"What My Parents Did Right"

It wasn’t until the last decade of my life that I truly realized the foundation my parents had built for me—and just how deeply it influenced my life and career.

I’m the oldest of five children, raised in the countryside of Montana. My parents were somewhat strict, and our upbringing reflected strong values and discipline. We attended private schools, had limited television time, and even our music choices were guided. Our meals were wholesome—sugar-free, with fresh vegetables from our garden, dairy from a local farmer, and meat from the wild game my father hunted.

There were clear expectations in our household: make your bed daily, keep your room tidy, contribute to the chores around the property. But life was far from dull. We spent our days sledding, riding bikes and motorcycles, camping, and regularly attending community and church events. Looking back, it was a rich childhood—simple, but full.

When I was eleven, my father passed away. My mother was left to raise five children on her own. Even though my time with him was short, my father left a lasting impact. He taught me everyday skills that allowed me to earn money at a young age—how to mow lawns, tend gardens, and build things with my hands. He encouraged my curiosity in art and electronics. One of my favorite memories is a school project he helped me with in the fourth grade—a model of an 1800s log cabin, complete with crops and handcrafted furniture. It won first place and was displayed in our school’s glass case for months. That project, and the time we spent creating it, was the seed that grew into my lifelong passion for design and creativity.

My father was incredibly skilled—an artist in chalk, a welder, a musician. He taught me how to set goals and pursue what I wanted with determination and imagination.

My mother, quieter in nature, was equally talented. She played piano beautifully, was an exceptional cook and gardener, and could sew just about anything—drapes, tablecloths, pillows. Our home, though modest, was full of warmth and handmade charm. She passed away last year, and as I went through her belongings, I realized just how much I had absorbed from her over the years. She never boasted, but her quiet strength, creativity, and resourcefulness shaped me just as much as my father’s bold talents.

We didn’t have much money growing up—just above the poverty line—but we were rich in values, character, and spirit. That foundation has guided me throughout my life. Today, I’m a successful entrepreneur and business owner, and I know without a doubt: my parents did many things right.