Serial Founder and Dad of 2: How to Balance it All

Key takeaways

Balancing Work and Family: It's essential to find joy while parenting and to embrace the chaos that comes with raising children.
Community Building and Marketing: Creating connections with customers through experiential marketing can lead to lasting success in business.
Collaborating with Unique Partners: Working with individuals from different backgrounds, including celebrities, can open new doors and perspectives.
Parenting in the Modern Age: College admissions processes have evolved, and it's crucial to support children in finding their paths rather than imposing choices.
Embracing Change: As children grow up and move on, it's vital to grasp their unique journeys and cherish shared experiences.

Summary

Navigating Business and Family Life

In this episode, Robert Wolfe, co-founder of Zeck, discusses the challenges and joys of balancing work and family. He humorously shares that he has never read a business or parenting book, emphasizing that both he and his wife are figuring things out as they go along, inspired by moments from pop culture like the film 'Dazed and Confused'. The conversation highlights the importance of having fun while parenting and includes anecdotes about their 'fighting room,' a playful solution created to help manage sibling disputes in their household.

The Journey of Moosejaw to Zeck

Robert recounts his entrepreneurial journey starting from founding Moosejaw Mountaineering to his current venture, Zeck. He delves into the innovative marketing strategies employed at Moosejaw, which focused on experiential marketing and building community before it became a trend. Robert shares insights about his partnership with his brother and the various challenges faced while establishing a successful outdoor retail brand and later transitioning that expertise into his next ventures, including Crowdrise and Zeck.

The Co-founder Connection with Edward Norton

Interestingly, Robert shares his experience of co-founding various companies with celebrity Edward Norton. Their initial connection arose while working on a charity campaign for the New York marathon, which evolved into the foundation of Crowdrise. Robert praises Norton for his intellect and humility, giving listeners a glimpse into the dynamics of working with a celebrity in the startup space. He discusses how their shared vision for philanthropy shaped the successful trajectory of Crowdrise.

Parenting and College Admissions

As the father of two sons, Robert talks about the challenges parents face today regarding college admissions. He shares his family's approach to finding the right college fit for kids, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to express their preferences rather than imposing decisions on them. He reflects on the significant changes in the college application process compared to when he was younger, commenting on the conveniences of technology while also recognizing the stress it brings.

Lessons Learned and Future Considerations

Reflecting on his life and experiences, Robert conveys the value of being adaptable and open to learning from mistakes and experiences, both in parenting and entrepreneurship. He offers advice for future parents, suggesting they appreciate their time with their children and embrace life's chaotic moments. As he anticipates becoming an empty nester soon, Robert openly expresses his reluctance towards this new phase, indicating the emotional complexity of parenthood.

Show notes

Robert Wolfe is the co-founder of Zeck a company designed to make managing board meetings easier for everyone. He’s also founded and sold both Crowdrise (to GoFundMe) and Moosejaw Mountaineering (to Wal-Mart). He’s a husband and the father of 2 sons. We discussed:

* The journey from founding Moosejaw to today

* Founding multiple companies with a celebrity and your brother

* Raising a family while building those companies

* The modern-day process for helping your kids apply to college

* How kids can find the right college fit

* Stories about building his companies and raising his families

* What the heck a “fighting room” is used for and why you need one

* How to work really hard without taking yourself too seriously

Where to find Robert Wolfe

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-w-0abaaa273/

Where to find Adam Fishman

* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com