Running multiple businesses is rewarding, but it is also demanding. Between managing All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery and being closely involved in supporting the vision behind Dead Horse Beer & Burrito alongside my wife, there is always something happening. Add in family life, personal responsibilities, and community involvement, and the days can fill up quickly.
Over time, I have learned that balance is not something you achieve once and keep forever. It is something you constantly adjust, depending on what life is throwing at you. Some seasons are heavier on work, others require more focus on family. The key is learning how to stay present in each area when you are there.
Understanding What Balance Really Means
When people talk about balance, it can sound like everything is perfectly even all the time. In reality, that is not how life works, especially when you are running businesses. There are days when work takes priority, and there are moments when family needs to come first.
What I have learned is that balance is not about equal time every day. It is about making sure nothing important is being neglected over the long term. It is about showing up, staying engaged, and doing your best in each role you have.
Family Always Comes First
No matter how busy life gets, family is the foundation. I grew up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania with my parents and five siblings, and those early years shaped how I view relationships and responsibility. Family was always about showing up for each other, even when things were not perfect or easy.
That mindset has stayed with me. Running businesses is important, but it is not more important than the people you care about. Making time for family does not always mean big events or long vacations. Sometimes it is sitting down for a meal, checking in on each other, or just being present without distractions.
Those small moments matter more than most people realize.
The Reality of Running Multiple Businesses
Managing multiple businesses means there is always something that needs attention. There are staff schedules, inventory concerns, customer needs, and unexpected issues that come up without warning. You cannot always plan for everything.
That is why flexibility is so important. Some days go smoothly, and others require quick decisions and problem solving. You learn to adapt and prioritize based on what needs attention most in that moment.
It also means accepting that you cannot personally do everything. Early on, I tried to be involved in every detail. Over time, I realized that building strong teams is what makes it possible to step back when needed without everything falling apart.
Learning to Trust the People Around You
One of the biggest shifts for me has been learning to trust others. Whether it is employees at All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery or the team supporting my wife at Dead Horse Beer & Burrito, having reliable people around you makes all the difference.
Trusting your team does not mean stepping away completely. It means giving people responsibility, allowing them to grow, and knowing they can handle things when you are not there. That trust creates stability, not just in the business, but in your personal life as well.
It also creates space to focus on family without constantly feeling pulled back into work.
Making Time Intentional
When life is busy, time does not just appear. You have to be intentional about it. That means planning ahead, setting priorities, and sometimes saying no to things that are not urgent or necessary.
I have learned that even short moments of focused time can make a big difference. Being fully present at dinner, attending family events without distraction, or taking time to check in with loved ones all add up.
It is not about quantity alone. It is about quality and attention.
Finding Balance Through Simple Things
For me, some of the best ways to reset and stay balanced come from simple things. Spending time outdoors, riding dirt bikes or ATVs, fishing, or just stepping away from the daily routine helps clear my head.
Those moments help me come back to work and family with better focus. If you are constantly running without pause, it becomes harder to be effective in either area. Taking time to reset is not a luxury. It is necessary.
Dealing With Stress and Pressure
There is no denying that running multiple businesses comes with stress. Things go wrong, problems come up, and decisions sometimes need to be made quickly. On top of that, you still have family responsibilities and personal commitments.
Over time, I have learned that stress is easier to manage when you do not carry everything alone. Leaning on trusted people, communicating openly, and not trying to control every detail helps reduce pressure.
It is also important to remember that not every problem needs an immediate reaction. Some situations improve with time and perspective.
Final Thoughts
Balancing family life and running multiple businesses is not about finding a perfect formula. It is about learning how to move between responsibilities without losing sight of what matters most.
For me, family will always come first. Businesses are important and fulfilling, especially being part of the work that supports Dead Horse Beer & Burrito alongside my wife and managing All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery, but they are not the whole picture.
At the end of the day, success means very little if you are not present for the people who matter most. Balance is not something you achieve once. It is something you practice every day, through choices, priorities, and being intentional with your time.