Chad Rhodes wears many hats. He’s an entrepreneur, a seasoned real estate investor as well as a senior associate at Summit Commercial LLC, which is a full service commercial real estate brokerage firm. His affiliations include Detroit Regional Chamber, Leadership Detroit class XXV, charter member of the New Leaders Council Detroit, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Legacy Associates Foundation, Lifting As We Climb Foundation and Morehouse College Alumni Association. And even though Rhodes wears many hats and plays numerous roles, his favorite role to play is that of father.
Rhodes earned his B.S. in both Civil Engineering and Natural Science through the prestigious dual-degree engineering program at Morehouse College and North Carolina A&T State University.
As a Detroiter and a father, Rhodes is authentically committed to the rebirth of the city of Detroit and has been an active participant in the city’s social, political, and philanthropic fabric.
Rolling out spoke with Rhodes to glean from him some fatherhood gems that help him become the best father he can be to children.
What legacy are you leaving for your children and the children of your community?
I want my children and [the] children I influence in the community to understand the power of networking. My job is to teach them the importance of having a prolific understanding of the power of connecting with people. It is one the top keys to success.
How would you describe your fatherhood culture?
My goal is to create a culture of love and understanding. I want my children to be free to dream big and understand that their father is always there to support them and catch them when they fall.
From a father’s perspective, what two books would you recommend every child read?
Two must read books are:
“Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?” by Reginald Lewis and
“Cash Flow Quadrant” by Robert Kiyosaki. As a young man, these books gave me the insight to be entrepreneurial.
Why is it important to expose children to education and valuable skills?
It is important that you supply your children the skills to be self-sufficient. At the end of the day you want them to live whatever life they so choose, you just want them to be able to house, cloth and feed themselves!
As a father and a life coach, describe your playbook.
As a child grows and develops, the idea is to nurture the talents that are intrinsic. Once you assist them in developing their God given strengths, they should be able to handle the rest.
Which fatherhood experiences have taught you the most about yourself?
The realization that you are responsible for this little life, and that they are looking at you from a helpless position and it is on you to provide everything for them. That is a pretty daunting task, but you have to put your head down and grind it out. They are depending on you!
What insightful advice would you suggest about building a network?
Look at networking from a broad perspective. You never know who is going to be in a position to help you or hurt you, so you should always try to be kind to people. If it does turn out that you missed out on an opportunity because of someone you might have wronged in the past, shrug it off and keep it moving. Don’t dwell on it because there will be other opportunities in the future.
Why should you read every day?
I read the business news everyday. I think it is important to stay in tune with what is happening in the world around you. The things that happen in the world and your community have a direct affect on your lifestyle and livelihood.
Name one life lesson that no one taught you, but should have.
The importance of building a team of different types of people is a great-learned lesson. When we are young, we often find ourselves only connecting with people that are similar. As a seasoned businessman, you better understand the value of having different influences and advice coming from different perspectives.
How important is keeping your word?
There aren’t many things more important than Integrity. Navigating through life is less of a challenge when people trust in the things that you promise. Making things happen becomes easier.
When it comes to protecting yourself at all times, physically and mentally, what would you tell your children?
Figure out the little things that make you happy and make sure you keep them scheduled in your life. And work hard at [being] physical. It’s a challenge, but you only get one body, so take care of it.
What advice would you give on being responsible for your own dreams?
You only get one life, one shot. Try to live a life without regret, knowing that you tried everything that you ever wanted to do. So, later in life, you don’t look back wishing you could have done something that you had the means and opportunity to do.
Finish the sentence: Never give up on yourself because …
If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.
How does following your spiritual values help you in life?
Spiritual values keeps you grounded in life. There are a lot of crazy things that will happen in your life and in the world around you. There will be no explanation for it, it just is. Spiritual values will keep you on the path of light.
Share one of your fondest memories you’ve experienced with your father, grandfather or father figure.
Exposure to the world was one of my fondest memories I experienced with my father. I don’t think you really appreciate the sacrifices that they make to give you a better life until you get older and learn how expensive exposure is. It costs a lot to take a family on trips, boat cruises, out of the country etc. [I was] definitely appreciative!
Why is writing down your fatherhood goals for life so important? Share your most valued and treasured fatherhood goal.
I think is very important for fatherhood goals to be written [down]. Not so much for the father [figure], but more importantly for the son. My father passed away in my early 20’s, so I never had the opportunity to get insight into his fatherhood goals. Hopefully, my children, once they have come of age will be able to look back at an article like this and have a better understanding of their father’s fatherhood goals.
