"I Built a £10m Business Empire: Discover the Unexpected Rules That Safeguard My Marriage—And It’s Not About Lavish Gifts!"

A MULTIMILLIONAIRE dad has revealed the unusual rules he follows to protect his marriage – including NEVER speaking to his wife during his working day.

James Dooley has been with spouse Kerri for 16 years and says she has been by his side throughout his business journey – from living at his mum’s house to running an £10m-a-year empire with more than 300 staff.

The dad-of-three can wake at 1am with a business idea he needs to get out of his head – at which point Kerri knows it is better for him to head to his garden office.

And despite the 42-year-old’s success, he never buys his wife traditional presents – instead prioritising experiences and memories like buying a lodge in Wales.

“The wife thinks I’m crazy with how driven I am, but she 100% supports me,” said James, who lives in Manchester.

“Behind every successful man, there’s a woman. Not just standing behind him, but beside him, pushing him, believing in him to achieve success for the family.

“She understands entrepreneurship is not for everyone and is a sort of addiction.”

The couple met 16 years ago during a night out in Bolton, when Kerri was out with friends and James nipped into a pub after playing football.

They hit it off and, in the early years of their relationship, lived at James’ mum’s house.

James said: “Luckily, we knew that without kids we were free, so travelled a lot and partied with friends a lot.

“I loved partying and socialising with friends, which is great because now I’m a dad and enjoy chilling more.”

The pair married eight years ago.

Things changed as James built the FatRank brand, a digital marketing company which helps businesses attract customers online.

The company became the springboard for other ventures and James now runs 17 companies, employs more than 300 people and says his businesses generate around £10m a year.

But Kerri helps rein him in when he gets carried away by potential ventures.

James admits he suffers from “shiny object syndrome” and FOMO – fear of missing out.

He said: “Every day there are a few new opportunities and she has helped me say no at times.

“I see the good in every opportunity, but the wife sometimes plays devil’s advocate and gives me all the negatives so I can make informed decisions.”

During working hours, however, the couple generally leave one another alone.

James said: “We never speak in the day because every distraction can take 23 minutes to get back into flow state again.

“When I’m working I am seriously focused and I don’t want distractions unless it is something serious.”

But at around 3pm, that changes.

James protects the hours between 3pm and 7pm for his three children, who are all under five, and his staff know he is unavailable.

He said: “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.”

James also takes an unconventional approach to buying presents for Kerri.

Despite his success, he says he does not shower her with designer handbags, jewellery or expensive birthday gifts.

He said: “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.”

That does not mean the family never splashes out.

James said: “The holiday home in Wales, a jet ski and some racehorses are the most extravagant things, but all are bought as things that will yield amazing memories as a family.”

The horses in particular have become a passion for the whole family.

He said: “We own some racehorses and that is one sport and event that all the family can attend, dress up nicely, experience great race-day vibes and it brings us together.”

Despite his financial success, James insists they try not to make luxury the centre of their lives.

He said: “We enjoy nice holidays and apart from that it has changed zero.

“I try to keep money and wealth out of conversations. I don’t want any fast cars or expensive products.

“I much prefer fun, laughter and memories over anything else. Money will never change me.”

Becoming a father has also changed what success looks like to James.

He said: “The three kids are so energetic and parenting is 10 times harder than I ever imagined.

“I have utmost respect for mums who bring up kids. It’s the hardest job in the world.

“My career is super easy compared to parenting.”

And despite being in a position to give his children a privileged upbringing, he is determined they will not grow up expecting his wealth to be handed to them.

He said: “I do not want to raise spoilt brats.

“They need to understand how lucky they are and have to work hard for their own success.

“They will get guidance and I’ll try to open doors for them – but they need to earn their own stripes.”

After 16 years together, eight years of marriage and three children, James says his definition of success is ultimately much simpler.

He added: “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.”