Source : Perth Now news
A multimillionaire businessman has revealed the unusual rules he follows to keep his marriage strong, including barely speaking to his wife during working hours.
James Dooley, 42, has been married to Kerri for eight years and says she has supported him throughout his rise from living at his mum’s house to running 17 companies with more than 300 employees.
His businesses, which include digital marketing firm FatRank, generate around £10million a year.
But James says his relentless drive means he needs strict boundaries between work and family life.
“We never speak in the day because every distraction can take 23 minutes to get back into flow state again,” he told the Daily Mirror newspaper.
“When I’m working I am seriously focused and I don’t want distractions unless it is something serious.”
The couple met on a night out in Bolton 16 years ago and eventually married after travelling and partying together before having their three children.
James says Kerri understands his entrepreneurial mindset, even when he wakes at 1am with another business idea.
He added: “There are times I can wake up at 1am with new crazy business ideas that I need to get out of my head. The wife understands it’s better I get up and go into the garden office because otherwise I’ll be restless and not sleep.
“She understands me better than I do myself and she knows when I need to get things out of my head.”
Kerri also helps curb his tendency to chase every new opportunity.
James admits he suffers from “shiny object syndrome” and FOMO, but says his wife plays devil’s advocate when he gets carried away.
The pair reserve 3pm to 7pm for their children, who are all under five, with James telling staff he is unavailable.
He explained: “In the blink of an eye the kids will be teenagers and want to do their own things. Having a work-life balance is very important for me.”
And despite his wealth, James does not believe in showering Kerri with designer gifts.
He added: “I actually never buy her gifts. Time and memories mean more than anything you can wrap. I will always prioritise time and memories over material gifts.”
Instead, the family spends money on experiences, including holidays, racehorses and a jet ski.
James admitted his ultimate measure of success is far simpler.
He said: “Success is having a roof over our heads. Clean water easily flowing out of our cold tap. Three healthy kids. A beautiful wife who supports me in whatever direction I think is best to take.”
