This is a special interview, being that just a few days prior to our recording, Dan lost a dear friend and family member who notably helped shape Dan’s fatherhood style. We dedicate this podcast conversation to Tony, Dan’s brother-in-law, the husband of Dan’s sister, and a man who raised his own children to be adventurous, loving, and passionate humans. It is a bold move for Dan to share his take on fatherhood with me, with Tony’s passing being so recent, and in a beautiful way it’s the perfect time to ponder the importance of fatherhood and the impact we have on peoples’ lives.

Dan Fortune is real estate advisor and investor, a business owner, a leader and coach to many people, and a truly committed husband and father. He attended the Air Force Academy in his early days, he's traveled the world with his wife and first kid, and now he’s focused on building the largest lending company in all of Colorado.

Here are 10 things worth listening for on Episode Four of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!:

1. Importance of Friendship and Connections: Both Dave and Dan talked about the significance of their mutual connections, particularly Thaddeus Anderson, emphasizing the role of friendship in their lives and how these relationships support and enrich their personal and professional growth.

2. Balancing Family and Career: Dan shared his experiences juggling responsibilities as a family man adoring his wife and kids, and as an entrepreneur striving to make a significant impact in the real estate and lending industry, as well as running a coaching business.

3. Parental Play and Fun: Both highlighted the importance of play in parenting, discussing how engaging in playful activities with children is not only crucial for the kids' development but also a learned skill and a way to reconnect with one's playful side.

4. Dealing with Loss and Grief: Dan opened up about the recent loss of his brother-in-law, Tony, discussing how he navigated explaining grief to his children and the impact of loss on family dynamics.

5. Fatherhood Insights and Aspirations: Dan expressed his desire to be a legendary father by delving into who his children are and supporting them to become their best selves, underscoring the joy of watching their growth and evolution.

6. Importance of Apologizing and Modeling Love: A significant part of the discussion revolved around the importance of modeling love and affection, especially the power of apologizing to children when mistakes are made, thus teaching them about accountability and unconditional love.

7. Maintaining Personal Identity and Growth: The conversation touched upon the importance of parents maintaining their individuality and pursuing personal growth, alongside nurturing their children, emphasizing that personal fulfillment contributes to better parenting.

8. Learning Through Parenting Challenges: Dan shared his journey of learning and adapting his parenting style, especially in addressing challenges such as his children's behavior, highlighting the evolving nature of parenting.

9. Community and Support in Parenting: We discussed the value of community and seeking advice from other parents, illustrating how shared experiences and wisdom from others can provide invaluable support in the parenting journey.

10. Future Legacy and Reflections: Looking ahead, Dan spoke about the legacy he wishes to leave for his children, focusing on being remembered as a loving, fun, and trustworthy father, emphasizing the long-term impact of parental actions and attitudes on children's lives.

For more information about Dan Fortune, connect with him on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-fortune-1b68981/

Enjoy!

-Dave Momper

Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad

www.thrivalconcepts.com