My wife and I employ 48 people in a small town. Can we ever retire?

MarketWatch

by Quentin Fottrell

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A couple in their 60s, who own a small-town business employing 48 people, faces a dilemma: while they are financially secure enough to retire, they worry about leaving their employees without a reliable income source. The husband, now 65, and his wife, 60, built their business from scratch in 1986 after moving from a big city to a rural area for cheaper real estate and scenic surroundings. Initially struggling and working grueling hours, they eventually found success by identifying their niche and gradually reduced their workload to five or six days a week, maintaining profitability while keeping the business running smoothly. The couple’s story highlights the emotional and financial challenges of running a small business in a tight-knit community. They invested not just time and money but also their entire lives into their enterprise, creating jobs that are now critical to the local economy. Their decision to retire hinges on ensuring their employees can sustain themselves without their presence—underscoring the ethical and practical considerations of leaving a business after decades of dedicated service. This situation raises important questions about financial planning, succession management, and the role of small businesses in supporting local communities. As more entrepreneurs approach retirement age, the couple’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about balancing personal goals with the well-being of employees and the broader economy. Their journey also emphasizes the importance of diversification, contingency planning, and building systems that can operate independently of one’s direct involvement.

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Originally published on MarketWatch on 2/14/2026