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Partners in Life

Jim Burba and Bob Hayes’ inventive new book takes the art of ‘relationship’ to new heights.

Greg Archer Arts & Entertainment, Hotels & Resorts

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(From left) Jim Burba and Bob Hayes: "Bob and I talk all of the time about what is working and what isn’t..."
PHOTO COURTESY OF BURBA AND HAYES

It takes a certain amount of skill to maintain a personal relationship for 25 years. Factor into the mix a 15-year business partnership and some people would call that a serious test in patience. But for Jim Burba and Bob Hayes, it’s all about staying open-minded and creative.

The co-founders of Burba Hotel Network (BHN) and the entertainment production company, Burba Hayes LLC, are well-known for having developed and produced some of the most innovative conferences for the hotel investment community, as well as films and musicals that boast A-list talent. Dubbed one of OUT Magazine’s “20 Power Couples You Should Know” (2014, 2015, and 2016), the illustrious duo share their secrets to successful partnerships — of all kinds — in the compelling new book, Smart Partners: Building Successful Relationships in Business and Life (SelectBooks Inc.).

Their book outlines the methods and thinking the duo has used to garner financial success, especially across the hotel and entertainment industries. All this while also keeping their personal partnership healthy, strong and, this is important, thriving.

That’s enough to lure readers in. But some of the topics the couple address seemed destined to inspire, too — everything from picking the perfect partner and creating a “partnership playbook” (so everyone is working toward the same goal) to planning for success, and giving back and sharing success.
 
Here, the couple, who currently reside in Laguna Beach and enjoy a house in Palm Springs, open up to Palm Springs Life about their book.

You’ve been in relationship for 25 years. What are one or two things that have made your personal relationship unique?

Jim Burba: I think it is the openness and willingness of each of us to grow and adapt to various situations. Things change in relationships, and many times a partnership doesn’t survive the change. Bob and I talk all of the time about what is working and what isn’t so that we can make adjustments and keep the business and our marriage strong and going in the right direction.

Picking the perfect partner, which you address, is a grand topic. Can you share more about this?

Bob Hayes: Picking a partner, whether it is in business or in life, is about finding someone who shares common beliefs, attitudes, interests, goals, and life philosophy. That means you have to get to know someone before you can commit to really partnering with them. And you have to have a really good sense of who you are, too. You need to really know yourself first before you can expect someone else to get to know you.

The partnership playbook is a compelling idea. What are some of the best things that can emerge from that?

Jim Burba: We found in the business partnerships we have formed that everyone works better if there are clearly defined roles and responsibilities, worked out, and accepted at the beginning of the relationship. We don’t believe in winging it. That just leads to chaos and bad feelings. A partnership playbook lays out everything in a way that easily understandable. That doesn’t mean we don’t change things up now and then. That’s an important point about a playbook, it needs to be refreshed occasionally so the partnership doesn’t get stale or boring.

The biggest misconception about partnership?

Jim Burba: That it means giving up power or autonomy, or that a partnership is the answer to everything. Our first chapter in “Smart Partners” talks about figuring out if you really need or want to partner. So many people jump in without thinking it through, then find themselves in a mess. They don’t know why they want a partner. Is it because they are afraid to go it alone? Or they don’t know if they really need a partner. Wants and needs are two different things, and those questions need to be answered first.

If there is one big key ingredient to a successful partnership —especially balancing the personal and professional realms — what do you think that has been for you both?

Bob Hayes: We joke that martinis get us through some tough spots, and there is our 7/7 rule — no work talk before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. People can relate. But the key ingredient is trust. Trust in your partner(s). With trust, you can disagree and still know that you are all working toward the same, mutually beneficial goal.

Visit burbahayes.com to learn more about Burba and Hayes.