Starting a Business with My Dad: The EV Pros

I've started a new business. This time, with my Dad.

It's called The EV Pros, and it's in the electric vehicle space. If you've been following me for a while, you'll know I already run Glide Marketing, a digital marketing agency I built from scratch after my psychosis recovery. So why start something else? And why with my old man?

Here's the honest version.

Why Electric Vehicles?

The EV market in the UK isn't slowing down. The government's pushing the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars. Charging infrastructure is expanding. More people are making the switch every month. And the industry still has massive gaps, especially when it comes to trust, transparency, and actually helping people understand what they're buying.

That's the bit that interested me. Not just the market size (though that helps), but the fact that most people still feel confused and overwhelmed when it comes to EVs. There's a real opportunity to build something that cuts through the noise and genuinely helps people.

I've spent over a decade in digital marketing. I know how to build brands, drive traffic, and convert visitors into customers. Pairing that with someone who has deep knowledge of vehicles and hands-on experience? That's where my Dad comes in.

Why My Dad?

This is the part people usually raise an eyebrow at. Working with family. Everyone's got an opinion on it, and most of those opinions are warnings.

But here's what I know about my Dad: he's honest, he works hard, and he doesn't cut corners. He's got practical skills and knowledge I don't have. And he's not the type to nod along when he disagrees with something, which is exactly what you need in a business partner.

We complement each other well. I handle the digital side, the website, the marketing, the brand, the strategy. He brings the hands-on expertise and industry knowledge. There's very little overlap, which means very little stepping on each other's toes.

Is it always smooth? No. We're family. We've had disagreements. But we deal with them directly and move on. No passive-aggressive emails. No politics. Just honest conversations. That's actually rarer than you'd think in business.

What The EV Pros Actually Does

The EV Pros helps people navigate the electric vehicle market with confidence. Whether you're looking at your first EV, need advice on charging solutions, or want honest guidance without the hard sell, that's what we're here for.

We're building it the same way I built Glide: by being genuinely useful, creating solid content, and earning trust rather than demanding it. No gimmicks. No pressure tactics. Just straightforward advice from people who actually know what they're talking about.

What I've Learned So Far

Starting a second business while running the first has taught me a few things:

• Your systems get tested. When you're managing two ventures, the systems you built for one business either hold up or they don't. Glide's processes have been solid enough to give me the headspace for The EV Pros. If I hadn't built those systems, this wouldn't be possible.

• Energy management matters more than time management. This is especially true when you're managing bipolar disorder. I can't just "hustle harder." I have to be strategic about where I put my energy on any given day. Some days I'm deep in EV Pros work. Other days I'm fully locked into Glide. And some days, honestly, I need to step back from both.

• Family dynamics don't disappear. You bring your whole relationship into the business. The good bits, trust, loyalty, shorthand communication, and the tricky bits too. You have to be deliberate about keeping the business relationship professional, even when you're talking to someone you've known your entire life.

• Two businesses doesn't mean double the stress. It can actually reduce it. Having a second venture gives you a different creative outlet. When I hit a wall with marketing strategy, switching to EV Pros work gives my brain a reset. It's like cross-training for entrepreneurs.

What's Next

We're early days. Still building. Still learning. But the foundation is solid, the market is there, and we're in it for the long haul.

If you're interested in electric vehicles, go check out theevpros.com. And if you're an EV owner looking to save on charging, my Octopus Energy referral gives you £50 free credit, their smart tariffs are brilliant for overnight EV charging. And if you've ever thought about starting a business with a family member, or starting a second business alongside your first, feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to chat about it.

More updates to come.