Who Am I?

I’m J.LeVar Bryan, Sr. Founder and CEO of The Dad’s List. We all have a story, and here is a piece of mine.

Cory and Topanga’s love story from “Boy Meets World” was the dream scenario for finding true love when I was growing up. Real life didn’t mimic that for us. My wife, Nyoka and I, met in 1998 during our eight grade year of middle school. Unfortunately, I was stuck in the ‘Friend Zone’ until 2006! Once we were married, it felt like life hit us with 20 years worth of problems in the first 10 years. We lost our first home to foreclosure, experienced multiple miscarriages, and spent an extensive time away from each other while Nyoka was sent on deployment overseas with the U.S. Military. There were so many other challenges along the way, including having a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder.

At the same time, our marriage has become stronger than ever over the years because of those challenges. We’ve been blessed with four beautiful children that have been amazing to us. I work from home building The Dad’s List as well as VP of Operations for BornCEO Coaching, but my wife has the more difficult job of staying home and raising all four of our children. Also, we’ve been surrounded by good people that have been there for us through thick and thin. God has really favored us!

At this point in our marriage, the goal is to be happy. What makes us happy is being able to give to others and following our passion! Which leads me here.

The Dad’s List idea…

Drawing close to the end of 2017, my wife and I were expecting the birth of our fourth child. Not only did my wife give birth in December, we closed on our first home as a family just nine days later! I knew that life just got more fulfilling and difficult at the same time.

Within the first 30 days, my life as a father and husband became a never-ending to-do list! I posted a 5am video on Instagram showcasing the struggle of sleep deprivation. I was holding my 3 year old son when my newborn son woke up 6 minutes later. 

Many people viewed that video and many friends text me directly about wanting to see more content of the dad life struggle. So, The Dad's List Instagram account was born. Initially, The Dad's List (TDL) was about me showcasing the ups and downs of fatherhood. Fun photos & videos of me hanging with my kids filled my account. Also, heart-felt photos & videos about my 3 year old son with autism made its appearance multiple times. It was fun sharing the realities of my life as a dedicated father. 

Then I realized that it wasn't about me. I started to follow and be followed by other fathers and dad bloggers. They shared similar stories. Collectively, without collaboration, we were showing the side of fatherhood that is rarely seen...the real side! As Dad’s, we all have a list of values, goals, and milestones that we are trying to accomplish to solidify our long term legacy! That's when I knew that TDL had to become more than me and my kids. I had to create an environment for us to connect and celebrate fatherhood. 

So now, with the addition of The Dad's List Podcast, we are an online community of fathers, son’s, neighbors & coaches, etc. sharing stories about themselves and the men in their life that exemplify the realities of true fatherhood. This is an online community to inspire and be inspired. Multiple types of fathers are represented here now and more types of fathers will come and be celebrated here too!

This list is our list of values, goals and milestones in the pursuit of creating our legacy.

What is LeVar Legacy?

LeVar Legacy is the foundation of generational wealth for our children's children! Nyoka and I created our four children in hopes that they will learn to become citizens that give more than they take. This company deeply aligns with our core values. Through the building of relationships, there are affiliate companies that we support because of their mission! LeVar Legacy, LLC will continue to grow and represent the essence of who we are as a family.