Today we’d like to introduce you to William Braylock.
William, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
“EKDADF actually started as a clothing line I created with my daughter. It was just our way of promoting positive fatherhood. But as people connected with the message, I realized fathers needed more than a slogan on a shirt—they needed support, accountability, and real tools to change their lives.
As I worked on myself and my own growth as a father, the clothing line naturally evolved into a full program. Now we run workshops, coaching, and community events that help men show up stronger for their kids.
What began as a simple idea with my daughter turned into my purpose: helping fathers become the men their children deserve.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. The biggest struggle has been funding. We built this program from the ground up with limited resources, and most of the early work came straight out of my own pocket. Trying to run workshops, events, retreats, and support fathers consistently is tough when the budget never matches the need.
Another challenge was shifting people’s mindset. A lot of fathers aren’t used to asking for help or being vulnerable, so building trust took time. On top of that, balancing the demand for services with the reality of being understaffed and underfunded made every step harder.
But even with the struggles, the mission stays the same. We keep pushing because the work matters, the fathers show up, and the kids deserve it.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
“The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. Balancing the growth of EKDADF while running everything else I’m responsible for has been a challenge. I own and operate a full-service catering business and food truck, I run a clothing line, I speak as a motivational speaker, I work as a mental health advocate, and I upper management for workforce development/education for over 17 years. Juggling all of that while trying to build a fatherhood program from scratch pushed me to my limits.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that’s mattered most to my success is relentless accountability.
I hold myself to the same standard I expect from the fathers I work with. I don’t get to preach growth, healing, and responsibility if I’m not living it. Accountability is what keeps me honest, keeps me grinding, and keeps me showing up even when the road isn’t smooth.
It’s what pushed me to build EKDADF while running a full-service catering/food truck business, managing a clothing line, speaking, advocating for mental health, and working in workforce development. None of that works without the discipline to own my choices, fix what needs fixing, and stay locked in on the mission.
Accountability gives me consistency. Consistency builds trust. And trust is the foundation of everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ekdadf.org
- Instagram: Ekdadf
- Facebook: Every Kid Deserves A Dope Father
