Wearing Out the Tread
Neil’s Journey from Rebel to Grandparenting Expert
Neil Taft’s life philosophy is simple but profound: live so fully that there’s zero tread left on your tires when you move into the next dimension. This isn’t just philosophy – it’s a lived reality. From a rough Cincinnati neighbourhood to careers in racing, business, writing, and ultimately becoming a respected grandparenting expert, Neil’s journey demonstrates how a life fully lived creates wisdom worth sharing with the next generation.
In this interview with Evonne Varady, Neil shares the experiences that shaped his grandparenting philosophy and why he believes grandparents have a unique opportunity to model purposeful living for their grandchildren.
Watch Neil share practical grandparenting tips and insights
from this article in his interview with Evonne Varady.
Neil Taft believes that our true duty in life is to live so fully that there’s zero tread left on our tires when we move into the next dimension.
His life story embodies that philosophy, stretching from a rough Cincinnati neighborhood to careers in racing, business, and writing, before becoming a respected voice on grandparenting.
A Rocky Start
Neil’s path was anything but smooth. He lost his father at age 11 and grew up, in his words, as “an unsupervised 11-year-old” for the next decade. He quit high school three times before finally earning his GED in the Air Force, where he trained as a jet aircraft mechanic. That unconventional beginning taught him resilience and the value of adopting mentors and role models along the way.
Reinvention as a Way of Life
Neil’s path was anything but smooth. He lost his father at age 11 and grew up, in his words, as “an unsupervised 11-year-old” for the next decade. He quit high school three times before finally earning his GED in the Air Force, where he trained as a jet aircraft mechanic. That unconventional beginning taught him resilience and the value of adopting mentors and role models along the way.
After leaving the Air Force, Neil worked for National Airlines in Miami, but when the airline industry wavered, he pivoted to entrepreneurship. He built a successful business in western North Carolina and went on to explore a range of careers, including:
Auto racing — managing a Busch Grand National Race Team and producing NASCAR television content
General contracting — with an unlimited license and work in disaster restoration
Other ventures — dry cleaning, solar sales, property investing, and logistics for the world’s largest cheerleading company
Eventually, he declared himself a “professional piddler” in Wilmington, North Carolina—a title he’s held proudly for more than 15 years.
From Pit Roads to Pom-Poms
Neil’s career turns often came unexpectedly. His introduction to racing began by helping a friend’s son at a track one night, which grew into more than three decades in the sport. Later, when his wife casually passed along his business card, he ended up handling logistics for a booming cheerleading company, transforming small tasks into a long-term role managing national competitions.
Grandparenting With Intention
Through all of his adventures, Neil considers family his greatest blessing. With children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren, he embraced his role as a grandparent with purpose. That passion inspired him to launch a blog on “grandparents’ rights,” which grew into hundreds of articles, thousands of readers, and eventually, four published books including Good to Great Grandparenting.
His work even caught the attention of Jack Canfield, creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, who praised him by saying:
“I believe Neil knows more about grandparenting than anybody I know.”
Wisdom for Today’s Grandparents
Neil believes the biggest mistake grandparents make is forgetting to take care of their grandchildren’s mother.
“The daughter or daughter-in-law is the queen on the throne. She decides whether you get access to your grandchildren. Respect her, value her, and never take sides in a conflict.”
He also challenges the myth that grandparenting “just happens.” Instead, he says it requires intention and commitment in the midst of complicated family dynamics.
Living With Zero Tread
From dropping out of high school to becoming an author and mentor, Neil’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. His message is simple: don’t save your tread. Try, fail, pivot, and live fully. By the end of the road, may your tires be completely worn out.
Caring Grandparents
by Neil Taft
Grandparents Caring ABOUT Grandchildren
Grandparents Caring FOR Grandchildren
Adding value to your considerable intention about and for your Grandchildren through additional knowledge and support of your efforts as a Grandparent. There is power in numbers and knowledge. This book will let you know that you are not alone and, at the same time, share what other Grandparents are experiencing.
This book will guide you how to unleash your grandparenting super power.
- Becoming a New Grandparent
- The importance of partnering with the parents
- Navigate the tricky water of an extended family
- Communicate effectively across generations
- How to prevent Alienation
- Best practices for long distance Grandparenting
- Becoming more effective if you are a Grandparent raising their Grandchildren
- Finding the best resources to help you in your situation
