Let me be honest right off the bat—balancing entrepreneurship and fatherhood isn’t easy. There’s no perfect formula, and there are plenty of days where I feel like I’m winging it. But over the years, I’ve learned a few things that help me stay grounded, keep my business moving forward, and still be the dad my kids need me to be.
Being an entrepreneur means long hours, pressure to perform, and a constant drive to grow. Being a dad? That means love, presence, patience, and showing up consistently. Both roles are demanding. Both are deeply rewarding. And somehow, we’ve got to find a way to do both well.
Here’s what’s helped me on the journey—and maybe it’ll help you too.
1. Schedule Family Time Like It’s a Business Meeting
When you run your own business, you live by the calendar. Meetings, calls, deals—it all goes on the schedule. So why not put your family time on there too?
I learned early on that if I didn’t block off time for my wife and kids, work would fill every single hour. Now, I make it a point to carve out time just for them. Whether it’s dinner together, taking my kids to practice, or a Saturday family outing—if it’s on the calendar, I treat it with the same importance as a client call.
You have to protect that time. Because work will always be there. Your kids won’t always be this young.
2. Set Clear Boundaries (and Stick to Them)
One of the biggest challenges of working for yourself is that the lines between work and home get blurry—especially if you work from home.
That’s why I set some non-negotiable boundaries. For example, after a certain hour, I don’t take business calls unless it’s an emergency. When I’m helping my kids with homework or tucking them into bed, my phone goes face down.
You don’t have to be perfect, but setting those boundaries lets your family know they come first. And it also helps you avoid burnout. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
As men—and especially as entrepreneurs—we’re wired to be independent. We think we need to do it all. But the truth is, success doesn’t come from doing everything yourself—it comes from building a solid support system.
My wife is incredible. She holds down the fort when I’m busy and supports my vision even when it’s stressful. But I’ve also learned to lean on mentors, teammates, and even other dads in business who get it.
Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And it’s one of the best ways to make sure you’re present where it really counts.
4. Be 100% Present—Even If It’s Just for 10 Minutes
I used to think I had to spend hours with my kids to be a good dad. But I’ve realized what they really want is undivided attention—even if it’s just for a short time.
Ten minutes of full presence—no phone, no distractions—goes a long way. Whether it’s playing catch in the backyard, listening to them tell a story, or just sitting with them while they eat a snack, those little moments build trust and connection.
It’s not about quantity. It’s about quality.
5. Share the Journey With Your Kids
One of the coolest things about being an entrepreneur is that you get to involve your kids in your world. I talk to them about what I do, share my wins and struggles, and even bring them along sometimes when it makes sense.
It helps them understand why I work so hard. It also shows them what’s possible when you chase a dream.
And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll start a business of their own and say, “I learned this from watching my dad.” That would be the ultimate reward.
6. Give Yourself Grace on the Hard Days
Some days, I crush it in business but feel like I barely showed up as a dad. Other days, I’m all-in at home and my inbox explodes.
Guess what? That’s okay.
You’re not going to get it right every day. There will be seasons where work takes more of your energy, and seasons where your family needs more of you. The key is to keep showing up with the right intentions and keep adjusting as you go.
Give yourself grace. You’re doing better than you think.
7. Remember Why You’re Doing It in the First Place
At the end of the day, I’m not building my business just to make money. I’m doing it to create a life where my family is taken care of—where we have time, freedom, and the ability to live life on our terms.
So when things get tough, I remind myself of that. My kids are my “why.” My wife is my “why.” That reminder helps me push through the hard days and stay focused on what really matters.
Success at work means nothing if you lose the people you love along the way.
Final Thoughts: You Can Do Both
If you’re an entrepreneur and a parent, I get it—it’s a juggling act. Some days, it’ll feel impossible. But I promise you, it’s worth it.
Being a dad has made me a better businessman. It’s given me more purpose, more patience, and more drive. And being an entrepreneur has made me appreciate fatherhood even more.
You don’t have to choose between building your business and being a great parent. With a little intention, a lot of love, and the right mindset—you can do both.
Keep showing up. Keep adjusting. And never forget—your greatest legacy won’t be the company you build, but the kids you raise.