Support for working dads isn't one-size-fits-all. Sometimes it's a well-planned parental leave and a team that makes it easy to truly disconnect. Sometimes it's a manager who leads with compassion during a difficult life transition or the flexibility to be present for your family without putting your career on hold.
Ahead, you'll hear directly from a group of working dads about the lessons parenthood has taught them, the ways their employers have supported them through pivotal moments, and the workplace cultures that have helped them show up for both their families and their careers.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from parenting that’s made you better at your job—or vice versa?
“My three daughters (and my wife Lori) have shaped the leader I am. They’ve taught me to prioritize presence over perfection, to listen with empathy, to appreciate the different strengths each person brings, and knowing when to step in versus step back. Watching them enter the workforce sharpened my awareness of the challenges women face and the importance of creating space where people feel safe, valued, and able to grow. Parenting has made me better at my job—and my job has made me more intentional as a parent.” –Jim Bowers, Principal Solutions Consultant, Gradient AI
“One of the things I’ve learned from being a parent is that, in the end, everyone is human. I feel like it's obvious we are all people, and we all come to work to support our households, but something inexplicable happened when I began my family. It’s helped me recognize that everyone starts as this little person who’s nurtured and cared for into the adults we all become. Having my son helped me discover a new appreciation for the people I work with and the lives we touch day to day.” –Daniel Zuniga, Cost Analyst, HOLT CAT
“One important lesson parenting has taught me is the value of patience and clear communication. Children do not always understand instructions the first time, which has helped me learn to slow down, listen, and adjust how I explain things. In my job, this has made me more effective when training others or working through challenges. Instead of getting frustrated, I focus on meeting people where they are, encouraging questions, and reinforcing learning. This approach has strengthened trust, teamwork, and overall performance.” –Grant Gasper, Technical Training Supervisor, HOLT Group
How has your company supported you through a pivotal parenting moment or transition?
“Serv-U stood beside me during one of the most painful, life-changing moments of my life—becoming a single father during my divorce. On a Monday morning heading to work, I carried fear, uncertainty, and the weight of staying strong for my kids. In the café, I broke down on a call with my RD, and instead of pressure, I was met with compassion and encouraged to take the rest of the day off. That moment reminded me I wasn’t alone. Since then, Serv-U has continued to support me with the flexibility to be the father my kids need while growing my career.” –Derek Perry, Field Operations Manager, Serv-U-Success
“As an expectant father, having a company that supports this transition in my family has been greatly appreciated. That support started as soon as I spoke with my manager about this addition. They directed me to the resources MasTec CE&I provides and connected me with the right people to help plan my leave. My department has also been very supportive in planning coverage so I can take time to be with my wife and new child and prepare for a smooth return to work.” –Travis Gavin, Communications Specialist, MasTec CE&I
“One of the biggest ways HOLT Group supported me was by giving me the time and space to fully step away during parental leave, which allowed me to focus on my family and really be present with my baby girl. There was a strong sense of trust from both leadership and my team.
They had a clear plan in place, communicated well, and stepped up to cover what was needed. That support made it much easier to fully disconnect during that time and come back re-engaged, and it reinforced the company's genuine value for its people during important life moments.” –Jordan Tindall, Director, Talent Acquisition, HOLT Group
