Two Entrepreneurial Couples Discover: You Can't Spell Love Without EO

By Anne-Wallis Droter, EO Global Staff Writer

EO members create solutions to vexing problems, build successful companies, strengthen communities, and provide employees with stable and meaningful work. While any of those accomplishments are enough to build a vibrant life, it’s even sweeter when you find the right person to share it with. 

EO exists to move the world forward by unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurs. For some lucky EOers, that includes finding true love — after all, you can’t spell love without “EO!”

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, we interviewed two couples who shared how EO helped inspire and strengthen their relationships.

 

 

EO Brought Us Together

“I always say that I’m a tenured EO member because my experiences have shaped almost every part of my life — including meeting my husband,” said Suzy Ginsburg, an EO Houston member and founder of Global Communication Works.

When Suzy’s EO Forum brother, Michael Wiesenthal, was hospitalized in 2008, she visited him often. Another non-EO friend, Alan Kirshner, also visited regularly. As a result, Suzy and Alan kept bumping into each other. Eventually, the pair realized they were meant for each other.

While some non-entrepreneurs find it challenging to romance a business owner who is married to their company, Kirshner (an engineer) adjusted quickly.

“I am a relentless workaholic—working around the clock, constantly juggling projects, meetings, and travel. Alan showed incredible patience, navigating my demanding schedule with unwavering support,” Suzy explained. “He became my biggest champion.” 

After tying the knot in 2010, the couple launched a joint real estate venture building and operating properties all around the U.S. and Mexico, deepening their bond. 

“Every milestone, challenge, and success added another chapter to our story, strengthening our partnership in both business and life,” Suzy stated.

EO continues to play a role in the couple’s life. They have travelled all over the world with EO friends, including trips to China, Greece, Israel, Thailand, Canada, Mexico, and — in May 2025 — Peru. 

EO Brings Us Closer

EO New Zealand couple Tina Comrie and husband, Josh Comrie, are both member leaders who have served on the chapter board in various roles. The couple met “the modern way” on matchmaking app Bumble in 2018.  

Early in their relationship, Josh — an EO member since 2011 — explained how essential EO was to his life, helping him live up to his potential both personally and professionally. He shared with Tina (who was not yet an EO member) that it could benefit them both. They married in 2021.

“When my business experienced rapid growth, I joined the EO Accelerator program in 2021,” Tina said. She graduated from Accelerator to become a full EO member in 2023. And the rest is history! 

“EO certainly allows us to be our best independent selves, plus we also enjoy being together for key EO events and shared experiences,” Tina explained. “We’ve met some of our best friends through EO, and shared some money-can’t-buy experiences together because of it!”   

One of their favorite memories was the South Pacific Area Collaboration Event in Uluru, Australia, also known as Ayers Rock.  

“Being out in the desert, under the wide-open starry sky, as a didgeridoo played, with tens of thousands of lights twinkling all around was absolutely magical!” 

Are Two Entrepreneurial Minds Better than One? 

“Being an entrepreneurial couple brings us joy, fun, creativity, and great energy,” Suzy continued. The couple have made lifelong friends all over the world and have bought and designed a compound in Mexico to host Forum retreats.

“My PR agency, on the other hand, is entirely mine,” Suzy explained. “Alan occasionally offers insights that I wouldn’t have considered—our minds work differently. More often than not, I find his advice both valuable and practical.”

Keep Boundaries from Blurring

Entrepreneurial couples must manage boundaries mindfully to avoid relationship strain.  

“When you share both a professional and personal life, it’s easy for boundaries to blur, and business discussions can creep into every conversation,” Suzy explained. The two carve out personal time together, respect each other’s need for alone time, keep communication lines wide open, and address concerns immediately before frustrations build.  

“Ultimately, keeping work from overshadowing our relationship requires intentional effort, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to prioritizing both business and personal well-being,” Suzy said.

Sharing Experiences Through Insights and Feedback

Tina and Josh are both full-time entrepreneurs. Josh is a serial entrepreneur who has founded and exited five 7- and 8-figure businesses, as well as an investor in over 40 other ventures, primarily in technology. He's also the host of the 2 Commas podcast, all about exits. Together, they founded The Attention Agency where Tina is Chief Attention Officer.

“At its core, we understand the pressures and decisions we each face, daily. That understanding builds empathy and a deep connection,” Tina explained.  

“It means that we can be very real with our insights and feedback for each other. We support and give space where necessary, we can challenge each other’s thinking, use the Forum model in our conversations (sharing experience instead of giving advice), and we each have our own things going on. Neither one of us is secondary to the other.”

Implement the 100% Rule

Suzy and Alan run their joint real estate business together by fully embracing their individual strengths.

“Alan and I complement each other — we each handle different responsibilities and never interfere with one another’s roles,” she said.  

Learning from past mistakes, the couple has implemented what they call their 100% Rule.

“We operate with complete agreement, meaning if a debate arises, we both must be fully aligned before moving forward,” she said. “Whether it’s hiring staff, purchasing essential equipment, or handling maintenance, we tackle challenges one at a time and find the best solution together.”

Proactively Help Your Partner Understand EO

Tina has a unique knowledge set about EO: When she was dating Josh, she experienced the organization from the outside. Now as a member, Tina understands the deep commitment EO members have to their Forum, chapter, and the organization overall.  

She emphasizes how critical it is for the partners of EO members to understand what EO is all about.

“It’s important for your partner to know why we have set Forum rules, why there’s a regular time commitment, and the vital role EO plays in an entrepreneur’s life,” Tina stated.  

“EO helps us live our best lives, both in our businesses and in our relationship,” Tina said. “As we're both members, we understand this about each other. And there’s no question about the value we each get from EO.”

Celebrate Every Minute

Suzy sums it up: “Entrepreneurial highs can be exhilarating, but the lows can test your relationship — so it’s crucial to support each other through both.”

“Most importantly, celebrate every minute together and approach challenges as partners, not opponents,” Suzy stated. “Success in both business and marriage comes from mutual trust, patience, and a shared vision.”

With 36 cumulative years in the EO community, these two entrepreneurial couples know firsthand how together we grow. Happy Valentine’s Day, EO!