To Dad

This is a letter to a dedicated, determined dad who can also be a bit nutty. 

My dad, Bruce McFarlane, is a successful franchise lawyer for over 25 years and is the CEO of BDC Partners. He is also the CEO of Zorakle Profiles, a director of Hattch, founder of BDC Law and a podcast host. Aside from that, he has four kids, three dogs, rides a bike and knows and will talk to everyone on the street. So, he doesn’t do much which is why he decided to open a family business, Recovery Lab Mornington. 

Dad (Bruce), Boh (my brother) and Me (Zahli)

Dad will tell you he decided to do it because he has worked in franchising for a long period of time, but had never been a franchisee, hence he wanted to have a go. Or that he grew up working in a family business and wanted to give the same opportunity to his kids. I think he just loves using an ice bath. 

Since Recovery Lab Mornington opened, Dad is the number one user of every single service we have to offer - all year round. He takes a cold plunge daily. He uses compression boots while watching the footy on the weekend. He takes his laptop into the infrared sauna so he can answer emails until it inevitably shuts down from being too hot. He runs into online meetings in the studio office after giving himself less than a minute to get ready after doing his recovery session. His favourite session is going between the hot and cold baths, then having an infrared sauna. People love to tell me they don’t have time to do recovery, but I see someone every day make it a priority when he really, really doesn’t have time. 

Even before Recovery Lab, Dad has taught me that looking after my health, mental and physical, is the best thing I can do for myself and for others around me. Dad lives by the idea that if he can look after himself, he can then show up and be the best version of himself for his work, his friends and his family. It allows him to run what feels like a million businesses, know another thousand people and support his family. He has also struggled with his own mental health challenges and physical injuries, which is why he continues to make it a priority. He also checks if I have been doing the same. When I’m feeling sad, I often get asked if I’ve done an ice bath recently. 

Bruce running a group session at Recovery Lab

All jokes aside, the modalities at Recovery Lab really did help me get through some really challenging times. But, I wouldn’t have even thought about it if it wasn’t for my dad. Dad has encouraged and taught me to find the things that help me feel my best. He continues to show me what it is to be disciplined and dedicated to looking after the people around you. He has taught me that being “selfish” is an important part of being selfless. He has taught me what hard work looks like as well as making hard work fun. 

I am so grateful for these lessons and the values in which we share. Managing Recovery Lab with my dad has been a life-changing opportunity. I have been able to share the lessons and values with all different people, hoping they can find something for themselves just like I have. 

McFarlane Family opening Recovery Lab Mornington

So, thank you Dad for everything. 

Love From, 

Zahli

I would like to invite you and your father-figure down to Recovery Lab Mornington to try it out for yourselves this Father’s Day weekend. Find out what we are all about in the studio and experience it together. 

Call or text 0499 924 909 for more information.