A Message From the CEO: Fatherhood and Entrepreneurship

When I started ISlide 5 years ago, my daughters were 1 and 5 years old. Realistically, I knew that I wasn’t going to be around as much as I’d like to but it’s a part of the entrepreneur/dad life. Ignorantly, I also thought it wouldn’t be hard on my little ones and initially, it wasn’t. They were so young that they didn’t comprehend the “missed” Dad time like they do now. Now, at 5 and 10 years old, they get a kick out of guilt-tripping me about late nights at the office and business travel. I know that part of it is just them wanting to get a funny reaction out of me but I also am very aware that the other part is that I have, in the past, missed games and concerts….and it stinks. Like everything else in life though, I try and find a balance between it all.

The balance has different dynamics to it but one thing I make a much better point of doing is being “present” when I am around them. I truly believe that at some point, an example of this type of work ethic and passion to chase your dreams will be a great lesson for them, but it’s hard and I certainly have yet to master it. But that also drives me. My family, the thought of being an example to my daughters...it’s what makes me go. And with all the ups and downs of owning a company, my family constantly reminds me how thankful they are for the hard work I do put in which just confirms the reasons for taking the leap 5 and half years ago. (holy sh*t, it’s been 5 and half years)

I would be remiss to say that any of this would be possible without my supportive wife.  I remember someone telling her that she was crazy for being so calm about me leaving a big company and starting something on my own. It’s a huge burden on her to not only grow her own business but also to have to be flexible on in our relationship.

I will say, fatherhood, in general, is great...about 88% of the time. Once I get the kids to clean up after themselves, we’d be at 100%  but I guess that is another one of those things best done leading by example.

Happy fathers day to all the dads out there grinding it out trying to do something great.

Check out the full Father's Day Collection HERE!

Stand In What You Stand For - JK