Serial entrepreneur and podcast host Dom Rubino shares how he sold a 250-location global franchise business to be more present for his children. In this candid conversation, he discusses the challenges of raising teenagers, the protective instincts that come with parenting a daughter, and why "Cats in the Cradle" should be required listening for every ambitious dad.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:01:43] - Parenting Through Fear and Protection

Discussion of daughter's solo European travel at age 20

Key quote: "Part of me is like crazy... I'm scared. Yeah, I'm scared."

[00:04:18] - Different Standards for Sons vs. Daughters

Dom's honest admission about treating his children differently

Key quote: "If my son falls down, I'm like, good. Do it again. My daughter falls down. I'm like, oh my God, we got to shave down the concrete in that part of the sidewalk."

[00:06:17] - The Power of Sports in Child Development

How competitive swimming and lacrosse shaped his children's friend groups and character

Key quote: "Hanging out in sports is where you meet other kids who hang out in sports... Everybody's trying to get better. They understand coaching. They'll take feedback. They know what it means to lose."

[00:11:51] - The Business Decision That Changed Everything

The moment Dom realized his travel schedule was hurting his family

Key quote: "I looked at him and I thought, Rubino, what the beep are you doing?... I'll go start another one, but I get one family."

[00:15:13] - The Song That Defines Fatherhood

Dom's recommendation for career-driven fathers

Key quote: "Go listen to the cats and the cradle... that song will tell you the kind of dad you want to be."

[00:18:02] - Trust But Verify Parenting

Applying business leadership principles to parenting

Key quote: "I trust my kids, but I verify... If you lie to me, we're going to talk about that as well. And we're going to talk for a very long time."

[00:23:58] - Family Values in Action

How the Rubino family handles difficult times

Key quote: "We never withhold love. We probably double down at the hardest times. I'll bet you we double down on love."

[00:27:05] - Sacred Family Dinner Time

The importance of consistent family meals

Key quote: "Having dinner together is a foundation. We don't even think about it... for us, that is sacred."

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