Fatherhood and Founding a Business: Balancing Life and Legacy with Nick McEvily

Parenthood and entrepreneurship are often described as life’s greatest challenges. Both roles demand patience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment—qualities Nick McEvily is learning to navigate as he juggles being a new father and launching his latest venture, @Pinché Agua. In part two of our conversation on Founders Unplugged , Nick shares candid insights about the lessons he’s drawing from fatherhood and how they intersect with his journey as a founder.

Finding Parallels Between Parenthood and Entrepreneurship

For Nick, fatherhood has brought a fresh perspective to his work as an entrepreneur. “Being a parent humbles you every day,” he shared. “You’re constantly learning, unlearning, and adapting.” This willingness to evolve has become a cornerstone of both his parenting philosophy and his approach to building Pinché Agua, a canned water brand with a mission to tackle water insecurity in Mexico.

Nick likens starting a business to raising a child: both require nurturing, boundary-setting, and letting go at the right time. “You need to believe in your vision with conviction, but you also need to know when to let go or pivot,” he explained. “It’s like raising a child—you guide them, but at some point, they grow into their own identity.”

Unlearning Aggression and Embracing Empathy

One of Nick’s personal revelations as a father has been confronting the role of aggression in his family dynamics. “I come from a family where aggression could surface in unhealthy ways, and I’m trying to unlearn that,” he admitted. “I want my son to feel secure with me, not afraid of me.”

This desire for emotional security extends to his leadership style at Pinché Agua. Nick emphasizes creating a supportive company culture rooted in trust and transparency, aligning with the brand’s mission of authenticity and social impact.

Building a Legacy Through Action

Fatherhood has also deepened Nick’s sense of purpose in his entrepreneurial pursuits. As the father of a six-month-old son born in Mexico, Nick feels more connected to the country’s culture and challenges. “My son is Mexican, and that makes me even more invested in this place,” he said. “I want to build something meaningful that reflects the values I want to pass on to him—things like integrity, responsibility, and action.”

Pinché Agua’s commitment to reinvesting 30% of profits into water security projects is one way Nick is translating these values into tangible impact. By embedding purpose into the business model, he’s striving to build a company that not only serves customers but also contributes to a better future.

The Balancing Act

Balancing the demands of a new business and a newborn isn’t easy. “It’s a trial every day,” Nick admitted. “You feel the victories and the shortcomings in both roles.” Yet, he sees this dual challenge as an opportunity to grow, both as a father and a founder.

Nick also acknowledges that parenting requires a village—a principle he applies to his startup. By surrounding himself with a strong team and a community of like-minded individuals, he aims to ensure both his business and his family thrive.

Lessons for Founders and Parents

Nick’s experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating the dual roles of parenthood and entrepreneurship:

1. Stay Curious: Just as children grow and change, so do markets and businesses. Staying adaptable is key.
2. Balance Conviction and Flexibility: Believe in your vision, but don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.
3. Lead with Empathy: Whether at home or in the workplace, empathy builds trust and fosters growth.
4. Think Long-Term: Focus on building something that creates lasting value—for your family, your customers, and your community.

As Nick continues to navigate the challenges of fatherhood and founding a business, his journey serves as a reminder that the most rewarding ventures often come with the steepest learning curves.

To hear more about Nick’s insights and his mission with Pinché Agua, tune in to part two of our conversation on Founders Unplugged.

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