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Most successful business professionals gain early guidance from one figure: a father. It is no secret that fathers play a vital role in their children’s upbringing and have long-lasting effects on them. According to the 2017 U.S. Census, children who grow up without a father are more likely to show disciplinary issues. These issues can ultimately rollover into adulthood, potentially leading to problems in various parts of life, including business. With a supportive and guiding fatherly figure, however, prominence and growth in the business world are far more likely.
Work Ethic
Work ethic is one key attribute most business professionals have learned from their fathers. “My father taught me that having a strong work ethic is important,” says Don Wilson, Founder of GearBubble. “Every project I start or goal I aggressively go after has work ethic as the cornerstone of its foundation.” The teachings of his father, especially those centered around diligence, continue to do their work to this day in him and his business.
Don isn’t the only entrepreneur and businessman who has gained unrequited knowledge from his father. Berge Abajian is the CEO of Bergio International Inc. (OTC PINK: BRGO), a global leader in the fine jewelry design and manufacturing industry, and has gained similar knowledge from his father. He attributed three key life lessons to his father: “hard work, loyalty, and ethics.” Hard work is at the forefront of these lessons from his dad, as it was one of the most influential lessons in his business’ undeniable success today.
John Stetson, CEO of Stoner’s Pizza Joint, exudes this lesson in his business and entrepreneurial spirit. By playing sports as a kid, which his father effectuated, he learned a valuable lesson about hard work and dedication. “If you put all the fundamentals in place, work hard, and try your best, you give yourself and company the best chance to succeed,” says John.
Money-Conscious
One undeniable fact about successful business venturers is that one needs to be smart and strategic about money. Jonathan Foltz, the founder of Aphrodite’s, a global jewelry retailer that has seen substantial success during the pandemic, learned this in a very unique way when he was five years old. His father gave him and his brother allowances, but also provided them with “The Bank.” They both had to sign a ledger for every time they deposited or withdrew any funds. “To this day, it really made me value money and gave me the push to work hard for what I can create on my own,” says Jonathan.
Good Business
Good business is conducted between good people. The CEO of McNeill Signs, Jason Ditkofsky, learned this lesson early on from his own father. “The best deals are the ones where all parties leave feeling like winners,” his father told him. This is a key ideal for any business owner: look for happiness and gains on both sides of a business deal.
One main way a father can mold his child’s early business mind is by teaching him or her the importance of social connections. Alex Valencia, the co-owner of We Do Web Content, can attest to that notion. His father once told him, “The power of your humility, appreciation, and generosity will take you further than you can imagine.” This still rings true for Alex and has truly taken him a long way in his own business and life. “I’m not a strategic salesperson, but I’m a great connector, giver, and relationship builder,” he humbly notes. He attributes his “people skills,” among other skills, to his father’s teachings.
Having a present fatherly figure has been proven again and again to be advantageous for most children and, later, adults. The lessons, love, and support they are bestowed from their fathers are unequaled and sets them up for success down the road. Business owners and entrepreneurs of all kinds can agree on this one central idea: dad was a great teacher in business and in life.
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