After many years of connecting with young men and women from all walks of life in behavioral centers, schools and group homes, I grew to learn the immense challenges children face when they lack positive role models and present parents in their life. At the time, I didn’t know what it felt like to be a parent, but I knew I wanted to have a positive impact on these kids' lives.

On May 28th, 2015, I was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Aubrey Violet, whom I was ready to give my whole heart to. However, due to medical complications, we had to say “goodbye” to our Aubrey. This was the worst day of my life. In utter shock and sadness, I remember kissing her on the head with tears dripping down my face saying “I just wanted to be your Dad.” 

The next few months were a blur and despite trying to be strong for my wife, I began to let myself go and sank into a depression that seemed to have no way out. From eating at all times a day to never working out, I began to lose sight of the dad I promised to be for Aubrey. 

In the fall of 2015, I was driving home and heard the song “By Your Side” by Tenth Avenue North come on the radio. Half way through the song, I began to think of Aubrey and felt a sense of peace that she was in heaven and God was taking great care of her with her family up in heaven. It was as if that song had assured me that she was in good hands and she wanted her Dad to find his way back again. 

That night I went to the gym and exercised for 28 minutes, honoring the day Aubrey was born. I then noticed I had burned 400 calories and I told myself the next time I came to the gym, I would burn 528 calories for Aubrey, no matter how long it took.

Not long after, my wife and I were blessed to find out that we were having another baby girl. Consumed with a rollercoaster of emotions, I found the best outlet to navigate these feelings of excitement and apprehension was through exercise and living a healthier life. I was then honored to be featured in Men’s Health magazine in an article titled “Tragedy Turned My Life Around,” that was dedicated to Aubrey. Overcome with immense gratitude and ready to make an impact through my experiences, in 2016, Dads of Steele was born not long after our baby girl Madelyn Rose.

Originally starting out as an LLC, I set out to share my story to build connections with other dads in similar circumstances - to help them realize they were not alone in whatever it was they were going through as a parent. The organization grew immensely within the first few years so in 2019, I decided to transition it to a 501(c)(3) non-profit. I hope to continue to build a community of dads that can inspire and motivate one another to become the best version of themselves for their families.