Eight-Figure Exits, Zero Ego: What Makes This Group Different

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Why I Keep Coming Back to Front Row Dads

I’ve now been attending Front Row Dads retreats for over six years. And people sometimes ask, “Why do you keep going back?”

The answer is simple — but powerful. I return for three core reasons.

First, the deep, meaningful connections with high-caliber men who show up not to impress, but to connect. Many of these guys are at the pinnacle of success in their respective businesses — but you’d never know it at first glance. One man in the group has had not one, but two separate eight-figure exits. I met him four different times before I ever learned that about him. That’s the kind of humility this group embodies. They show up with curiosity, eagerness to serve, and a sincere desire to get better as husbands, fathers, and leaders.

Second, the curated content at these retreats always seems to meet me exactly where I am — sometimes even before I realize what I need. The topics we explore consistently unlock the next piece of clarity for me, whether it’s through the formal sessions or the heartfelt conversations that happen between them. Often, it’s a question or story shared by another man that delivers the breakthrough I didn’t know I was looking for.

Third, the intentional space to step away from the grind. By unplugging from work, breaking free from the daily routines, and being fully present with this circle of 50 or so men, I’m able to reflect, recalibrate, and identify the next domino that helps me become more of the man I’m called to be.

The Power of Ask, Give, Win

This retreat kicked off with one of my favorite traditions: the Ask-Give-Win session. Each man in the room takes a few minutes to share three things — one “Ask” (what he’s hoping to receive from the group), one “Give” (what he can offer in service of others), and one “Win” (something recently worth celebrating).

The brilliance of this ritual is in its simplicity. It makes space for every voice, including the nine men who were attending their first Front Row Dads event. It ensures no one gets lost behind the more familiar voices of returning members.

But more than that, it forces each of us to pause and reflect — to recognize a need, to name the value we can offer, and to celebrate a win we might have otherwise overlooked.

Some of the Asks this year were striking. One man shared his desire to build the confidence to take a leap into an uncertain next chapter — despite holding a prestigious leadership role today. Another opened up about preparing mentally for the inevitable loss of his father to cancer. These moments set the tone for the depth of connection that followed.

What happens next is where the magic begins: when another man hears an Ask and immediately realizes, “I can help.”

Where Real Conversations Happen

The first evening continued with paired long-form interviews. One-on-one conversations, guided by thoughtful questions, designed to go far deeper than the typical surface-level small talk that fills so much of our lives.

Over the years, these interviews have introduced me to men who are now dear friends. It’s the kind of experience where you find yourself not only learning about another person — but truly seeing them. Even after 15 to 30 minutes of asking questions and listening, you often walk away with the feeling: “I want to know more.”

That’s the heartbeat of these retreats — not just conversations, but meaningful connection.

Meals That Feed More Than Your Stomach

Even the meals at a Front Row Dads VIP event are intentionally crafted for connection. Sometimes the dinner groups are curated (this time we even let AI pair us up for one meal). Sometimes they form naturally around shared activities. But they’re always kept small — no more than four or five men per table — so that there’s one real, shared conversation happening.

And these aren’t your typical dinner table conversations.

This is where things get real. Where you find yourself sharing struggles, dreams, fears, and hopes that might never come up with your neighbors, your work colleagues, or the parents of your kid’s soccer team. These are the kinds of conversations that so many of us long for — sometimes without even realizing it.

Yes, We Talk Business — But Through the Lens of Legacy

For the first time at a Front Row Dads retreat, we carved out time to focus on Business Evolution and Wealth Building. While our mantra remains “Family men with businesses, not businessmen with families,” the truth is that our businesses play an important role in the legacies we’re crafting.

What made this business focus special was that the sessions were led by members of our own community — not outside gurus flown in to dispense advice. These are men who walk the walk. We had incredible sessions on community building, content marketing, and lead funnels, led by Kasim Aslam and Ryan Moran. I walked away fired up, with clarity on the next domino to focus on in my own business journey.

Move Your Body, Quiet Your Mind

No Front Row Dads retreat would be complete without some “daily sweat.”

One day offered a “choose your own adventure” approach — basketball, volleyball, a city walk, or a grueling workout led by my friend (and former personal trainer) Nate Palmer. I chose the workout: 45 minutes at Track Club Fitness, pushing sleds, swinging heavy ropes, grinding through pull-ups, ab work, bench presses, and more. It was legit.

The next day, the entire group tackled Piestewa Peak — 1,123 feet of vertical ascent. The hike was tough, the views were stunning, and my legs felt like spaghetti by the time we reached the bottom.

We also started one morning with a beautiful meditation and breathwork session led by Brent Perkins, which helped set a calm, intentional tone for the day ahead.

Why I Keep Coming Back

It’s the combination of all these elements — the curated content, the small group activities, the intentional one-on-one interviews, the unplugged time in nature, the physical exertion, the deep conversations, and most importantly, the brotherhood of high-caliber, growth-minded men — that keeps drawing me back, year after year.

I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: I’m incredibly grateful for Jon Vroman and the community he has built. And this year, a special thanks to Tonia Adleta for her exceptional leadership in coordinating the event — your care, flexibility, and kindness did not go unnoticed.

One Last Thought…

If you’ve read this far, I’ll leave you with a question:

Where do you go to find your tribe?

Where do you put yourself in rooms that challenge you, support you, and call you to be your best — not only as a business leader but as a husband, father, and human being?

I’ve found that place for me. I hope you find (or create) yours.

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