corporate world, took on the challenge of running the new venture.“ We read an article about married couples working together,” Gina shares.“ It stressed the importance of staying in your own lane. That advice has been invaluable.”
Gina brought her corporate marketing expertise, and Dave brought his entrepreneurial and construction experience to the table.“ Our strengths complemented each other. It wasn’ t always easy, but we trusted each other’ s judgment.”
" We bought the building and began the buildout in December of 2019. In March the shutdown went into effect. We weren ' t able to resume building until May." Gina shared.
Despite launching just before the shutdown, Gina and Dave pushed through the challenges of the social restrictions and Studio 38 opened its doors in September 2020. The journey was marked by determination and teamwork.“ Dave had the vision,” Gina says.“ I helped execute it. We leaned on each other’ s strengths, and that’ s what made it work.”
The Road Ahead
Dave’ s love for cars and road trips reflects their approach to life.“ I’ m a car guy,” he says.“ Gina knows it’ s a big part of who I am. She’ s even joined me on some of my multi-day trips, and now it’ s something we both love.”
Travel has become a shared passion, with recent trips including a Route 66 endto-end journey, an Alaskan cruise, and a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Italy.“ Traveling together is a new chapter for us,” Gina says.“ It’ s about the journey and the memories we create.” The two welcomed their first grandchild, a girl, in 2023.
Secrets to Success
Gina emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and communication s being key to their relationship,“ Having a voice is crucial,” she says.“ We might not always agree, but we respect each other’ s perspectives.”
Both are committed to always try to hear both sides of the conversation, by " walking in each others shoes," and remembering to breathe.
Dave adds,“ Even when things aren’ t perfect, deep down, there’ s love. That’ s what gets us through.”
Gina and Dave ' s story is also one of trust and mutual admiration.“ Gina is so supportive, and that’ s been huge for us.” Dave says. " She is also so professional in work and board situations; she quietly yet confidently commands the room."
" Dave is driven and a visionary. He makes me a better version of myself."
Gina shares. " He also has a great sense of humor that helps put people at ease."
" We have earned each other’ s trust " Dave adds, " and we place a high value on preserving and protecting that trust."
The two also credit other couples in the community who give of themselves to make Morgan Hill better. " I love seeing how they give so much of themselves. Their examples inspire us and we enjoy just being in their presence at different events and fundraisers." Gina remarked.
Giving Back to the Community
Gina and Dave’ s commitment to Morgan Hill extends beyond their businesses.“ Being involved in the community has enriched our lives,” Gina says.“ It’ s about giving back, not just financially, but through time and participation.” Dave agrees, adding,“ Morgan Hill has given us so much. We want to contribute to its continued growth and vibrancy.”
A Partnership Built on Love
Four years into Studio 38 and a lifetime into their journey together, Gina and Dave exemplify what it means to be partners in every sense of the word. They’ ve navigated the challenges of marriage, business, and community involvement with humor, trust, and shared goals. As Gina puts it,“ We’ re not just building businesses; we’ re building a great life.”
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