Father knows best, too…

After spotlighting the wisdom and sage advice of many #tscsummit alum moms, it seemed only fair to spotlight some fathers, as well, because as we all know…

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Melissa Ann Barton – Mod Squad Martha

When I was little, I wanted to be just like him.  I long ago realized nobody could fill those shoes.  I loved to hear I looked like him or acted like and to this day, I still do.  He has encouraged everything I ever dreamed of trying.  My main goal in succeeding was to honor the name I bear.

Susannah Maddux – Goods PR 

Ever the storyteller, my father would never miss an opportunity to gather ’round and have a storytelling hour or eight with family or anyone who happens to show up. He teaches me that when we take the time to listen, our stories are what connect us as humans, however dysfunctional, sad, or funny they may be.

Darcy Miller – Darcy Miller Designs 

My dad is such a positive person and influenced me and my sister to try to do the same. One of the things my dad always said to us growing up was, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” which fits perfectly with him because he’s such a “glass half full” kind of person.

Amy Mills –  17^th Street BBQ 

My daddy is known for his “pearls of wisdom” and quick quips. Mike Mills is a no-nonsense man and he’s not one to coddle. He’ll listen and be empathetic to a point, but then it’s time to get on with things. Two pieces of advice that ring in my ears constantly are “More is coming” and “No one is better than you, and you are no better than anyone else.”

I once called home while having a particularly difficult time and, after listening to me cry for a minute, he said, “I’m sorry all of those things are happening and I know it seems overwhelming right now but you need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and march on, because MORE IS COMING.” Life is filled with twists and turns, and knowing to expect challenges and obstacles is important.

Louise Pritchard – Pritchard Volk  

I had a warm and wonderful relationship with my father.  He was a giant among men and beloved  by many for his incredible acts of kindness. In 2011, he was killed when a tornado struck our house at Lake Burton, Ga. As sad as that was, he was in his special place and the place he thought was the closest place to heaven. He was a man with a strong faith and tried to live it everyday. His legacy of giving back still lives on today.

In an era where women were expected to get married after college ad not many had careers, he encouraged me to follow my passions. He said ” If you do your job at 120% , gender will never be factor”. He was absolutely correct.  His encouraging words and infectious smile still live in my heart today. He is missed.

Lissy Rawl – Little Fish BOATEAK  ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ 

Although he dedicated his career to business, my dad was a regular jack of all trades on the home front. He had a woodshop in the garage when I was a child, and it was here that I learned some important lessons for my business. “Measure twice, cut once,” he’d say, or “If you can dream it, you can achieve it”. His words have stayed with me and serve me well in my own garage studio where I make my jewelry. These days he’s in the garage with me as my most valuable employee.

Kelly Shatat –  Moon and Lola  

I will forever be a Daddy’s girl!  My father taught me loyalty, faith, discipline, gave me an eye for detail and groomed my adventurous soul! I always wanted to be just like him, so when he told me he had 3 adventure goals as a child, I dug deep into my soul and made my own 3 adventure goals and shared them with him!

Here are mine for your entertainment:

1. Go up in a hot air balloon
2. Visit Australia
3. Get my pilot’s license

He taught me so many things and I echo his advice to myself and my team often. I hear him say, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it!” “Never be afraid of accountability!” and “Persuasive leadership is the best leadership – when people want to make you happy and proud of them – that shows true leadership!” But the greatest thing he has ever said to me is, “If you had never done a thing, I would have been proud of you!” He was my persuasive leader! I wanted to make him happy and make him even more proud of me.

Ashley Stamoulis — www.SuthinGirl.com

My father was the most charming, intelligent, handsome and compassionate man I’ve ever known. Remembered by his friends as larger-than-life, he was a natural-born entrepreneur and gifted salesman who never missed an opportunity to pay it forward or lend a hand. I was his only girl, his Noonie, and every single day I give thanks for the gifts I know came to me and through me thanks to him: my passion for supporting entrepreneurs, my let’s-go-for-it-anything-is-possible attitude towards life, my crazy loving family and my belief that giving back is just what you do. And my glorious red hair? I have Dad to thank for that, too.

Bethany Vann – Johnson Vann

My dad is full of quick-witted advice and life lessons— but the greatest lessons I’ve learned from him are by his life’s example. My sister and I never walked out the door without hearing “Remember who you are, Whose you are, and that your Daddy loves you!” My dad is the most successful man I know for that very reason. He put his faith and family first. He is kind, wise, and humble. He is a pillar of strength. I love being a Daddy’s girl!