Brothers and partners explain how communication, respect, and clear roles have sustained their joint journey.
SANTO DOMINGO – Mariel and Ramón Paulino Peña, siblings and partners in Plusval Inmobiliaria, have successfully combined family ties and professionalism in a working relationship that remains strong thanks to respect, communication, and clear roles. Their dynamic is based on values instilled in them at home, values that now guide every decision within the company.
They have worked together in the real estate sector for approximately five years, although in Mariel's case, her story began much earlier. "I started alongside my father, Bienvenido Paulino, 25 years ago," she recalls, highlighting how that experience shaped her path and her understanding of the business.
Within the real estate company, both have well-defined roles. Mariel manages marketing and events, a role that involves organizing, promoting, and strengthening the brand's presence in different venues. Ramón, on the other hand, manages general and sales, leading commercial strategies and coordinating overall operations.
This division of responsibilities has been key to maintaining order, effectiveness, and professionalism within the company. “We define roles and responsibilities where everyone fulfills their function, and that makes everything run smoothly,” they explain. By having clarity about who does what, they avoid duplication of tasks and unnecessary conflicts.
“Our working relationship is excellent, as we manage to maintain respect and professionalism within the company by establishing clear boundaries and separating our personal and professional lives,” they both maintain. This separation, they assert, allows them to make objective decisions without emotions or personal relationships interfering with their performance.
Work-life balance
Maintaining a healthy environment within a family business requires commitment, and the Paulino Peña family understands this. “The strategies we use to maintain a good family relationship without it affecting work performance are that we separate roles, maintain clear and respectful communication, try to maintain equity in the real estate company's decision-making, and maintain a balance between personal and professional life,” they explain.
This balance becomes a priority, as they recognize that the company cannot function if the family relationship deteriorates. Therefore, every conversation, every plan, and every decision is filtered through a framework of respect and clarity that has underpinned their way of working.
The family as a pillar and driving force
For both of them, family represents a starting point and a constant source of motivation. “Family is everything to us. We grew up in a very strong family environment, where we understood that this is our main business,” they affirm. From that core, they formed the values they apply today in their professional lives.
In their view, working with someone who shares those same values offers significant advantages. “That’s where we find a source of love, emotional support, and encouragement to overcome challenges and achieve personal and professional goals,” they explain. Their strong family bond, they say, has allowed them to face industry challenges without losing perspective.
Furthermore, they believe that family ties directly contribute to the company's growth. "With a shared commitment, similar values and visions, and resilience in the face of the challenges inherent to the sector," the company strengthens and projects itself into the future on a solid foundation.
Finally, they send a message to those who wish to start a family business: “ Starting a family business means uniting talents, values, and vision toward a common purpose. With respect, commitment, and communication, it is possible to build not only a business, but also a lasting legacy.” This phrase summarizes what has motivated every step of their collaborative work.
