Parent You Should Know: Nick Damoulakis, President, Orases

Nick Damoulakis and his family | Photo by Erica Kavadias Photography

Editor’s Note: We begin 2021 with a new addition to Frederick’s Child. “Parent You Should Know” introduces you to Frederick-area business professionals who are moms and dads themselves. Learn how they balance their careers and parenthood and discover some of their family-favorite meals, activities and more.

What’s the hardest part about juggling parenthood and your career?
Communication and planning with my wife, Amy. We both work in the business, and whenever there is a parent “accident,” it always comes down to not communicating clearly.

What makes trying to balance both easier?
Being present in the role I am in. When I am home with the kids, I turn off all technology so I can be present with them. There never is the perfect balance of work and home, but I have learned that wherever I am at, do it 100% and be present.

What do you love about being a parent?
Some of my most favorite memories is watching our children overcome a fear or getting to reap the reward of overcoming a challenge. Nothing is more satisfying then seeing the joy in their eyes of what can be accomplished when they try.

What’s your biggest parenting fail?
There are a few times when we forget who has what child, and there may have been a time or two that we leave one at the office or at the house thinking the other parent has them. This comes down to me not communicating clearly enough to my wife.

How has your family been handling the pandemic?
We started with movie nights and game nights. As the pandemic timeline increased, we had to get more creative—poker night, cook-offs and playing different types of games, but also giving everyone their own time as well. Overall, we try to remind ourselves to make good decisions on what we put in our bodies and remember to work out to keep the body in good shape. Sticking to a schedule is also a top priority to keep everyone’s mindset in a healthy place.

What’s the one thing you hope your children learn from you and your career?
Being a leader is all about treating everyone with the same dignity and respect as you expect.

FAMILY FAVORITES
Meal: Taco Tuesday!

Dessert: Apple pie with whipped cream and ice cream

Book to read together: Harry Potter

Way to spend a weekend with your children: Road trips to random places

Vacation spot: Any island in Greece