Nothing can replace the words of wisdom you get from your dad (or any father figure, for that matter). He has experienced the ups and downs of life firsthand, and chances are, he wants to help you learn important lessons and avoid unnecessary pitfalls no matter how old you are. In celebration of Father’s Day, here are some St. Louisans who have learned a lot about living from the men they call Dad.
The best advice from my father, Jack, was to broadcast games knowing nobody is listening just to hear you. They want to enjoy their game and watch their team try to win. It’s not about you. Also, he said, don’t be a jerk. Treat people respectfully no matter who they are or what they do.
Joe Buck
Broadcaster, Fox Sports
I have had many male role models who imparted significant wisdom over
the years. The following are lessons I learned from them:
✚ Leadership is about action, not position.
✚ Well done is better than well said. Anyone can give an opinion about something, but many are not willing to do the work to make it a reality.
✚ We should follow the Ignatian traditions of the Jesuits and be ‘men and women for others.’
✚ Anyone can be great because anyone can serve.
Michael McMillan
President and CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
My stepfather, Richard, was an inspiration to me. He always taught me to find the fun, even in the toughest of situations. He impressed upon me the importance of connecting with people and taught me how a smile can bring joy to others. He would have told me during this difficult time that the silver lining is spending quality time with your children. “Always be loving and happy,” he said. I can attribute my optimism to his words of wisdom. Nothing is more rewarding than the loud bursts of laughter and endless smiles my daughter, Lena, and I enjoy together.
Reginald Van Derson
Owner and artistic director, Pure Entertainment Co.
The best advice I’ve gotten from my dad, Mike, is that there are good and not-so-good people everywhere in the world. Recognizing them and deciding whether you want them in your life is up to you
Patricia Shannon
Director of sales, Tadlock Breuggemann Real Estate
Two things come to mind when I think about advice from my dad, Tony:
✚ Proper preparation prevents poor performance. This has been taught to me my whole life. Anyone who has ever worked at Café Napoli knows the 5 Ps.
✚ Never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do. Dad and I work together every day, and he really has taught me the importance of this.
Kye Pietoso
Co-owner, Café Napoli
I’ve always tried to emulate my dad, Richard Sr. I was blessed with a generous and dedicated father, grew up in a wonderful neighborhood and had a pretty normal family life. My dad wasn’t so lucky. He gets a gold medal for perseverance, honesty, hard work, ingenuity and dedication. The best advice I’ve received has come from watching his example.
Richard Nix Jr.
President, Butler’s Pantry
My dad, Daryl, worried that I was too interested in being cool and wanted me to concentrate on working hard and treating people right. It’s the same stuff I stew about today as a parent. Here are a few of his most memorable lines:
✚ Nothing good happens after midnight.
✚ If you sleep in, you waste half the day.
✚ Don’t make your mother mad.
Matt Hall
Co-founder and president, Hill Investment Group
