Next Level Pros Podcast Episode #159: How to Build a Business Without Losing the People You Love featuring Daryl Kelly and Evelyn Kelly

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #159 of Next Level Pros, host Chris Lee sits down with entrepreneur Daryl Kelly and his eldest daughter, Evelyn Kelly, to delve into the intricate balance between building a successful business and maintaining meaningful family relationships. This heartfelt conversation offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs striving to achieve their business goals without sacrificing personal connections.

Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Evelyn opens the discussion by reflecting on her childhood, highlighting her father's inherent problem-solving abilities which she identifies as the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial spirit.

[00:37] Evelyn Kelly: "Before even thinking about what my dad does for work, I knew he was the best problem solver I've ever met. He’s always innovative, always thinking of ways to solve problems."

Evelyn recalls recognizing her father's unique mindset around the age of nine or ten, differentiating him from other dads who may have more conventional jobs.

[03:18] Evelyn Kelly: "I realized that for my dad, it's never just a problem—it’s a time we can find a solution."

Quality Over Quantity in Family Time

The conversation shifts to the dynamics of family life, emphasizing the importance of the quality of time spent together over the sheer amount of time.

Evelyn praises her father for prioritizing quality interactions despite his demanding entrepreneurial schedule.

[05:57] Evelyn Kelly: "When Dad comes home, his whole focus is on his family. He never lets work impact our time together."

Daryl elaborates on his philosophy of leaving work stress at the door, ensuring he brings positive energy into the home.

[07:14] Daryl Kelly: "When I walk into the house, I come in with the most excited energy, regardless of how exhausted I am."

Their approach fosters a nurturing environment where family members feel valued and connected.

Navigating Challenges Together

The episode delves into the challenges faced when Daryl had to be away for extended periods, particularly when Evelyn and her siblings had to take on more responsibilities.

[10:31] Chris Lee: "What were you experiencing in real time, Evelyn?"

[11:07] Evelyn Kelly: "When Dad was gone for a month, it was like having another baby. I felt like I had to step up and help take care of my younger sister."

Despite these challenges, Evelyn attributes the strength of their family bond to mutual support and clear communication.

[12:39] Evelyn Kelly: "I never felt bad towards Dad because I knew he was doing his best to provide for our family."

Daryl and Joanna (his wife) maintained a positive front, ensuring their children never heard negativity about his business endeavors.

Defining Success Beyond Money

A pivotal moment in the episode centers on redefining what success means beyond financial achievements. Evelyn shares her perspective, emphasizing a holistic view of success that includes personal growth, relationships, and well-being.

[19:15] Evelyn Kelly: "Success isn't just one thing. It’s making money, getting married, having kids, growing your relationship with God and your spouse. It's a combination of all these things."

Daryl reinforces this by focusing on family as the true measure of success rather than material wealth.

[40:46] Daryl Kelly: "I'm not chasing money, but building a family. That's my drive, my why."

This philosophy underscores the episode's central theme: achieving business excellence without compromising personal relationships.

Evelyn’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Evelyn provides an inspiring account of her own entrepreneurial ventures, showcasing her ability to blend academic pursuits with business initiatives seamlessly.

She recounts launching and managing high school dances, successfully generating significant revenue and demonstrating acute business acumen at a young age.

[28:55] Evelyn Kelly: "I sold about 500 tickets per dance, often bringing in between $8,000 to $20,000 per event."

Balancing multiple jobs and academic responsibilities, Evelyn exemplifies how determination and strategic thinking lead to substantial accomplishments.

Advice for Entrepreneurial Families

As the conversation winds down, both Daryl and Evelyn offer heartfelt advice to entrepreneurs striving to balance business and family life.

Evelyn emphasizes the importance of supporting entrepreneurial parents and fostering strong family bonds.

[42:22] Evelyn Kelly: "Support your dads in any way you can. Success isn't just about money; it's about creating a happy and loving family."

Daryl highlights the significance of being actively involved in children's lives, encouraging entrepreneurs to engage with their children's social circles and interests.

[45:44] Daryl Kelly: "Get to know your kid's friends, be a part of their lives. It opens up meaningful conversations and strengthens your bond."

Conclusion

Episode #159 of Next Level Pros masterfully intertwines the narratives of entrepreneurship and family life, offering listeners a blueprint for achieving business success without sacrificing personal relationships. Through the heartfelt experiences of Daryl and Evelyn Kelly, the episode underscores that true success lies in balancing professional ambitions with nurturing and maintaining strong familial connections.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Evelyn Kelly on recognizing her father's problem-solving skills:

  "[03:18] 'I realized that for my dad, it's never just a problem—it’s a time we can find a solution.'"

• Daryl Kelly on maintaining positive energy at home:

  "[07:14] 'When I walk into the house, I come in with the most excited energy, regardless of how exhausted I am.'"

• Evelyn Kelly on her holistic view of success:

  "[19:15] 'Success isn't just one thing. It’s making money, getting married, having kids, growing your relationship with God and your spouse. It's a combination of all these things.'"

• Daryl Kelly on his definition of success:

  "[40:46] 'I'm not chasing money, but building a family. That's my drive, my why.'"

• Evelyn Kelly advising support for entrepreneurial parents:

  "[42:22] 'Support your dads in any way you can. Success isn't just about money; it's about creating a happy and loving family.'"

• Daryl Kelly on engaging with children's lives:

  "[45:44] 'Get to know your kid's friends, be a part of their lives. It opens up meaningful conversations and strengthens your bond.'"

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of professional excellence need not come at the expense of personal happiness and familial bonds. Through the Kelly family's experiences, listeners are encouraged to redefine their own measures of success, ensuring that their entrepreneurial journeys enrich both their businesses and their lives at home.