Local Story: Akron, Ohio
Just a Dad from Akron exists to empower dads (and moms) in Akron, Ohio, through community events for families and merchandise that is uplifting – while giving back to families in the community.
Visit website: justadadfromakron.com
Kenny Lambert, better known as “Just a Dad from Akron”, has a deep connection to the people of Akron and a passion for transforming this city.
Just a Dad from Akron is the name of his successful impact-based company which has turned into a fast-growing movement, inspiring members of the community to step up and become positive influences for the younger generations. As a modern and innovative clothing line, Kenny hopes to use the products from Just a Dad from Akron as inspiration, to spark conversation, and to hear people’s stories.
“When I started Just a Dad from Akron… I knew I wanted to build an ‘empire’… that could change our city, motivate people, [and] bring [them] together regardless of their background or situation.” This revelation did not come easily. Before he put a name to this business, Kenny experienced unimaginable trials that transformed him into the entrepreneurial go-getter that he is today.
Growing up on the streets of Akron, Kenny tried to fit in and eventually was drawn to a life of partying and doing drugs. At the age of 20, he started a company that sold clothes, rented out venues and threw parties for major headlining artists with local talents opening the shows.
Kenny recalls that leading this company and not having a strong role model in his life became a recipe for a fast-paced lifestyle of clubbing and increased alcohol and drug use. “It led me to the darkest places. I became dependent on drugs and alcohol. That company fell apart because of my [addiction]. I was in and out of jail… probably 20 times”.
After failing his first attempt to get clean and stay sober, Kenny became suicidal as he faced losing his family for good. He said,
“I burned all my bridges with [my] family and friends. No one wanted to be around me. When my daughter was 6 months old, I was still using and became homeless. That’s really when I hit rock bottom. I became motivated to become sober for me. Once sober, I started to hang out with people who were more of a positive influence”.
Kenny decided to prioritize his relationships with God and his daughter, committing to make an impact in his community so that young people didn’t have to struggle in life without a role model or simply someone to talk to. He knew he wanted to put this passion into a business model but he could not figure out a name or structure.
Only after attending a basketball game where sports titan and “just a kid from Akron”, Lebron James, was watching his son play, Kenny realized the importance of the fatherly role that Lebron played to all the children attending. “He cheered on both teams and was a father figure to all those kids. After that game, the name came to me, “Just a Dad from Akron”. I’m just a dad from Akron who wants to be an influence in our community that I didn’t have growing up. But the name is not just for dads or for moms. It’s for anyone who wants to be an influencer. The point is, we are everyday people trying to make our home, our city a better place”. And so Just a dad from Akron was born.
Today, Kenny explains that his mission is to make a tangible impact in his local community through collaboration. Just a Dad from Akron:
Kenny is just getting started. He sees an opportunity for a world-wide (but locally-based) movement.
“The vision is to expand Just a Dad from Akron to different cities so… Just a Dad from New York, Just a Dad from Michigan, etc. We want to find other people [who] want to inspire…. People that have good stories of where they came from. You see, Just a Dad from Akron isn’t just a place to sell merchandise, it’s a place where we can share each other’s stories and help build up our communities”.
Remaining grateful for the opportunity he received to turn his own life around, Kenny emphasizes his motivation:
“I’m always thankful. I’m not in this for the wealth. I just don’t want any kid to go through the pain I had to [as the] result of drugs. I want to see the community grow and everyone come together. I’ve been searching for peace since I lost my family. And I finally found it so I dedicate my life to helping people. As I think back, my daughter was and is my main inspiration to do something in my community. I wanted to show that no matter where you come from or what you’ve done, you can turn your life around and be the change that you want to see”.
Four Last Minute #GivingTuesday Ideas 
