As Father’s Day is quickly approaching I am reflecting on how hard I have worked to build my company and how much of my business savvy can be attributed to seeing how my father built a career and life for not only himself but his family as well.
When I was a little girl growing up in Poland my father owned his own business under the socialist system. I have always found it amazing that even though the country was in disarray he gained much success as an entrepreneur distributing coal. After each long work day he would come home with dirt underneath his fingernails from delivering coal, but he would always have a smile across his face and would tell the family how great his day was, detailing how happy people were to have coal to keep them warm. I admired the positive attitude that he constantly exuded no matter what, and this is something that I incorporate into my life every day and bring into the office.
Another thing that I learned from my father is how to treat clients and employees. He always gave each individual he dealt with the utmost respect and showed sincerity in all his business ventures. Watching him work taught me the value of loyalty, friendship, integrity, and keeping your word. All of these values became a part of me which I have carried into all of my business relationships and have helped me make it this far. My father’s interpersonal skills are not only the highest standard that I hold to myself, but these are also the qualities that I look for in other people, which is why I have been married to David for 42 years as he exemplifies all of these fabulous qualities. He is an amazing person and his values and ethics are why we have been together so long and also why we work together in business so well.
My father has truly shaped the person I am and I am proud to have learned so much from him. I can still hear my father’s words in my head today and feel his warm presence. When I think of him I always feel safe and good. Bless his memory, as he passed on February 5, 2008. He will be forever missed. Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful fathers, and to all of the children lucky enough to have them.
