Terry Brantley, managing member of Brantland LLC. has been building residential and commercial properties all over metropolitan Atlanta. And while the return on investment has been strong and in the millions, Brantley says that pales in comparison to the benefits he reaps to family equity.
From Decatur to East Point his robust civic engagement history coupled with his dedication to family, Brantley finds his greatest fulfillment in being a father to his four “phenomenal” daughters.
What legacy are you leaving for your children and the children of your community?
My goal is to be an example of the [perseverance] and hard work of our parents. I want to demonstrate to my kids the appreciation I have for all that was done to put me in a position to be independent and have options to do what I want in life.
How would you describe your fatherhood culture?
My father was my hero and the most important man in my life. Above and beyond anyone else, I learned more from him than any male role model. His dedication to taking care of family first and the sacrifices he made are the blueprints for my relationship with my children.
From a father’s perspective, what two books would you recommend every child read?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad and The Millionaire Next Door
Why is it important to expose children to education and valuable skills?
Because they are the building blocks of success …
As a father and a life coach, describe your playbook.
Work hard, love hard, and pray hard so you can play hard.
Which fatherhood experiences have taught you the most about yourself?
The development of my younger daughters tennis ability and the impact of spending time developing specialized skills is an amazing dynamic. One must envy the centuries of nurturing the financial and social manipulation skill set of the majority rulers in America. There is no wonder the system is overwhelmingly biased to their favor.
What insightful advice would you suggest about building a network?
Your network is your net worth, invest in it every day and dividends will return exponentially.
Why should you read every day?
It is a known fact that every great leader has a habit of reading. If you want to be something, you must absorb the content that will eventually be your body of knowledge. Garbage in is garbage out.
How important is keeping your word?
The No. 1 priority is to do what you say you will do. Unkept promises are never forgotten. Funny most good deeds are often unremarkable to many though.
When it comes to protecting yourself at all times, physically and mentally, what would you tell your children?
Stay away from toxic people and toxic environments and learn to recognize them at a young age
What advice would you give on being responsible for your own dreams?
The difference between your dreams and reality is your consciousness.
Finish the sentence: Never give up on yourself because …
life is a journey. It a destination and the road you take will wind and curve. Sometimes it feels like you are going backward but it may just be that you have to see both sides of the street you just went down.
How does following your spiritual values help you in life?
I never lose faith in the god give goodness of mankind. People are taught to hate and all of the evil in the world is the result of bad learning. We can learn to be a Peaceful loving world.
Share one of your fondest memories you’ve experienced with your father, grandfather or father figure.
Hunting and fishing with my father and grandfather as a young man. We spent a lot of time outdoors in the woods being one with nature. That’s unforgettable.
Share your most valued and treasured fatherhood goal.
I want my children to have tangible proof that I made an effort to give them the guidance many young children don’t have in our community. My most valuable goal I have for them to honor my life by setting examples of what an impact a good father has on young adults. When they need inspiration or guidance I want them to simply reflect on our conversations, articles like this and the actions I took to show them my love.
