Jon and Lauren Dolman live in Jacksonville with their two daughters, Finley, 4, and Emery, 2. We met the family, which includes two adorable border terriers, when we replaced their roof earlier this year. They have a close extended family as well, brought together even more by the tragic loss of Lauren’s father to pancreatic cancer at age 56.
Jon says Lauren and her mom and sister are the closest family he has ever seen. They all live in close proximity, talk multiple times a day and comfort each other in their grief. The loss of Lauren’s dad was abrupt and unexpected, but they resolved to do their part to carry on, by spending as much time as they can together and continuing on with traditions such as family dinners and annual vacations to favorite destinations, includes the Florida Keys.
Another favorite activity is going to beach – something Lauren and the girls often do two or three times a week. Growing up Jacksonville, going to the beach was a special time for Lauren and her dad, and she is continuing that tradition with her girls. When he can, Jon likes to join them and get in some fishing.
Jon and Lauren met 10 years ago when they both worked for at the Jacksonville office of the Global Sourcing division of McKesson, a Fortune 5 pharmaceutical and medical equipment company. Today, Lauren is a full-time mom and Jon is part of a group that helps source pharmaceuticals from all other the world, predominantly in India and in Southeast Asia.
The family is active and enjoys outdoor activities beyond the beach. Jon enjoys watching college football, fly fishing and does CrossFit, and Lauren also does group training. Finley is very involved in dance and also has an interest in tennis.
Jon says they all value family more than career or material possessions. And that is something Lauren’s dad would most certainly be proud of.