Building a Business, Raising a Family: Slow Growth, Strong Roots, and What I Hope My Kids See

Slow Growth, Strong Roots

When I started Acadia Bay, I did not set out to build a large company. I wanted to serve a small number of customers we knew well and could support deeply. What still surprises me is that many of those early customers are still with us today.

Over time, I realized we had built something special. We had become very good at what we do, particularly within the association space. That realization made me want to grow, but only if that growth could be done responsibly.

To me, growth only matters if it is sustainable.

Sustainable growth means our customers feel supported and our employees are not overwhelmed. We want to be challenged enough to keep improving, but never so stretched that the quality of our work or our lives starts to suffer.

That is why we turn down projects that are not a good fit or clients who create unnecessary stress. Life is too short for that. We are honest about our capacity. When our team tells us they are at their limit, we listen. We hire early and intentionally so no one burns out and our customers always get the attention they deserve.

This slower pace has built something stronger than rapid growth ever could. It has built trust. Our customers trust that we will deliver. Our staff trust that we will protect their time. And I trust that we are building a company that will last.

Perhaps most importantly, growing slowly gives us time to enjoy life outside of work. Time with family and friends is not something we try to squeeze in around work. It is something we protect.

What I Hope My Kids See

When my daughters are old enough to understand what I do, I hope they see more than a laptop and endless to do lists.

I hope they see that I built something because I love the work and because I wanted to provide for our family in a way that allowed me to be present. I hope they see Acadia Bay as something to be proud of, maybe even something they will want to be part of someday, if that is their choice.

More than anything, I hope they grow up knowing they do not have to choose between career and family. You do not need to spend forty hours a week away from home to contribute meaningfully, support the people you love, and make an impact in your community.

I hope they learn the value of hard work and of helping others, but also that life is not just about the bottom dollar. It is about integrity. Doing things the right way. Standing up for yourself. Knowing what you are worth.

Most of all, I hope they always know they come first.

Building a business and raising a family do not have to be competing priorities. The same patience, adaptability, and care that make us better parents can also make us better leaders.