At 14 years old, I started practicing my signature, dreaming of someday starting my own business. At 22, I did. And I owe that inspiration to my dad.
I still vividly remember when Dad started his own business. He was up before sunrise and out the door every morning, chasing a dream he believed in. I’m sure there were times he felt the weight of supporting a family and betting on himself as an entrepreneur.
But I never saw the fear. I saw the hustle.
Over the next 30 years, he built an incredibly successful business. That same drive showed up in every part of his life.
From lettering in four sports and coaching college basketball, to racing motocross, building the first youth basketball program in Central Florida, and competing on the golf course years later, he spent a lifetime challenging himself and inspiring others to do the same.
Even today, I can still hear Dad’s voice: “Chin up and march.”
And my personal favorite: “With you, win or tie.”
When we’d play basketball, we always had to make the last shot before leaving the court. The same rule applied at the driving range. Never end on a bad swing.
But it was never really about the game.
It was about confidence in life. Resilience. Getting back up. Believing the next one would be a win. Thirty-three years later, I’m still running my business.
We’re lucky if we have great parents. We’re even luckier if they’re our heroes. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads inspiring the next generation.
And to my Dad, thank you for giving me that toughness… that confidence… that inner drive. I hope to make you proud.
Love you so much. See you on the other side.