ABOUT

When Lawrence Clermont was a new dad, he didn’t know where to begin. He had so many questions about parenting but no one to help find his way. He shared, “Being a dad has been the most rewarding experience of my life. However, fatherhood can be lonely at times. I was seeking a community of men where I could openly discuss the success and challenges of parenting.” As he looked around, he also realized that there weren’t a lot of fathers stepping forward to make an impact in their families, schools, and communities. 

This passion to equip dads to make a difference that took root so long ago is part of what drove Lawrence to create the Father and Family Council. His experiences with his own father growing up - as well as his experience over the past 20 years as a father himself - have given him the ability to relate to and understand what so many fathers are going through. And he simply wants to empower and encourage them to persevere. 

Lawrence is a first generation immigrant and wants to give his family the best life he possibly can. He and his wife Asia have 3 kids: Dominique, Tré, and Trynce. When he’s not working, he enjoys time with his family, reading (especially his Batman comics), and growing his coin collection. 

“What will your kids tell their kids about you?” 

This question is a big reason why Mark Baker began the Father and Family Council. As a father for over 40 years, Mark has a huge passion for seeing dads live up to their full potential.

He recalls a time when “my family and I were at a restaurant. I had just done something that embarrassed my son and he looked at me and said, ‘I don’t want to be like you.’” That’s when Mark knew something needed to change. He wanted to become a dad who was present with his kids. 

Over the years, Mark has continued to grow in his own fatherhood, as well as sought to encourage other dads to be role models for their kids. He has a drive to change the narrative of fatherhood, and in turn change the trajectory of generations to come. 

When not working, he enjoys time with his family, watching movies, and being part of a Bible Study at his church. He has 2 kids (Brian and Lowell), 3 grandkids (Jenna, Jason, and Jacoby), and a rescue dog named Reagan.