Occupation: General Manager, Pinnacle Exterior Construction
Wife: Madalyn Bernard
Children: Millie Jane, 8 months
Hobbies: Family time, yard work, and watching movies

As the General Manager at Pinnacle Exterior Construction, Christian Bernard spends much of his time overseeing construction sites and ensuring everything runs smoothly and optimally. At home, he’s a huge family man, watching movies and hanging out with his wife and baby as much as possible. He aims for intentionality when it comes to time with his family and wants to be as attentive as possible. Typically, this looks like quality time and walks with the family around the neighborhood. One of his favorite things to do at home is decorate for holidays–specifically Halloween and Christmas. Read about how Christian balances work and parenting!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RAISING YOUR CHILD?
CHRISTIAN: It’s one of the most prideful things. It’s like you’re pre-programming your little best friend.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY?
CHRISTIAN: We love to go for walks in our neighborhood. It’s the highlight of my day when I’m able to get home early enough to be able to go for a family walk.

WHAT’S THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD?
CHRISTIAN: Whenever my daughter smiles and giggles. I love how she gets excited to see me after my day at work. The feeling could make anyone melt even on the most stressful days.

HOW HAS PARENTHOOD CHANGED YOU?
CHRISTIAN: It’s changed my entire life and has given me a whole new meaning of not having enough time. It’s changed the way I look at other parents, as well as how I look at my own parents and the sacrifices they make for their children. It’s built me and my wife’s relationship even stronger and I love seeing how great of a mother she is.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN PARENTING?
CHRISTIAN: Time. Spending nearly every hour that my child is awake at work to be able to provide her with the best possible life is one of the hardest parts. It makes me cherish every minute that I am home with her.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
CHRISTIAN: I honestly love the whole process of being able to watch jobs go from start to finish. My position is one of the few that gets to take the job all the way from meeting with a client or having plans sent with a request to bid, estimate, and precon for the job, all the way to building whatever with our team. Being able to see everything that goes into it makes the final product that much more enjoyable.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN 2023?
CHRISTIAN: Transitioning to becoming a parent–the lifestyle changes and the desire to be home as much as possible with my daughter. Before having a baby, I would stay at work until anything I needed was finished. Becoming a dad has helped me learn how to have a better work/life balance.

WHAT HAS YOUR JOB TAUGHT YOU ABOUT PARENTING?
CHRISTIAN: Patience and appreciation. Understanding that some things will take longer to build; it makes you appreciate the final result that much more.

HOW DO YOU MAKE TIME TO RELAX?
CHRISTIAN: I’ve started to try to not respond to work calls, texts, and emails that are not urgent when I am home so I can be intentional with family. Once we put Millie to bed, I love watching a good movie or show while I knock out washing dishes and bottles.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR WIFE?
CHRISTIAN: Juban’s or French Market Bistro for the special occasions but 99 percent of the time we’re just excited to hang out together and get takeout at home.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU HOPE TO INSTILL IN YOUR CHILD?
CHRISTIAN: A very good work ethic and how to be a good person. I want to teach the importance of treating everyone with respect.

WHICH FAMILY MEMBER HAS BEEN THE GREATEST ROLE MODEL IN YOUR LIFE?
CHRISTIAN: Both of my parents have taught me the importance and value of education, work ethic, and how to be financially smart. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law have been great role models on how to parent (specifically being a girl dad) and are always a
call away.

ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?
CHRISTIAN: No one really has it all together so don’t be down on yourself for figuring it out along the way.

Quick Q&A

Before I go out, I always check to make sure I have…phone, keys, wallet, and knife.
In my fridge, you will always find…an assortment of beer.
Favorite cuisine…a burrito and margarita is my unbeatable combination.
Favorite movie growing up…White Chicks.
My guilty pleasure…weekend snuggle naps with Millie.
Music I’m loving…It ranges heavily from Morgan Wallen all the way to BigXthaPlug.
I’m always laughing at…my coworker and friend, Michael Connelly.