Meet Bobby Barzi | Dad & founder at fodada

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bobby Barzi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bobby, how do you think about risk?
I look at risk a bit differently than most. It is a source of fuel and energy for how I live and challenge myself. In all aspect of my life, beginning with my opportunity and responsibility as a dad. This ideology has now become the core of my business that began as a way to create a legacy for my boys; to risk, to follow a passion, and in the process create impact. I am constantly looking to blur and remove the traditional lines and be welcoming to the perceived risk in new perspectives and approaches. This has been monumental in my personal and professional growth,.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our brand story is unusual and that’s the way we like it. It all started with when amazing journey as a dad began. I soon realized that there was so much more to this and I need to do something about it. Switching from a mindset of responsibility to one of opportunity opened my eyes that the relationship between father and child can and does affect all it touches. For better or worse. I also wanted to leave a legacy of showing my boys that it is ok to take a risk and follow your passion, while making a living and helping others. Our brand, fodada (for dads, named by my oldest as it was his favorite thing to say as a 1.5 year old) exists to celebrate and promote the father and child relationship by exploring opportunities and funding free programs for dads and kids all funded by the sale of our clothing line. To date we have put on free programs in 22 countries with over 20,000 attendees. All free. From engagement, to education, to empowerment and health. This endeavor has been the most challenging undertaking both personally and professionally yet most welcomed. It has allowed me to invest in what I want to and how I want to. My boys have been part of the journey and continue to be why I push forth with the brand. We want to operate without limits and boundaries rather focusing on where we see the need and opportunities in leveraging the father and child relationship for positive impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite parts of southern california are the beaches and the coastline so the itinerary would be heavily focused on that. It is also where you find great food and amazing people watching. I also love the more unique and quaint pockets such as circle in orange and downtown Santa Ana with one of a kind shops and eateries.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am thankful that at some point I began to see things differently. All due to the collective influence of so many amazing people and experiences in my life. Not all good but all necessary to ask the questions and instead of seeking answers to keep exploring while welcoming the comfortable and the uncomfortable. If there is a specific source of energy that served as the catalyst for this perspective change it would be my two sons, who serve as reminder of the opportunity and responsibility available to me.

Website: www.fodada.com

Instagram: fodadaclothing