I love collaborating with brands, businesses, and organizations on reviews, interviews, giveaways, sponsored content, event coverage, and local partnerships.

Whether you’re a national brand looking to connect with families or a Chicago-area business wanting to reach local parents, I’d love to help tell your story in a way that feels genuine and engaging.

Some ways we can work together:

• Local Features – Spotlighting Chicago-area restaurants, attractions, shops, and family-friendly activities.
• Sponsored Content & Reviews – Honest, story-driven posts about products and services my family actually uses.
• Giveaways & Campaigns – Creative, interactive promotions that engage both local readers and my broader dad-blog audience.
• Event Coverage – Photos, video, and social storytelling to highlight your event before, during, and after it happens.
• Chicago Directory Guide – Inclusion in my curated guide to family-friendly spots in the city and suburbs, from playgrounds and coffee shops to weekend getaways.

About Daddy’s Grounded

Daddy’s Grounded started as my way of remembering the personal experiences of fatherhood in all its details — photos, video, and written thought. I’m Joel Gratcyk, a stay-at-home dad and freelance digital professional living with my family in the western suburbs of Chicago.

My wife Abigail and I have been married for 20 years. We’re raising two wonderful sons — Wesley, our middle schooler who loves bright colors, airplanes, and technology, and Theodore, our big-hearted third grader who thrives on pretend play, science experiments, and meeting new friends.

Fatherhood is the most challenging and rewarding role I’ve ever had. I share both the everyday moments and the bigger lessons on my blog and social media — while also working with brands, businesses, and organizations I believe in.

Why Work with Me?

• Authenticity – My readers trust me because I only partner with brands and businesses I believe in.
• Local Reach – I live here. I raise kids here. I know what parents in Chicagoland are looking for, and I can help you reach them.
• Media Experience – I’ve been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo! Life, WBEZ, and Business Insider as both a parenting and tech voice.
• Storytelling – I blend personal experience with professional writing, creating content that resonates emotionally while driving action.

Let’s Connect

Let’s create something together that makes an impact for parents and families.

Want to partner on a campaign, get featured in my Chicago area family guide, or chat about an idea?
joel@daddysgrounded.com