About the founders...

FOUNDER DAD

I grew up to a single mom in the projects of NYC with one much older brother and one much younger brother. The environment was challenging and eventually led us to move across the country, to be in a safer place. Throughout my childhood, my mother was always working hard. She was a tough woman who gave all she could, but she was also away from the home a lot, working to support the household. There always seemed to be something missing from my childhood – direction, firmness, a man I could look up to. After several wild years as an adolescent and young adult barely getting through high school, I looked to a good buddy of mine, who joined the US Marines. I realized that might be the best path for me. In 1998, I shipped off to Parris Island, South Carolina.

What a culture shock!! This was the first time I had an adult male yell at me. Not exactly what I was longing for but beggars can’t be chooser, right? Before my ego could start processing it, me and the rest of my 50 man platoon started our transformations, and were aggressively being molded into functioning members of a team. This started a new chapter in development for me.

During my first few years in the military, discipline, cleanliness, responsibility, hard work, and brotherhood were emphasized. It was in this institution that I first interacted with men who I truly looked up to and who pushed me to be the best version of myself. They also held me accountable.

Later in life, I was able to take on my younger brother, as he was facing a challenging time in high school. Not long after, I took on the responsibility of housing and guiding two nephews at different and challenging times in their lives. These interactions really helped solidify the importance of being a good influence, a leader, and a loving man. I’ve always wanted to protect and be there for those who needed it.

Though I had plenty of experience looking after younger family members, being an actual parent felt foreign. It was intimidating, and it seemed like being a parent meant that you had to give your life up, had to find new friends, and change yourself. But, I knew it was something to behold, and knew I would be a stoked papa when the time was right. When my good friend Kip first became a dad, I recall a conversation about his new role where he stated quite clearly how stoked he was on fatherhood. It was the first time I heard a fellow strong male speak so highly about being a dad and it stuck with me.

My kids are 4 and 1 and half years old. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.

We want to share our stoke, hold each other accountable, and learn ways to be better versions of ourselves each day.

Hope you’ll jump on the team!

ORIGINAL DAD

I believe the role of a father and husband is something to be cherished, and a responsibility to others that should be taken very seriously. My family brings joy and purpose to my life.

Growing up in Sacramento, CA I fulfilled various leadership roles in my community (i.e., church, sports, etc.). As a non-commissioned officer in the Marine Corps I learned even deeper what it meant to care for others and lead by example. While studying psychology at UCLA I was again in leadership roles through various honor societies. But it was not until I became a father that the role of a leader began to have a deeper significance in my life.

I am a Department of the Navy civilian employee. I lead a team of Business Analysts through change management and process improvement efforts for the Navy. I have the honor of serving the country, while non-deployable with very generous time off, work-life balance, and autonomy. I couldn’t ask for more.

My family loves being outside in either the ocean or the mountains, and San Diego, provides that year-round. In between sports and school functions, we try to get in weekend adventures as much as we can. My kids are 9 and 5, and I want to maximize this time with them. Taking advice from those mentor fathers in my life, I’m trying to build that bond that will sustain our relationship into their teen years when we face tougher challenges.

My intent with contributing to DadMode is to connect with other like-minded Dads who are stoked to be Dads. Through this, build a community to help develop and hold each other accountable. I see this as a critical factor in the development and evolution of our local community and the country at large. I hope you choose to join our tribe of Dads.

A DAD

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