Meet Sean
Sean Nguyen wears a lot of hats: commercial floor slinger by day, community fish club driver by night, and full-time dad all the time.
He’s raising two kids, ages 20 months and 4, while keeping up with work, family, and a few pre-dawn surf sessions. Somehow, he makes it all work — and still finds time to chase redfish after hours.
The Hard Part
For Sean, time is everything.
“Being present is a non-negotiable promise I made the day my daughter was born. Life moves fast. Work, goals, family—it all blurs if you let it. I used to chase every opportunity like there was a finish line. Now, success means being in the moment, not just moving through it.”
That lesson sits at the core of everything he does. He’s not chasing hustle culture; he’s chasing presence.
The Reward
It’s not the big milestones that hit hardest. It’s the little wins.
“Seeing my kids grow, learn, and light up. That’s the good stuff.”
Lessons Learned
Sean keeps it simple:
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Listen to your wife.
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Know your baby gear.
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And for the love of fatherhood, a swaddle is not a bib.
Advice That Stuck
“One day your kids will tell stories about their dad. Make sure they’ve got something good to say.”
That one line hits like a mission statement for modern fatherhood.
A Day in the Life
The Nguyen house runs on discipline and caffeine. Sean’s up at 5 a.m. for some light training and time with his Rottie before the day kicks off. Coffee brews while he makes lunches and breakfast as his wife gets the kids ready.
Depending on the schedule, they tag-team drop-offs, then it’s go time. Sean spends the day building community, running the Fish Club, and chasing small wins. Afternoons are family-only. Once the kids are down for the night, he hits the gym, clears his head, then resets for the next round.
Balance Is a Team Sport
Sean’s secret weapon is simple: a shared calendar and honest communication.
“When everything hits at once, I step back, rank what matters, and tag-team with my wife. Communication turns chaos into a plan.”
It’s a real-world version of what we preach in Dad Wisdom: Progress Over Perfection — showing up and staying flexible matters more than getting it “right.”
How He Stays Grounded
Reflection is Sean’s reset button.
“Every once in a while, you have to pause and look at what your effort has produced. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Reflection isn’t regret. It’s refueling.”
It’s a practice that reminds him why he works so hard in the first place.
Non-Negotiables
Presence. “If I’m there, I’m all in. No distractions. Just dad.”
Solo Time
When the grind slows, you’ll find Sean chasing waves or stalking redfish with the After Work Fish Club.
“Surfing clears the head. Fishing keeps me patient. Both remind me that the best moments aren’t rushed.”
Follow his journey on Instagram:
@afterworkfishclub / @vin_nguyen
Dad Day Takeaway
Sean Nguyen’s version of fatherhood is simple: show up early, often, and with purpose. He’s proof that being a rad dad isn’t about doing everything. It’s about being all in for what matters most.
