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Running a business can be a major stressor in one’s life. While it can be thrilling to oversee a company and be your own boss, it isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. In many cases, the business can dominate an owner’s life, taking away their time from family, friends, and even themselves. Fortunately for Jason Ditkofsky, a successful business owner located in South Florida, he has discovered the perfect balance between his business and personal life.
Jason is the CEO of Channel Letters USA and McNeill Signs; the latter is his newest acquisition. At both of these companies, innovation, quality, and client satisfaction are at the forefront– as is disruption. “The signage industry hasn’t experienced disruption in a while,” explains Jason. “I’m taking a different spin on what signage does and seeing how it can move towards signs of the future.”
Amongst all of this excitement and undeniable hard work, Jason never loses sight of a vital, happy life element: personal time. “I try to schedule my work around my personal time because putting personal time aside helps me stay sane. It helps me keep a healthy balance between my work life and personal life as well,” says Jason.
Family has been a focal point in Jason’s life from the very beginning and having support from them has been an integral part of his success. “My stepfather taught me to do things independently, but I always knew he’d be there to help if I needed it,” says Jason. “If I wanted something, I had to set all the groundwork, then go out and get it myself. My stepfather did not interfere, but he provided me with the tools and support to achieve.”
As a man with his own family now, he uses these lessons he’s learned and raises his children in a similar way. He wants them to be independently successful. He understands the value of working hard for what you want and the impact of having a supportive family. “Just like my stepfather taught me, I’ve taught my children that they need to go out and get what they need for themselves. If they need help, they know I’ll be there for them and support them in any way they need.”
This all sounds great in theory but is often easier said than done, especially for most business owners. Finding the way to balance your personal life and business is no small feat. Jason has found a great system by setting the rules for himself. “When I come home, the first thing I do is turn off all my email notifications on my phone,” says Jason. He rarely answers phone calls or any other forms of communication that are work-related when he’s at home as well. “That’s out of respect to the person calling, and it’s setting boundaries for myself.”
Alongside that, he prioritizes planning everything in his life– and, yes, that includes his family and friends. “I schedule almost everything. Exercise, phone calls with friends and loved ones, even spending time with my family. I make sure that I find the time somewhere in my day,” says Jason.
Family is important to Jason, but he’s also aware that taking time for himself is vital to an overall healthy life as well. He reads, listens to podcasts, and even lounges by the pool– anything that he feels his body and mind need to relax.
The most important takeaway is what Jason wishes all business owner-parents were aware of and focused more on. “You’re never going to get the time back with your kids, so make the most out of what time you do have,” explains Jason. “While there are sacrifices, we make as business owners, you most likely won’t be lying on your deathbed and wish you had spent more time on that report or went to that extra meeting.”
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