in dad we trust
There’s nothing quite like the love of a parent for their child. Today we celebrate what we love about dads but also what dads love about being dads. We asked some Rhone ambassadors and Rhone employees what they love most about their roles as fathers, what has inspired them as they parent, and what they want to be remembered for. Here’s what they had to say.
Garrett McNamara, Big Wave Surfer
If you could teach your kids one thing, what would it be?
That everything is possible and they can live their dreams.
What do you enjoy most about being a dad?
Hearing my kids laugh and be free.
Jason Pak, Owner of Achieve Fitness Boston
If you could teach your kids one thing, what would it be?
Self-esteem. An authentic, true sense of self-esteem. That would mean they could go about life and not let outside factors or people dictate their view of themselves or question their worthiness.
That would help them navigate all the feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, shame, insecurity, and fear that we all have instead of letting those thoughts consume them.
What do you enjoy most about being a dad?
Seeing the wonder in my son’s eyes as he explores the world around him. Whether it’s walking around during a hike and experiencing nature, visiting a zoo or aquarium or museum, or trying to solve a puzzle or figuring out a toy, I just love seeing him enjoy the process of discovering and learning new things.
David Clark, Photographer
What is one thing your father taught you that has resonated with you?
My dad taught me to love for the outdoors. I learned to love to hike, backpack, camp, fish, bike, all because of him. His life was outdoors. He taught me to love the earth and to love and respect it.
What do you enjoy most about being a dad?
I love seeing my kids grow. I love seeing the excitement when they learn something new.
Nate Checketts, CEO of Rhone
What is one thing your father taught you that has resonated with you?
Learn when to trust your feelings and when to question your feelings. Sometimes our feelings are guiding us in the right direction, but just like being afraid of an object in the dark as a kid, our emotions can play tricks on us at times. Learn to understand the difference.
If your children and grandchildren remember you for one thing, what do you hope it will be?
Being kind and caring to all, no matter their background, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Adam Plutko, Pitcher for the Cleveland Indians
If you could teach your kids one thing, what would it be?
If I could teach my son one thing I would teach him that anything he sets his mind to he can achieve with the proper work ethic, coaching, and dedication. Now more than ever limitations and barriers are being broken and he too has the ability to achieve those goals.
What’s one song you hope your kids will think of you when they hear?
I hope my son thinks of me when he hears any 90’s hip hop. Specifically west coast hip hop or Jazz rap. Tupac, Rakim, Gang Starr to name a few
Ben Checketts, Rhone Creative Director
If you could teach your kids one thing, what would it be?
How to make good friends. I have been so lucky to grow up and develop deep and lasting relationships with a few people that I hold in high esteem. I don't say they are like family, they are family. I rely on them, look up to them, find myself constantly challenged and inspired by them and ultimately, I know that good friends really are so rare and so valuable. I think finding good friends is half luck and half instinct, but I would really like to teach my children to invest in a few deep and meaningful friendships.
What do you enjoy most about being a dad?
Possibly cliche, but I love to watch them learn a new skill. Recently I taught my son how to ride a bike and believe me, it was a battle. But there have been few moments in my life of joy so pure as when he finally got it and rode away on two wheels with me chasing him, iPhone in hand, and screaming for him to "Keep going!" Watching them take their first steps, develop a sense of humor, learn how to read, fall in love with books, or anything else, it's my absolute favorite.
Corey Ray, Outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers
If your children and grandchildren remember you for one thing, what do you hope it will be?
If my children and Grandchildren will remember me by one thing I hope it’s for being the rock of the family, someone that put his family, in a position to succeed, and was always there no matter what.
What do you enjoy most about being a dad?
My job is very tough, demanding, it can also leave me very emotional, but coming home to my children’s laughs and smiles even after bad game is my favorite part about being a dad, there’s no better feeling, and in those moments nothing else matters.
Andrés Prieto, Rhone Product Development and Production Assistant
If you could teach your kids one thing, what would it be?
Don't worry about figuring everything out when you're young, it may take time, life is a journey not a goal.
If your children and grandchildren remember you for one thing, what do you hope it will be?
Was always there, always present for them, enjoying the moment.