Two Full-Time Jobs, One Heart
Being a CEO is no small job. The demands, the decisions, the constant flow of responsibilities—it’s a nonstop role that requires focus, leadership, and the ability to keep moving forward no matter what comes your way. But being a father? That’s a full-time job too, and it’s the one that matters the most to me.
I’m a father to four incredible kids, and they’re the center of my world. Between running Mid South Wound LLC and making time for my family, I’ve learned some hard but meaningful lessons about balance, leadership, and what it really means to show up for the people who count on you. The truth is, the skills I’ve developed as a father and the lessons I’ve learned leading a business often overlap. One job makes me better at the other.
Learning to Prioritize What Matters Most
In both business and family life, there are always things pulling at your attention. At work, it’s emails, meetings, and goals. At home, it’s school events, sports practices, and bedtime routines. You quickly realize you can’t be everywhere at once, so you learn to prioritize.
I used to think “balance” meant giving equal time to everything. But I’ve come to understand it’s really about being fully present where you are. When I’m at work, I give it my all. When I’m with my kids, I put my phone down, turn off the noise, and give them my full attention. That shift has made me a better father—and a better CEO.
Leadership Isn’t Just About Strategy—It’s About Presence
At Mid South Wound, my job is to lead with clarity, communicate a vision, and create an environment where people can do their best work. At home, I try to do the same. My kids don’t just need rules and routines—they need presence, encouragement, and someone who listens when they speak.
In both places, leadership is about consistency. It’s about showing up—not just physically, but emotionally. My team needs to know I have their backs, just like my kids need to know I’m there for them, no matter what. I’ve learned that strong leadership isn’t about power or control—it’s about presence, patience, and trust.
Handling Pressure with Grace
Running a company comes with pressure. So does parenting. Whether it’s dealing with a tight business deadline or helping your teenager through a tough time, you’re constantly making decisions that affect others.
Football taught me to stay calm under pressure, but fatherhood has taught me how to lead with empathy. Sometimes, what your child needs is not a solution—it’s a moment of understanding. That’s true in business too. Listening before reacting, giving people space to express themselves, and choosing patience over urgency—these are things I’ve learned at home that have transformed the way I lead at work.
Building a Team You Can Trust
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that I can’t do it all alone. At work, that means hiring great people, trusting them to do their jobs, and empowering them to grow. At home, it means leaning on my support system—whether it’s my partner, extended family, or even the community around my kids.
Being a good leader means surrounding yourself with good people, both professionally and personally. It’s about recognizing your limitations and being humble enough to ask for help when you need it. That humility has made a big difference in how I approach challenges in both areas of my life.
Time Is the Real Currency
When you’re a parent and a business leader, your schedule fills up fast. There’s always something urgent, always something that needs your attention. But over the years, I’ve realized that time—not money, not titles—is the most valuable thing I have.
I try to make sure my kids never feel like they’re competing with my job for my attention. Whether it’s attending a football game, having dinner together, or just being around for the small, everyday moments—that time is priceless. And when I give my full presence to those moments, it fills me with energy and purpose that I carry back into my work.
The Legacy I Want to Leave
Success at work matters to me—I want Mid South Wound LLC to grow and thrive. But when I think about legacy, I don’t think about business first. I think about the kind of father I’ve been.
Have I raised kids who feel loved, supported, and inspired to chase their dreams? Have I taught them integrity, humility, and resilience—not just with my words, but by how I live my life? That’s the kind of legacy that lasts.
The truth is, the boardroom and the living room both need strong leadership—but the most important leadership lessons often start at home. My hope is that by doing both with heart, I can raise strong, kind, and capable kids—and build a business that reflects those same values.
Final Thoughts
Balancing fatherhood and the C-suite is never easy. It requires intention, grace, and constant reflection. But it’s also the most rewarding journey I’ve ever been on.
What I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t confined to titles or roles. It’s about how you show up, how you treat people, and how you lead with integrity in every part of your life. Being a dad has made me a better CEO. And leading a business has helped me become a more thoughtful, present father.
At the end of the day, I’m grateful for both—and I wouldn’t trade the lessons for anything.