in the fast-food world.

In-N-Out’s enduring success is all about consistent values and ownership. Model your family culture after this approach, and you’ll establish a legacy that future generations will respect and carry forward. Your family’s principles and identity will endure, creating a lasting impact.

"You know what it takes to build a really engaged, connected culture in a business is the same thing it takes to build a really engaged kind of culture in a family."  - Chris Smith

Families who eat together, succeed together

Rituals like family dinners and holiday traditions are the glue that helps solidify your family’s unique identity and values. These shared experiences create a sense of belonging and continuity, reinforcing who you are as a family.

Regular rituals, especially mealtime together, open the door for meaningful communication and connection. Research shows that families who eat together regularly have stronger relationships, better mental health and a higher sense of stability. So, let’s make those dinners count!

"If I can reinforce to my kids an identity that has them be like, "You know what, I like myself." I think they've got everything they need."  - Chris Smith

Click the image above to get awesome discounts on Family Brand Academy!

Use the code "DBDL200" to save $200 on the online program. 

Use the code "DBDL" to save $4,000 on the group program.

Doing Business and Doing Life.

Our family recently went through the Family Brand program with Chris and Melissa, and let me tell you, it made a huge impact on our family culture.

We created the Johnson Family core values, which define what our family stands for. These values are something we can continue to instill in our kids and future generations. Feel free to "borrow" any of The Johnson Family Values above for your family as I thought they may inspire a few of you out there to adopt your own!

If this inspires any of you out there to do the same, we’ve got a special offer for you in partnership with Chris and Melissa Smith and Family Brand. Head over to their landing page using the link below and use our discount code to get started on your own family journey!