In today's Do It All Mamas (& Papas) the spotlight is on Zak Zarbock, M.D., aka Dr Z, founder of Zarbees natural medicines for kids and dad of four boys: Dallin (11), Braxton (8), Dawson (6), and Brody (3).
Examiner: Tell me something unique/interesting about yourself.
Dr Z.: All my good ideas come while taking a shower. I think once you have children, you lose the freedom of ever again having “alone time.” Even going to the bathroom becomes a community event with countless questions, crying, and little fingers stretching under the door. But in the shower, I am alone and can’t hear anyone except my own thoughts; and that is where the ideas start to flow. It was in the shower that I decided to get married, to become a doctor, and to start my first business.
Examiner: What is your business all about?
Dr Z.: Creating natural health products that provide solutions to common problems is the focus of my business. Currently providing products in the cough and cold category, Zarbee’s Inc. is focused on using the best natural ingredients to provide relief to children, and very soon, their parents too. My first product was a buckwheat honey cough syrup that provided a much needed answer for parents with coughing children and no effective medicine to give. The business has grown to include many other natural products using the same model. Find out more at www.zarbees.com.
Examiner: What is your favorite product that you make or sell and why do you like or recommend it?
Examiner: Why did you start your business?
Dr Z.: I started my business shortly after the FDA put bans and restrictions on over-the-counter cough and cold medications for children. As a father and a pediatrician, I have known for years that these products never seemed to work well, if at all. But when multiple studies confirmed this finding and more and more kids were dying related to their use, the FDA stepped in. Around the same time, studies were being done with buckwheat honey and their results showed it to be a more effective alternative for cough relief and certainly very safe. Hearing countless pleas from parents for something to give their coughing children pushed me to create a safe, effective and natural solution that children would actually take and their parents could feel good about giving.
Examiner: What secret do you have to share with other parents about "having it all" with your family and business?
Dr Z.: I guess for me, the only reason I have anything is because of my supportive and loving wife. There have been a lot of long dark days trying to get through college, medical school, residency training, and the ups and downs of new business. Having a partner to pull and sometimes push me through has been vital. So I guess the secret is to love your support people and remember you’re not the only one who is affected by all the struggles and hard times. And when things go well, it is that much sweeter if they are able to share in the success.
Examiner: What is the number one piece of advice you have for other parents?
Dr Z.: The lows in life often seem to overshadow the highs. If we don’t enjoy the journey, the moral victories, the nice tries, the getting closers, and good battles, and ultimately success, life can be a miserable experience. Take time to reflect on and appreciate the good things of life with family and friends. Time is too precious to forget about the things that truly matter. If I ever lose my focus on my marriage and family, I will have lost everything. I guess I would simply remind parents not to lose sight of their priorities, even if that means giving up on something else that isn’t nearly as important.
Examiner: What is your (and your kids) favorite family activity?
Dr Z.: Each week we set aside one night, usually Monday, for a family activity. It always includes time for everyone talk about their week, a little motivational message, and an activity often planned by the kids. It may include soccer in the unfinished basement, baseball in the park, baking cookies, a bike ride, a hike, or a trip to the frozen yogurt shop. We all look forward to being together, turning off the phones, and simply spending quality time together.
Read all the other moms and dads stories and inspirations that have been featured in this series HERE.
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