From offering a warm welcome to consistently showing up, fatherly advice has shaped many of the men in our community. And now, they’re passing those lessons on to the next generation — whether it’s words they grew up with or wisdom of their own.
Andy Mohn | State Farm Insurance
One of the best lessons I learned from my dad is that your reputation is everything. In whatever project, job, or career you’re in, always be ethical and treat people fairly. I admire how respected he is in his community and strive to accomplish the same thing. I always tell my kids to be confident in who they are and in the standards we try to instill in them, while also encouraging them to be positive leaders on their teams and in their friend groups.
Aaron Schram | Schram Vineyards
My dad was a farmer, and it wasn’t his words but his work ethic that shaped mine. Seeing his hard work and consistency — without complaint — as he built a life, stayed with me. It’s something I’m trying to pass on to my family by showing my kids that work ethic isn’t something you say, it’s something you live every day. There’s nothing better than taking pride in your hard work and knowing you earned it and learned from it.
Brian Kruschke | Fury Ford
Everything I needed to know about business and great relationships was taught to me as a 5-year-old boy, ushering at church with my dad. Hold the door open for everyone, welcome them in with your eyes and a smile, be the first to put your hand out for a warm handshake, and be the last to let go.
Justin Goche | Waconia Landscaping Co
The best advice my dad gave me was when he said, " If you love the work you choose to do, you’ll never work a day in your life!” This rings true in every aspect of my life, from parenting to military service to landscaping.
Martin Cole | Thrivent
Work hard, show up consistently, and never quit. We all encounter difficulties in life, but it’s often the people who work hard and never quit who get ahead in life.
Matt Shaeffer | Waconia City Lifestyle
One thing my dad taught me — and I have tried to emulate for my own kids — is always to be present. Just being there for them shows your love and support, proving you can always be counted on.
Tim Willems | Waconia Comfort
As most fathers would say, there are days I say too much and days not enough, but the number of times I have said "watch your own bobber" is staggering. The message doesn't really change from when they were toddlers to now that they’re teenagers. The bobber, however, does represent something deeper as they age. At first, they're just trying to see the bobber move, but eventually, they understand why it moves and what to do about it.