Being Both a CEO and a Prepper: How Preparing Calms My Mind at Work and Home

In early 2020, while residing close to a military installation, I observed servicemen carting away large quantities of canned foods. Although COVID-19 wasn’t yet a talking point, it made me wonder if they had insights I wasn't privy to.

With my wife about to give birth to our first child on February 1, 2020, I felt an urgent need to prepare for the unknown. Thus, I invested roughly $600 in nonperishable supplies and ordered essential items such as two-way radios, bottled water, and car emergency kits online to ensure we could vacate the area and remain off-grid for two weeks, if necessary.

When California's lockdown commenced due to the pandemic, a sense of tranquility washed over me. Unlike many others, I was not part of the frantic run on toilet paper because I’d already secured what my family needed.

Efficient Prepping is Attainable, Even in Limited Space Situations

Most have encountered extreme preppers. I am not among them; rather, I consider myself a pragmatic prepper. Initially, as I embarked on this endeavor, we resided in a California townhouse, necessitating careful selection of supplies without encroaching on the valuable garage area, which might aggravate my wife.

I acquired six compact storage bins that could seamlessly fit on our garage shelves or within the confines of my vehicle. My aim was for these bins to be easily transportable, fitting adequately alongside my family and our dog during a quick evacuation.

Inside the bins, I packed an array of necessities for a two-week period: nourishment, diapers, fire-starting kits, cooking supplies, water filtration apparatus, first-aid essentials, gas masks, and more. Moreover, I bought two sizeable water tanks and two fuel tanks, ready for rapid attachment to the car roof rack if a swift departure was required. This preparation brought immense comfort to my wife and me.

How Prepping Became a Practical Solution in Everyday Life

In the five years that have since elapsed, a lot has evolved. We experienced a pandemic, relocated to Dallas, and welcomed a second child. Consequently, our approach to preparedness has adapted.

In Texas, the occurrence of intense storms can leave us powerless for extended durations. To counter this, I invested in a solar power system and dual backup batteries to remotely manage our breakers and disengage non-essential appliances, ensuring power sustenance for several days during outages.

Not long ago, Dallas experienced a widespread power failure, and I extended an invitation to my cofounder and his children to stay with us, as we had working backup power while they did not. It was gratifying to not only secure the well-being of my family but also to offer a haven to friends.

Practical Benefits and Emergency Readiness in Daily Life

Preparedness has tangible everyday benefits as well. Each vehicle we own is equipped with an emergency kit that includes everything from diapers to canine gas masks. My daughter often raids the stash when a snack is forgotten. My wife once used a compressor from the kit to handle a tire issue. I’ve also made use of the reserve clothes and paper towels during baby blowout incidents.

Applying a Prepper’s Perspective to Business Security

I transfer this prep-focused mindset into the business realm as well. At home, my thoughts revolve around internal safety, external security, and minimal vulnerabilities if we must evacuate. My professional approach mirrors this; it involves fortifying our corporate entry points, operational backdoors, and personnel protection.

Consider a scenario where hackers compromise customer data and demand a cryptocurrency ransom. We are covered by insurance, and we also have a succession strategy laid out for eventualities like the passing of myself or a business partner.

As a Chief Executive, spouse, and father, protecting against unforeseen disruptions is paramount. This foresight grants me the tranquility needed to enjoy life’s calm moments.