There are plenty of reasons to celebrate Father’s Day at Early Light Media. We are a company founded by three dads. Founding fathers, if you will. For Darren Durlach, Jody Weldon, and David Larson, being a father is a labor of love — just like running a business.
To celebrate Father’s Day, we asked our founders a few questions about fatherhood, and how it has impacted their perspective as entrepreneurs. Their responses warmed our hearts.
Jody Weldon appreciates the small moments while watching his kids grow up
2001. That’s when it happened. The year I became a dad. A time that was so long ago and still just yesterday. Today, my kids are no longer kids. My son, Nathan, is 21 and my daughter, Evelyn, is 18. Both are amazing in their own ways.
I am lucky to have so many memories to look back on: first steps, first dates, graduations, proms, long car rides to tournaments, and me loving every moment along the way. Remember the attic scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? Yeah, that’s me. Disappearing in the basement, just thumbing through old photos and snapshots of when they were so young. I also embrace the change. The end of each chapter begins a new one. It’s the moments in between that matter.
Moments and telling stories is the foundation of our business. Being a dad and understanding how important it is to be present for these moments is what my life is about. They say it goes by fast and it does. I’m ready for the next chapters, eyes wide open and no blinking.
Darren Durlach’s love for his kids makes him a better storyteller
I first became a dad on July 30, 2010 when my daughter Zoe was born. My life changed forever that day. My son Will was born October 4, 2013. From the moment he was born, he was a massive ball of joy. About two years ago, I had the honor of becoming a father figure to Liam and Finn, who are the sons of my lovely life partner, Amanda.
My kids changed everything for me; my outlook on life, my priorities, and the amount of money I spend a month on cleaning supplies. It’s a unique kind of love that’s hard to put into words.
Early Light Media is a company of storytellers. The main difference between sharing information and telling a story is empathy. I think becoming a dad added a new level of responsibility and caring for someone else that engenders a deep level of empathy. As a father, I feel things in a much deeper way than I did before, and I think that makes me a better storyteller.
David Larson stays creative by tapping into his playful side
In the workplace, I think people want to be respected and taken seriously. As a result, young professionals might act even more seriously as they work to advance in their career. Being a father has taught me to hold on to my playful side.
Having kids showed me the creativity that can come from being silly. I can let go and be in the moment, without putting any restriction on my weird little mind. To do that, it’s important to step away from work.
My kids are why I strive to strike a healthy work-life balance. I want to be there for all of their life milestones. Being present with my kids is more important than constantly working or stressing about work. I hold tight to that. When it comes to my kids, the work can always wait.
