Here’s the truth: father-son relationships aren’t neat and tidy. They’re messy, full of trial and error, and often come with a few silent car rides and some “creative” disagreements about music, sports, or, let’s be honest, who’s going to pay for dinner.

For Avery and me (Brian), it hasn’t always been easy. I was building my career while trying to raise a teenager who had opinions as strong (or as weak) as his jump shot. Avery will tell you he was figuring out who he was, while occasionally deciding I was the last person qualified to help.

But here’s the thing: we kept showing up. Sometimes clumsily, sometimes stubbornly, and finally with a lot more listening and grace. That’s how a rocky relationship between a strong-willed dad and an equally strong-willed son grew into a partnership.

Now, we work together, not just as family, but as teammates, helping other fathers and sons find that same connection. We call it building legacy relationships: the kind that last beyond arguments, beyond growing pains, beyond “you don’t understand me.”

In our latest LinkedIn Live, we talked more about legacy relationships.

🧭 What We’ve Learned on the Tightrope

• Connection isn’t built in the easy moments. It’s forged in the tension, in the misunderstandings, in the choice to stay when walking away would be easier.
• Legacy isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up again and again, even when you don’t have the answers.
• Your son won’t always be your kid. One day, he might be your colleague, your confidant, your creative partner—or if you’re lucky, your best friend. And when that day comes, you’ll be grateful you invested in more than just discipline and rules. You’ll be grateful you built trust.

🎧 And Yes, We Still Disagree…

And if you’re wondering: yes, Avery still thinks I listen to music too loud. And I still think he drives a little too fast. But, that’s the beauty of legacy. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being together.

Next Wednesday, October 22nd, we’re hosting another LinkedIn Live for fathers who want to learn how to overcome the time gap.

We are rooting for you! 

Avery & Brian Baker