By: Josh Fulfer
Estimated Read Time: 5 Minutes

Let’s get this out of the way: I’m not a parenting expert. Not even close. I don’t claim to have it all figured out. But as a dad, an entrepreneur, and someone who’s built a business that completely changed my family’s life, I’ve made it a priority to plant seeds early for my kids — not by force, but by exposure.

My kids are 9 and 11. They’ve grown up around my business and watched what it’s allowed us to do — travel, work from anywhere, help other families build their businesses, and create a life that’s very different than how I grew up. And while there’s zero pressure for them to follow in my footsteps, I want them to see that entrepreneurship is an option — and one that can lead to a deeply fulfilling life if you approach it the right way.

Giving Them a Front Row Seat

One of the simplest ways I involve them is by talking openly about what I do. We talk about clients, projects, challenges, and how we’re helping other business owners grow. I keep it high-level, but I want them to understand that “business” isn’t some mysterious thing — it’s simply about solving problems for people and building trust.

When I’m on calls with contractors, clients, or prospects, my kids will often be nearby. My 9-year-old son especially loves listening in. Sometimes he’ll even ask great follow-up questions afterward. My daughter, being a little older, is more interested in what’s in it for her — and that’s okay too. We’re teaching both business skills and life skills at the same time.

Turning Everyday Life Into Marketing Practice

We keep things fun and simple. When we walk around the neighborhood, they’ll grab my Milwaukee tape measure and start snapping photos of uneven sidewalks, driveways, patios, and pool decks. They’ve learned how to spot trip hazards and even point out old mudjacking holes they find. They love documenting it and pretending like they’re “on the job.”

We use those photos for real marketing. And they understand how what they’re doing helps businesses get found online and win new customers. They get to see firsthand how content — even simple job site photos — can turn into real opportunities.

When we’re on vacation — whether it’s in Florida or Wisconsin — they’re snapping photos of sea walls, pool decks, or anything uneven they spot. In fact, on one trip to Anna Maria Island, my son almost stepped on a 6-foot racer snake while crouching down to get a seawall photo. That one we’ll never forget.

Letting Them Play With Real Tools

At their ages, my kids are naturally drawn to tech. So I lean into that. We play around with apps like Canva, CapCut, AI image generators, and even ChatGPT. These are tools they use at school, and they’ll likely use in their future careers — whether they go into business or not — so I want them comfortable experimenting and building confidence now.

My daughter even took one of my suggested books (a kid’s version of How to Win Friends and Influence People) and decided it was still too wordy. So she ran it through AI and had it rewrite each chapter in a tone and style that fit her interests. That type of resourcefulness will serve her no matter what path she chooses.

Related: 5 Life-Changing Books Every Concrete Lifting Business Owner Should Read

Even “Business Class” While Exercising

When I’m home with the kids or getting a workout in, I’ll often throw on YouTube and watch business talks, marketing strategy videos, or new tech updates. The kids will sit nearby and watch along for a bit. It’s not about them mastering every detail — it’s about exposure. They see that lifelong learning, fitness, life and business growth all go together.

I always remind them: if you want to build a great life, you need a strong mind and a strong body. Success isn’t just about money — it’s about your health, your habits, your relationships, and your ability to serve others.

And of course, whenever they start to roll their eyes, I drop in our running family joke:

“Only you choose how you play the game of life.”

They groan. I smile. But they know it’s true.

Teaching Them That Business Is About Service

One of the most important lessons I try to teach is that business isn’t about taking — it’s about giving. Too often, entrepreneurs are portrayed as greedy or selfish. I grew up with that false image myself.

But what I’ve learned is that real success comes from helping people make decisions that serve them. You don’t win by pushing people into sales. You win by guiding, educating, and caring about the outcome for the customer.

That’s what I want my kids to understand. Whether they ever become entrepreneurs or not, those are values that can serve them for a lifetime.

Entrepreneurship Isn’t Required — But Possibility Is

My kids don’t have to become business owners. That’s not the point. The point is showing them what’s possible. Showing them the freedom, flexibility, and impact that can come when you build something that helps others.

They know we get to live the way we do because we chose a path built on service and long-term thinking. I want them to know that path exists — and that it’s available to anyone willing to work, learn, and serve.

Legacy Lessons

My wife, who grew up on a dairy farm, and I both came from humble beginnings. We know what it’s like to struggle. We also know what’s possible when you take control of your mindset and build something of your own.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about raising entrepreneurs. It’s about raising confident, capable, kind kids who believe in serving others — and who know they get to choose how they play the game of life.

So hopefully we inspire one person reading this to get their kids involved – and grow deeper bonds, and build stronger more confident kids.