Whether advancing our cutting-edge technology through user testing or sending employees to industry conferences, at Concierge Auctions, we are committed to never stop learning. With Father’s Day here, I am reminded of the many lessons I’ve learned as a father to two daughters.
We asked the men in our office to share what they’ve learned in their time as a father. We also invited our whole team to share what lessons they learned from their own fathers. The lessons they shared offered insight into how we have grown a diverse and inspiring team.
Tracy Stevens with her father, Bruce “Chip” Stevens
Tracy Stevens, Client Services Manager, on herindustrious father, Bruce “Chip” Stevens:
The most important lesson I’ve learned from my dad is to have a strong sense of integrity and to take pride in my work. He’s the most courageous person I know and has always made his decisions based on the principle that integrity is built up over years, but only takes a moment to lose. He also made sure I grew up with a love for summer. We’ve spent countless days by the water and it’s one of our family’s favorite places to be. Love you, Dad!
Sarena Irwin with her father, Ray Irwin
Sarena Irwin, VP of Business Development, on her dependable father, Ray Irwin: My father, Ray Irwin, was always there to teach me the important things in life: to be honest, curious, adventurous, to work hard, that we are all equal as human beings, and that you have to earn the respect of others. He taught me how to cook, build things with my own hands, to enjoy music, tennis, a love for literature, and the great outdoors. No matter what, he was always there. Even now that he has passed, he’s always in my heart.
Mario Vargas with his father, Luis Vargas
Mario Vargas, Regional Vice President, on his selfless father, Luis Vargas:
My father taught me that regardless of obstacles in life, whether financial, health, etc, one can always love unconditionally and do everything possible to better the life and experiences of those around you. Your wealth can also be measured in the difference you have made in other people’s lives.
I am one of six siblings. Our father passed away earlier this year and this is the first Father’s Day without him. He was an incredible man, husband, father, and grandfather. My wish is to someday be half as great of a man as he was.
Jessica Block with her father, Thomas Block
Jessica Block, Brand Designer, on her caring father, Thomas Block:
I have learned many lessons from my dad, but the most important one is how to maintain a positive can-do attitude through faith and humor. My dad is always cracking typical corny dad jokes and always has a sunny disposition. This became even more true when he became ill. Instead of blaming and becoming angry, his lighthearted attitude shined through even more. His example of faith never withered and he used humor to keep us from worrying about him. By his example, I knew how to handle my own diagnoses. I couldn’t ask for a better example.
Erin Stuxness with her father, Mike Lynch
Erin Struxness, Project Sales Manager, on her stoic father, Mike Lynch:
He’s a man of few words. Calls me Ding Bat and his Favorite Daughter (I’m his only daughter). Mom and Dad have been married 54 years.
Allison Stolard with her father, Kim Oster
Allison Stolard, Controller, on her supportive and giving father, Kim Oster:
He has taught me more about personal health and fitness than anyone else, including the importance of listening to your body and self-care.
Veronica Trejo with her father, Ricardo Medrano
Veronica Trejo, Staff Accountant, on her loving father, Ricardo Medrano:
My dad is such a loving person. He taught my sisters and I how to be loving with one another and to others. He loves everyone. Anyone who meets him can see that he is an amazing person. A truly one-of-a-kind dad!
Jack Hoyt (aka John S Hoyt IV) with his father, Jack Hoyt (aka John S Hoyt III)
Jack Hoyt (aka John S Hoyt IV), Project Manager, on his compassionate father, Jack Hoyt (aka John S Hoyt III):
The most important message I learned from my father is to follow the Golden Rule.
Charlie Smith with his three children
Charlie Smith, European adviser, has three kids, ages 14, 13, and 11.
Being a father has taught me the value of missed peace and quiet.
Billy Long with his family
Billy Long, VP Land and Ranch Division, has three Boys, ages 24, 4, and 2.
Being a father has taught me that kids mimic you, right down to the nuances, so you better set a good example.
Jeff Castner’s children, Harper and Miles
Jeff Castner, Regional Vice President, has 2 kids, Harper (age 2) and Miles (age 7 months).
Being a father has taught Jeff three things:
1) What it really means to Love someone. Loving a kid is so much different than the love of a parent or spouse.
2) Patience
3) The amazing nature of women – I know I could never go through what it takes to create and birth a human being, then care for them
“This is a picture of my Dad and me at a Member’s Only Cigar Club in Beverly Hills. My dad doesn’t drink or smoke, but can enjoy himself just about anywhere with good friends and family.”
Jackie Moldawer, Project Sales Manager on her thorough father, Dr. Todd Moldawer:
A few great things my father taught me… “Safety First!” “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Not in so many words, but he is the most determined, resourceful, and thorough person I know. He always does the right thing, just not always “by the book,” to get the job done.
Emily Pryor with her father, Chip Pryor
Emily Pryor, Senior Graphic Designer, on her hardworking father, Chip Pryor:
My dad taught me a lot of lessons, from how to check my oil to how to stand my ground. The older I get, the more I see similarities between me and my dad. So many things he taught me as a child carry over into my adult life. As a kid, I helped my dad build and paint deer stands, and now I build my own custom furniture. He taught me how to till the land to plant vegetables, and now I have multiple gardens. I remember when he first showed me how to use a tiller, the next morning I woke up and tilled our entire garden before he even got out of bed. And I guess in a way he taught me how to have that work ethic, how to go big or go home, and how to put everything you’ve got into something you care about. But, if I had to choose one lesson as the most important, my dad taught me how to be fiscally responsible and how to prepare for the future. Since I was born, I had a checking account. Instead of getting an allowance growing up, he would put my allowance in that bank account. As I got older and wanted to do something with friends, he would take me to the bank to make withdrawals from my account. I learned the importance of saving money. All during high school and college, half of my paychecks went into savings. He really taught me how to live within my means and the importance of saving. But, he also stressed that it’s good to spend “mad money” on something I enjoyed. He made sure to teach me the important things like that in life that you don’t learn in school. Thank you Dad/Daddio/Pops/Popsicle for everything!
Sarah Neal and her father, Richard Bettis
Sarah Neal, Marketing Coordinator, on her spontaneous father, Richard Bettis:
My dad has taught me so much, but one of the most important lessons I’ve learned from him is how to have fun. Being a kid at heart keeps you young forever.
Amy Kimball with her father, Robert Kimball
Amy Kimball, Market Director of Seattle, on her extraordinary father, Robert Lawrence Kimball:
Robert Lawrence Kimball is an extraordinary man and father to 4 daughters! My father is a leader, a listener and an incredible role model. He has shared all of his love and guidance with his family and laughed along the way. A happy and positive man who knew he would fly planes as soon as he could. Indeed, he was commissioned to the Air Force from Colgate University. He proudly served for over 20 years, flying OV 10’s and B 52s in Vietnam. He retired as a Lt. Colonel just in time for me to enter high school! Thank you, Dad, for helping us set standards for ourselves – from table manners to how we should be treated and treat others. It is such a joy to be your daughter and your friend. Happy Father’s Day!
Chad Roffers and his two daughters
I have two daughters, ages 10 and 9.
Being a father has taught me that all people are inherently good.