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From a group of six dads hanging out to a network of more than 2,000 members, the Dads of Castle Rock shows what a few good men can do to change a community—and maybe the world. From massive fundraisers to small (but no less important) acts of kindness, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit group defines the meaning of fellowship and goodwill. Meet the DoCR board of directors and get inspired to do something good.
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Robert Zearing
President of the Board and CEO
Dad to Gracie, 11
Why did you start Dads of Castle Rock?
It started as kind of a joke. If our wives could have a social group, why couldn’t we? That was in July 2019, and by November we decided we had so many good men that we knew we had to do something good. So, we filed the paperwork and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done with DoCR?
We have an annual “adopt a family” program. In 2019 we had four families 2019; last year, we helped 16 families.
Why should other Castle Rock dads join?
We are a network of good. Every missing link that a town has, we try to fill that link. We help the community, and we help each other.
What’s the process to join?
The process is easy. Go to our Facebook page (@DoCRCO) and answer three questions.
What do you love about living in Castle Rock?
I’ve lived here for 16 years. I love the small-town vibe, even though it’s large and continues to grow.
What else should we know about DOCR or Castle Rock in general?
We’re a perfect example that there’s no action too small to make a difference.
What’s the most profound change you’ve seen in yourself since becoming a dad?
The ability to not make myself the top priority. Before I do something, I think about how it’s going to impact my family, not just me.
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Brad Langerak
Board of Directors Vice President
Dad to Hayden, 25; Mackenzie, 16; Tatum, 14
What do you do for a living?
I own a software company called Hamata Systems, Inc. My wife Traci and I have also started a nonprofit, Hamata Cares, to help create entrepreneurs by taking on the risk for them as they get their business started.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done with DOCR?
On the day of the Marshall Fire, we assembled at Sam’s Club to have a drive. People lined up to buy essentials and donate them. So many people showed up to help that we had to bring in CDOT to direct traffic. The coolest part was showing how quickly we can assemble. Forty people showed up to help collect donations on New Year’s Eve. It was awesome.
What are a few things you love about living in Castle Rock?
I love the small-town, community feel. I love that it’s written in the town bylaws that events have to be family oriented. Even though we’re growing, we still hold those small-town values.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to a family that just moved the Castle Rock?
Get connected: find a group like DoCR to join or introduce yourself to a family in town. That’s how you get plugged in quickly.
What’s the most profound change you’ve seen in yourself since becoming a dad?
Patience, especially with teenage daughters. I’m trying to slow down and pay attention because they grow so fast.
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Matthew Zien
Board of Directors Secretary
Dad to Caitlyn, 18; Aspyn, 16; Jaxxon, 6
Why do you love being a part of DoCR?
As just one example, I got COVID and was on a ventilator for six days and in the ICU for a couple weeks. These guys took care of me, and now can I give back to the dads and community by speaking and writing and helping motivate people. To me, this is so much more than being in a group—it’s my calling in life.
Tell us about your work as a mental-health advocate and speaker.
It came about with my experience in the military; I went overseas nine times and had some bad tours. I tried to commit suicide in 2013. After I got healthy, I traveled across the country speaking to corporations about it, and that has transferred to what I do with DoCR.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done with DOCR?
There’s no way to choose one thing—it’s more a culmination of the many ways we can help someone. When a dad is in crisis, we stop everything and find them. We can raise money, but when someone is in crisis, money is not the answer.
What are a few things you love about living in Castle Rock?
I’ve lived all over the world, and Castle Rock is t best town ever. It reminds me of a military community with how close everyone is. It’s outrageous how the town rallies in a crisis. We are a community defined by action.
What’s your favorite place to go or thing to do with your kids in Castle Rock?
I love the festivals, concerts, First Fridays. I’m amazed by the effort the town puts into these events and how the residents support them.
What’s the most profound change you’ve seen in yourself since becoming a dad?
I live for something bigger than myself. I am shaping a tiny human to live on as my legacy.
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Curtis Anderson
Board of Directors At Large
Dad to Aleah, 13; Laeken, 13
What do you do for a living?
I’m the owner of Southern Charm HVAC LLC. I started it a little over a year ago.
Why did you join DoCR?
One of my buddies told me about the group and said I should join. I joined went to the second meeting the group held and thought, “These are my people.” I sort of fell into being on the board and I’ve been growing with them ever since.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done with DOCR?
One of the most fun is our annual Halloween event. We get tons of families, and the kids dress up and enjoy a safe environment. I swear we go through about 1,000 pounds of candy.
Why should other dads join?
The community and brotherhood is amazing, whether you’re a first-time dad or you have 10 kids. There is always someone to talk to if you need advice. We’re there for each other.
If you live here or work here, you should join. You will never get a better vibe or a better group of people.
What are a few things you love about living in Castle Rock?
It’s a great town. There are a lot of cool people here and it’s easy to make a friend. It’s just so family forward.
What’s your favorite place to go or thing to do with your kids in Castle Rock?
We love to get gelato, hit the candy store, enjoy downtown, and hang out at Festival Park. It’s so laid back and easy going.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to a family that just moved the Castle Rock?
It’s worth the price to live here. The schools are amazing, and the people are a little kinder. There’s always someone willing to help and talk.
What’s the most profound change you’ve seen in yourself since becoming a dad?
I’m a little more patient than I used to be.
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Paul Myhill
Board of Directors
Dad to Caleb, 19; Hannah, 16; Naomi, 14
Why did you join DoCR?
I am one of the founding members. Our small group was hanging out and playing darts and cornhole, but after the first meeting, we knew we needed to take it to the next level and become a nonprofit outreach group. At the beginning, most of our fundraising was specific needs, and now we have a general funds for requests. With a network of 2,000 dads, we can identify and respond to virtually any request for help.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done with DOCR?
All the milestones: Going from six of us in a brewery to the first meeting with 40 people. Having a fundraiser for a child with a brain tumor and seeing everyone to show up. There have been so many “wow” moments and they’re all special, no matter the size of the gatherings.
What are a few things you love about living in Castle Rock?
I’ve lived here for 21 years. It’s a great place to raise a family and put your roots down. I’ve been to just shy of 100 countries, and I choose to live in Castle Rock.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a serial entrepreneur. I’ve started and sold many businesses, everything from computer chips to dietary supplements.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to a family that just moved the Castle Rock?
It’s a great place to raise a family, but even if you’ve already raised your children, you’ll still enjoy the amenities and sense of community. It may sound trite, but it’s a large town with a small-town feel.
What’s the most profound change you’ve seen in yourself since becoming a dad?
Your priorities change. I’ve always been an entrepreneur and we homeschool our kids, so I’ve been fortunate to have been around them all their life. I make choices through the lens of how it will impact my children’s character.
