DAD NEXT DOOR

LIVE dad next door

Tim Houk

BY EMILY DREZ PHOTO BY KIRSTEN WAGUESPACK

OCCUPATION: CEO OF THE HOUK GROUP WIFE: TAYLOR CHILDREN: TINLEY, 4, & TORI AND TATUM, 2 HOBBIES: COOKING, READING, TRAVELING, EXERCISING

TIM Houk is a busy guy. Above his roles as a realtor and the CEO of The Houk Group, Tim finds his role as a father to three girls to be the most important. He wants a close relationship with his daughters more than anything, and his effort is obvious. From cooking with them, to taking his four year old on dates, to bringing all three girls wherever he and his wife, Taylor, go, Tim makes sure he is intentional.

What does a normal day look like for you?

TIM: I get up around 4:45-5 in the morning to work out; then, I come home, shower, help with kids, get breakfast ready, and go to work at 7:30. If I’m not picking the kids up from school, I’m home for 5:30. I spend time with my kids until they go to bed at 7:30, and my wife and I hang out before we go to bed at 10. You get one shot at being a parent. Every phase is different, and even if it’s a short amount of time, you still need to pay attention to them.

What’s something a lot of people don’t know about you?

TIM: I used to own a food truck called Salvation Station that served gourmet wraps and paninis with a Louisiana flare, but I stopped because running multiple businesses was exhausting.

What are the joys and challenges of raising your children?

TIM: I love watching them grow and interact with each other and the world, along with their perspective on things. Spending a week together without power during the hurricane really changed their dynamic. I also love teaching them things about the world and showing them how to cook. They want to help me cook every day. It is difficult to find quality time with them, though, especially with the twins. They couldn’t be more different. One is a wild child and the other is just Little Miss Princess Parenting different personalities needs balance and takes some thought. Kids are kids, and they have bad days, but don’t we all?

How would you describe yourself as a father?

TIM: Strict, but understanding. I can understand what’s going on and still be strict about it. I am also systematic; they behave better with a system such as strict bedtimes. I don’t want to just give them anything they want, though they do have that power. I just can’t let them know that.

What do you like to do as a family?

TIM: We love to do art, to cook, and to travel. By the time our twins were born, Tinlee had been on, like, 11 flights. We love to take them everywhere with us. We also take a lot of walks and spend time outdoors. I want to have a great relationship with my daughters forever. If I don’t start now, it’ll never start.

What’s your favorite thing about being a dad?

TIM: I enjoy learning, so I find every day is a new experience for me. What worked a month ago is not necessarily the most efficient way. It’s having to adapt, and it’s fulfilling. I love it.

What has parenthood taught you?

TIM: Patience. I am not the most patient person, ask my wife. It’s teaching me to be better, and I think it’s making me a better leader.

What are some things you hope to teach your children?

TIM: Honesty, integrity, respect, to be learning-based, and to seek first to understand. Hard work is another important one for me.

What has your job taught you about parenting?

TIM: Anything is possible if you set your mind to it, but you have to put in the work, energy, and effort. It has also taught me that people are unique, which makes it important to seek first to understand.

What has been your biggest challenge in parenting during the pandemic?

TIM: It’s all about balancing life in the insanity of the world and still keeping the right mindset when everything is crazy and tense. We make sure we don’t bring that fear and paranoia into the house. My wife and I are very intentional about leaving all of that at the front door, trying not to vent, and keeping that

energy away. My daughters are resilient and tough, but there’s no reason for them to have to deal with all this.

What has been your biggest challenge for your job during the pandemic?

TIM: Adapting to the new challenges in the world. Selling real estate virtually... just think about that. The norm changes almost by the week. Hurricanes, spikes in COVID, being a parent, and being there for our clients all at once is a challenge. It takes a lot more time and energy to do what we used to do to help people. The job still needs to get done, pandemic or not, but sometimes we need to pivot if other people’s world changes.

What personality trait of yours do your children also have?

TIM: They are very curious, I think more than most kids, and I love it even though their questioning drives me crazy sometimes. They also have the biggest hearts, but I’ll give that one to my wife.

Any advice for other parents?

TIM: Listen to your kids. They are so different, and I know life is so crazy and busy, but you just have to make time to understand each kid and their needs. You get one shot at being a parent. Every phase is different, and even if it’s a short amount of time, you still need to pay attention to them. They have to understand that you’re there to build that connection and keep them close their entire life. You have to start making that time now. I want a relationship with my daughters forever. The world’s a crazy place, so it’s my job to make sure I protect and guide them. ■

Q&A

Before I go out, I always check to make sure I have…

locked the doors

In my fridge, you will always find…

roux.

My favorite food is...

rice and gravy.

Favorite artist growing up…

Foo Fighters, and it still is.

My guilty pleasure is…

cereal before bed.

The first thing I do when I wake up is...

make coffee.

My dream travel spot is...

Tuscany.