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Current title/occupation?
CEO and Co-Founder, Bestow Life
What was your childhood like?
I grew up in San Antonio, Texas. I won the lottery when it comes to my parents and childhood. My father is in commercial real estate development and I started working at a young age helping on his properties. I started my entrepreneurial bug at the age of 12 spray painting street numbers on curbs for extra money. Both my father and mother have been incredible examples of grit, character and love.
Who was your hero growing up?
I have a long list of individuals I admire as I think it’s important to pattern your life and learn from others. Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Churchill are men I have read much about and deeply respect. But for a hero, I would say my father. He is a best friend to me to this day.
How did you and Jamie meet?
We met and started dating in college. Her older brother introduced us and I moved as fast as I could!
Was it love at first sight?
There was definitely an instant attraction. She was dating someone else and I had just returned from serving a mission trip in South Korea and wasn’t ready to jump into the dating scene. We started out as friends and when she ended things with the other guy she was dating at the time, our friendship turned into more. The rest is for the books.
What does being a dad mean to you?
A father is a provider, a protector, a rule-setter, a friend. They are an educator and exemplar. I love being a Dad. As a father, your role changes over time. When the children are really young, it’s important to be a guide, helping them discern right from wrong. As they grow up it transitions into more of a coach/advisor role, helping them through new experiences, the games of school and work and relationships, through life’s opportunities and challenges.
Any Father’s Day traditions?
Lots of hugs, hopefully some golf and my favorite chocolate pie and the kids share in our tradition of gift of words.
The one thing no one tells you about fatherhood?
The burden of responsibility. It’s a blessing, but it’s also something that never goes away. You have to settle in and play the long game and develop patience and perspective.
Do the kids have a fave rule to break?
Bedtime is always a conversation. It’s like every night is the first time they’re hearing they actually have to go to sleep!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Hmm...I love being active. Cross Fit and golf are two things that help me relieve stress and stay balanced these days.
Power statement/personal motto?
In the Arena. Effort Matters. Be Optimistic.
Fallback career?
I don’t think that way. I’m 100% doing what I would be doing. There is no backup.
What was your inspiration for starting Bestow?
A desire to reshape an industry and scale a much-needed financial product to millions of people. Two of my top personality traits when tested are Challenger and Reformer, so looking for ways to build something better as an entrepreneur comes natural. We are now one of the fastest growing insurance companies in the US and offer 7-figure packages you can acquire from your phone in less than 5 minutes.
Most surprising lesson about working for yourself?
You never actually get time off.
What is it like having two CEO’s live under one roof?
Hah! It means no one is ever 51 percent. Incredibly proud of what we have built with BeautyBio and Bestow and it’s been pretty incredible how each of our skillsets complement one another.
What is the best life insurance plan for a 30-something year old woman? (Asking for a friend ;))
We have a great package that’s less than $5/mo. and will give most people over a quarter million dollars in coverage. You’ll definitely sleep better at night.
Any advice for entrepreneur couples?
Constant communication and not sweating the small stuff. In high-stress environments as companies are scaling, it’s easy to let that flow into your home or relationships. Remembering what’s truly important, carving out time when you’re not talking about work and continually finding opportunities to support each other are key to success.
Where is the best place you’ve “run” into Jamie while you both are traveling?
We’ve had some funny moments where we ended up on the same flight to SF without knowing it or another time I remember calling Jamie and we realized we were both in LaGuardia airport in NY at the same time. One day we’ll look back and laugh at this crazy stage of life for sure.
Fave BBS product and why?
I was so happy when the black GloPRO came out, I love the way it looks on my counter. Jamie got me into using GloPRO a long time ago, and I’m pretty good about using it a couple times a week - I can tell my skin just looks and feels better.
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