OH, BROTHER.

• Author: Davis, Lisa
• Position: Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Blood ties link business's most exclusive fraternity.

After a century that brought both the analyst's couch and TV talk shows, it has become common wisdom: A lot of the credit -- or blame -- for the adult you've become goes to your parents and the way they raised you. Got commitment issues? Workaholic tendencies? Thank Mom and Dad. But there is another childhood relationship that must be nearly as profound -- that of siblings. After all, they'll be around longer than your parents, maybe even your spouse. And so will the alliances and rivalries they generate.

We've taken a look at seven sets of brothers, all Tar Heel leaders and all with a different story to tell. Some are colleagues, some are confidants, some are competitors. Some are all three. That's what makes brothers so interesting. Unlike women, who tend to put relationships first, "men identify themselves by what they do," says Loretta Silvia, associate professor of psychiatry at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. In other words, when it comes to business, brotherhood often takes a back seat.

Still, many brothers manage to maintain a tight bond. Former Gov. Jim Martin, for example, credits brother Joe with being a key campaign adviser -- and introducing him to his future wife. Cammie Harris acknowledges that he and brother Johnny sometimes "fuss." But woe unto the outsider who tries to enter the fray. "We both will turn on that person," he says. "We do team up."

Mayo, Bill & Mike Boddie

The brothers recall playing on the construction site of their father's and uncles first Hardee's, back in 1962. They grew up with Rocky Mount-based Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Hardee's largest franchisee with 332 restaurants, so it was probably inevitable that they would be the next ones to lead it. Bill, 46, was named CEO in 1995. Mayo Jr., 47, runs its chain of 13 Texas Steakhouse restaurants. Mike, 43, heads the Hardee's operations. Apparently, it's a harmonious arrangement. "It blows everybody's mind," Mayo says. "A company this size run by family has got to have problems, but we really don't. We don't let egos get in the way." Perhaps it's because they are laid back -- unlike their "type A" dad, who remains chairman. "When he says you need more A," Bill jokes, they say, "Somebody's got to take what you are dishing out."

Phil and Dave Phillips

Phil Phillips, 59, and brother Dave , 57, shared their father's entrepreneurial instinct and a line of work, factoring (buying accounts receivable)...