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The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Chris Pegula
By Teri Brown
Each month, iParenting.com spotlights a father who inspires and moves us, who embodies the qualities that we all admire in a person, a man and a father. Above all, the Dad of the Month is dedicated to his children. Rich or poor, famous or not, he shines as an example of what fathering is all about.
Busy dad Chris Pegula has turned a good idea into a profitable business. The idea hit him before his first child was even born. Pegula believes it was fate.
"This really may sound so L.A. but just hear me out," Pegula says. "I really credit the universe for the success of Diaper Dude. Timing is everything. When my wife, Meredith, and I were pregnant with our first child, Kai, she came home one day with a dozen of flowery diaper bags (I kid you not). I took one look at them and asked where was mine? She said take your pick. There was no way I wanted to be caught dead carrying one of those bags. Don't get me wrong, they were perfect for women, but not for men. That's when I began my search for a diaper bag for dad. After having no luck, I decided to make one for myself and see if anyone else would be interested in it. It turns out that people were interested. The universe opened its doors and, before I knew it, I was manufacturing my first 4,000 bags."
That first idea led to the creation of Diaper Dudes – diaper bags that men wouldn't mind carrying around. Pegula also begin dishing out advice to other dads about how to be a great father and husband while keeping the "dude" persona. From this original idea, Pegula created a line of products as well as an advice blog on his Web site, Ask the Dude.
Diaper Dude bags aren't only masculine – coming in camoflage, denim, suede and other dude-friendly materials – they are extremely practical for the man and baby on the go. Pegula really wanted to create bags that were both manly and easily accessible. He was right on target with Diaper Dude bags. To date he has sold more than 88,000.
Though Pegula turned Diaper Dude into a full-time enterprise, his first commitment is to his wife and three children. He finds owning his own business fulfilling, but nothing compared to being a father. Because he's in business for himself, he is able to really be involved with his children and their activities.
"My favorite parts about being a dad are that I really get to be a kid again," Pegula says. "I love playing tickle monster with my kids or going to the beach and playing in the water. My oldest, Kai, just started playing baseball and I love going to his games. I love going to my daughter, Juliette's, dance recitals and I love that I can walk my kids to school every morning and be home for dinner at night."
Pegula and his wife have been married for 10 years and he credits her for much of his success. "My wife, Meredith, is amazing," Pegula says. "She is so creative and an inspiration. She is a singer, songwriter, actress and soon-to-be graduate with a Master's in psychology."
Meredith and Pegula met in college at NYU in the Tisch School of the Arts acting program. "Meredith's passion for life, passion for being a mom, her passion in everything she chooses to do is my inspiration," Pegula says. "Her singing really gets to me. I fell in love with her the first time I heard her sing and have been in love ever since!"
Pegula found that other new fathers seemed to gravitate toward him for advice, which is one of the reasons he launched the Ask the Dude advice blog. One of his most important pieces of advice is to be a support for the mama!
"One thing I learned in my relationship is that it takes teamwork and communication," Pegula says. "If you don't communicate you can't work together. Being able to hear and validate the needs of your partner is really important and is what I feel has been successful in my relationship. If dads can do this, I truly believe they will be the best support for their wives."
One way Pegula encourages his own wife is by being there when she needs to talk. "I support my wife by being open and listening to her needs and working on my communication and telling her 'I love you' every chance I get," Pegula says. "Not to mention sending a dozen of roses every once in while. That never hurts!"
Pegula has many exciting ideas for Diaper Dude, but is reluctant to give away the secrets too soon. On a personal front, he loves to go hiking, running and is even learning to surf with his 8-year-old son. One thing he would like to accomplish in the next few years is to run the New York City Marathon.
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