From Suits to Pinball Wizardry (and Why It Rocks!)

 

Hey there, mamas! Buckle up because this story is about to hit you right in the feels. As a mom of five rambunctious boys under ten, I know all about the glorious chaos that is family life. Between baseball practice, science projects that erupt like mini-volcanoes, and the never-ending quest for clean socks, it’s easy to get swept away in the whirlwind. But sometimes, a story comes along that reminds you to cherish the beautiful madness, because it won’t last forever.

 

The Dad

Enter Brian Soares, a real-life superhero (at least according to his probably-embarrassed-but-secretly-proud kids). Brian wasn’t your typical dad. Forget briefcase and boardroom – this guy was making waves in the world of medical devices, specifically in the highly specialized field of neurosurgery. Sounds impressive, right? It was. Brian was successful, well-respected, probably making enough money to buy a life-sized replica of the Millennium Falcon (complete with a hyperdrive, because why not?). But here’s the thing – somewhere along the way, the cubical walls and the pressure to develop cutting-edge brain devices started to feel…well, a little soul-sucking. Brian, like so many of us, craved something more.

 

The Challenge

Then, wham! Reality check. Brian’s FOUR kids were growing up faster than a T-Rex chasing a rogue soccer ball. High school, college, whispers of their own futures taking shape. Brian realized that the precious time he had with his family, this unique chapter in their lives, was slipping away. He wasn’t about to miss it. So, what did this amazing dad do? He did what any self-respecting, pinball-loving hero would do – he chucked the company badge, said goodbye to the high-stakes world of neurosurgical devices, and decided to chase his passion: building freaking awesome pinball machines with the company he founded in 2019, www.Custompinballmachines.com! (And what’s even cooler, it actually started in 2010 with his blogsite www.GameroomPinball.com!)

 

The Twist

That’s right, you read that correctly. Brian Soares, the successful medical device whiz, became Brian Soares, the pinball wizard. He took his passion, turned side hobby, and molded it into a dream he gets to live today. Can you imagine the look on his kids’ faces? Their dad, the one who used to come home late after meetings about electrodes and cranial implants, was now building electrifying machines with flashing lights, fantastical themes, and those satisfyingly clickety-clackety sounds that make every kid (and let’s be honest, most adults) go a little weak at the knees.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Was this some mid-life crisis fueled by a shiny new toy? Heck no! Brian’s love for pinball runs deep. It’s a passion he’s held onto since he was a kid himself, tinkering with machines and dreaming of fantastical worlds coming to life with a flick of the wrist. By following his heart, Brian wasn’t just building pinball machines; he was building memories, forging a deeper connection with his kids, and showing them the importance of pursuing what sets your soul on fire.

 

The Happy Ending – For Now

Sure, there were probably challenges. Putting a secure, high-paying career on pause is no small feat. But Brian’s story is a testament to the power of family and the importance of grabbing hold of your passions before they slip away. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most important things in life aren’t found in a paycheck or a prestigious job title. They’re found in the laughter shared around a glowing pinball machine, in the joy of creation, and in the precious moments spent with the people who matter most.

So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of motherhood, take a deep breath, and remember Brian. Remember that it’s okay to dream, even when you’re knee-deep in dirty laundry and chicken nugget crumbs. Remember that the most valuable thing you can give your kids isn’t a perfectly curated life, but your love, your presence, and the courage to chase your own wild dreams (even if those dreams involve giant metal balls and flashing lights). Because before you know it, those little ones who are driving you crazy now will be grown up, chasing their own dreams. And wouldn’t it be amazing if they looked back and remembered a mom who wasn’t just surviving, but who was rocking the pinball machine of life with a smile?

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to find a babysitter and see if Luis secretly harbors a passion for building arcade games (hey, a girl can dream!).