These Dads Are Doing It Right – Part 196 – Step-Dads Caring About Their Kids 

This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I am showcasing a few dads who are step-dads. Whether it is a podcast or website these dads are sharing their step-dad journey. Make sure you check out their websites and podcasts. In addition, if there are any other dads that you think we should check out leave their name and info in the comment section below. 

Joel Hawbaker – Podcast for Step-Dads 

Joel W. Hawbaker is a professional speaker, Amazon best-selling author, award-winning teacher, and blended family coach. His book ‘Inverted Leadership: Lead Others Better By Forgetting About Yourself’ focuses on helping people become better servant leaders. He currently lives in Alabama with his wife, his two daughters, and their two rescue dogs Bruiser and Butterscotch. In his free time, Joel is usually watching soccer or re-reading the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Check out his book here. 

Franco Zavala – Professional Step-Dad

Franco Zavala is a renowned host, speaker, and coach who is best known for hosting “The Professional Step-Dad Show.” In addition, Franco grew up in a military family, which instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, hard work, and leadership. He learned early on the importance of family and community, which became integral to his philosophy on life. Franco’s journey to becoming a Step-Dad began when he re-met his wife, who already had four daughters and a son from a previous relationship. Franco quickly embraced his role as a Step-Dad, and he has been a devoted father figure to his children ever since. He has learned firsthand the challenges and rewards of blended family life, and he is passionate about sharing his experiences to help others navigate their own journeys.

Gerardo Campbell – Resources for Stepfathers 

Gerardo Campbell is a stepdad and veteran of over 16 years. In 1995, when he married the “Pretty Lady”, he became the stepdad to her two children, ages 10 and 14 at the time. Back in 1995, there were little, if any, resources, information or coaching available for stepdads. Gerardo became a stepdad equipped with the very best intentions, combined with his own perceptions, expectations and very little outside preparation. Through supportforstepdads.com, Gerardo wants to share his experience and lessons learned for himself as well as by others.

Ron Deal – The Smart Step-Dad

Ron L. Deal is the founder of Successful Stepfamilies and an expert in remarriage and stepfamily education and therapy. He is author of The Smart Stepfamily and coauthor with Laura Petherbridge of The Smart Stepmom and with David H. Olson of The Remarriage Checkup. Ron is a licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional counselor who frequently appears in the national media. He is a popular conference speaker and his video series The Smart Stepfamily DVD is used in communities, churches, and homes throughout the world. Ron is a member of the Stepfamily Expert Council for the National Stepfamily Resource Center. Ron and his wife, Nan, and their sons live in Amarillo, Texas.