When it comes to building both a thriving business and a lasting marriage, few couples have done it as seamlessly as Margaret and Allan Hirsch. The founders of Hirsch’s Homestores have not only built one of South Africa’s most successful retail chains but have also nurtured a strong, loving partnership for over 50 years. Their journey is filled with valuable lessons on love, compromise, and teamwork—both at home and in business.
Choosing the Right Partner
Margaret firmly believes that happiness in life begins with choosing the right partner. “Your partner will bring you 99% of your happiness or your unhappiness,” she shares. And if you choose the wrong person? “Get out quickly—a leopard doesn’t change its spots!” she advises. For her, the right partner is someone who brings out the best in you, a sentiment that has been the foundation of her marriage with Allan.
The Power of Putting Each Other First
Before they even walked down the aisle, Margaret and Allan made a simple yet powerful pact: Margaret would take care of Allan better than she took care of herself, and Allan would do the same in return. Margaret explains that, “It’s all about putting the other person first”.
Compromise, she emphasises, is key. It’s not about winning arguments or keeping score, but rather about supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. “You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to,” she wisely adds.
Defining Roles in Marriage and Business
One of the biggest challenges of working together as a married couple is ensuring that roles are well-defined. Margaret and Allan quickly learned that success in business meant staying in their lanes. “Mine was operations, selling, and staffing. His was buying and marketing. We never interfered in each other’s roles,” Margaret explains. By respecting each other’s strengths and trusting each other’s expertise, they built a business that thrives to this day.
Allan echoes this sentiment, emphasising that mutual support is essential. “Although we disagree, we do our utmost not to be disagreeable,” he shares. Communication, mutual respect, and the willingness to listen have been the cornerstones of their business and marriage.
The Secret to a Happy Home
Margaret isn’t shy about sharing a timeless truth: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” she laughs. “All men love a really good home-cooked meal—three times a day!” But beyond food, she believes that honesty is the true secret to a lasting marriage. “The secret to a good marriage is not to have any secrets.”
Margaret also believes that financial stability plays a big role in a happy home. She’s a firm advocate for women taking charge of household finances, ensuring bills are paid before indulging in luxuries. “My husband doesn’t have a worry in the world—I take care of everything. And the best part? He thinks he takes care of everything!” she jokes.
Finding Joy in Work and Life
For Allan, the key to their success—both in marriage and in business—lies in passion and commitment. “Marriage is a full-time job, but it is so worthwhile,” he says. Over the years, they have built a life where work and personal fulfilment go hand in hand. “If you’re happy at work, you’re happy at home. We are blessed and grateful for what we have achieved.”
Margaret and Allan’s journey is a testament to the power of partnership, both in business and in life. Their love story, built on respect, teamwork, and a great sense of humour, is an inspiration to anyone striving for success—both in their careers and in their relationships.
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