It's amazing how much we learn from our parents, isn't it? Their values, their actions, their words – they all shape who we become. And as I sat down with my dad on his 91st birthday for a fireside chat about legacy, I was reminded of the profound impact he's had on my life and the lives of so many others.

My dad, an entrepreneur and servant-hearted leader, has always been a shining example of hard work, dedication, and balance. He taught me the importance of showing up, giving 100%, and prioritizing family, even when things get tough.

Admittedly, I never dreamed when Dad agreed to my impromptu interview that he would leave this earth just six short months later. It is a bittersweet reminder that each day is a gift and you are creating your legacy every day - whether you realize it or not. 

I encourage you to take a few moments and pull up a chair by the fire with us, and soak in the words of wisdom of a life well lived. 

The Importance of Balance

One of the things that always impressed me about my dad was his ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Even though his business was running a dairy farm - a 24/7 job demanding constant attention and often unpredictable hours - he always made time for family, for play, and for serving his community. He never missed a birthday party, a school event, or a chance to connect with his loved ones. 

Dad prioritized family dinners, even when the chores were piling up, and he always made sure we had time for fun and recreation, whether it was church league ball, a summer trip with family to beautiful Penticton, British Columbia, or a round of golf with his buddys.

He was also actively involved in our community, volunteering his time at school events, serving at church, and local organizations. He showed me that being a successful entrepreneur wasn't just about building a business; it was about being a contributing member of society and making a positive impact on the world around you.

My dad's example taught me that it's possible to be successful in business without sacrificing the things that truly matter. He showed me that true success encompasses all areas of life – family, community, personal well-being, and spiritual growth. He embodied the idea that we can have it all, as long as we're intentional about our priorities and committed to creating a balanced life.

The Power of a Strong Work Ethic

My dad instilled in me a strong work ethic from a young age. He didn't just tell us to work hard; he showed us what it meant through his own actions. I remember watching him rise before dawn to milk the cows, tend to the fields, and manage the countless tasks that come with running a farm. He never complained, never shied away from hard work, and always approached every task with dedication and perseverance.

He also involved us kids in the work, teaching us the value of responsibility and contributing to the family business. Believe it or not, this girl learned how to drive a John Deere tractor at a young age - and look, it wasn’t such a bad gig for a summer job. I got to be out in the fields in the sunshine pulling the hay wagon, getting a tan, and watching the older high school boys throw up the bales… 

It wasn’t always sunshine and fun - my first outside job was picking strawberries for another local farmer. Despite my protests about the early morning hours day after day - we would get up and go to work rain or shine. My parents made sure we understood that hard work is an essential part of life.

And it isn’t just about putting in the hours; it is about doing things right and giving your best effort in everything you do. It is important to take pride in your work, no matter how big or small the task. My dad showed me that a strong work ethic isn’t just about achieving success, but about building character, developing discipline, and contributing to something meaningful.

These lessons have stayed with me throughout my life. They've helped me to build a successful business, navigate challenges with resilience, and approach every task with a sense of purpose and dedication. I'm grateful for the example my dad set, and I strive to instill those same values in my own children and the people I lead.

Facing Challenges with Faith and Resilience

Life as an entrepreneur is full of challenges. Unexpected setbacks, financial hurdles, market fluctuations, and even personal crises can throw you off course and test your resolve. But my dad, through his own example and his words of wisdom, taught me to face challenges with unwavering faith and resilience.

He showed me that even in the toughest times, we can find strength and comfort in our faith. He taught me to put things in God's hands, to trust that there's a bigger plan at play, and to have faith that we'll be guided through the storm. He also emphasized the importance of prayer, of seeking guidance and strength from a higher power.

But faith wasn't just about surrendering to a higher power; it was also about taking action and facing challenges head-on. My dad embodied resilience. He taught me to "roll with the punches," to adapt to changing circumstances, and to never give up, even when things seemed impossible. He showed me that setbacks are inevitable, but they don't have to define us. Instead, they can be opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation.

Failures and disappointments will happen. Accept this, along with the importance of learning from your mistakes and not dwelling on regrets. You can choose to see failures as stepping stones to success, to analyze what went wrong, and to use those lessons to make better decisions in the future. Believe that every challenge, every setback, holds a valuable lesson, and that by embracing those lessons, you can emerge stronger and wiser.

My dad's approach to facing challenges has been a guiding principle in my own life and leadership. You can decide to navigate difficult situations with grace, to maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity, and to emerge from challenges with renewed strength and determination.

Create a Legacy of Love and Support

Perhaps the most important legacy my dad has created is one of love and support for his family. He and my mom were married 69 years (incredible isn’t it?), and their relationship is a testament to the power of commitment, respect, and shared values. In a legacy of love you weather life's storms together, support each other through thick and thin, and nurture your love to grow stronger with time.

My parents created a close-knit family that spans generations, and their love and support have been unwavering. From regular family reunions that bring together dozens of relatives, to simple phone calls and heartfelt conversations, make a commitment to stay connected and nurture family bonds. Though it’s not always easy, foster a sense of belonging - a feeling that no matter what - there is a safe haven and a source of unconditional love within your family.

Make your home a gathering place, a warm and welcoming space where laughter, stories, and shared meals create lasting memories. Instill the importance of family traditions, of celebrating milestones together, and of supporting each other through life's ups and downs.

Let your legacy of love and support extend beyond your immediate family. Just as my parents have always been active members of their community, commit to being a servant-hearted leader - offering a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and those in need. Remember the importance of kindness, compassion, and generosity. These acts when part of your lifestyle create a domino effect and positive impact on the world around you.

Words of Wisdom

When I asked my dad what advice he would give to his younger self, he said, "Be less debt-averse and a little bit bolder." He also emphasized the importance of making up your mind about what you want to do in life and then going after it with 100% effort.

As for his legacy, he simply wants to be known as someone who tried to live by the rules, provide for his family and community, and be a part of something bigger than himself. What a beautiful legacy to leave!

What Will Your Legacy Be?

As I reflect on my dad's life and the legacy he's created, I'm reminded that each of us has the opportunity to leave our own unique mark on the world. We all have a story to tell, a contribution to make, and a legacy to build. But what will your legacy be?

Will you be remembered for your kindness, your compassion, your generosity? Will you be known for your leadership, your innovation, your creativity? Will you leave behind a legacy of love, of service, of making a positive impact on the world?

These are questions worth pondering. Because your legacy isn't just about what you achieve in your lifetime; it's about the impact you have on others and the world around you. It's about the values you embody, the relationships you nurture, and the contributions you make to something larger than yourself.

What impact do you want to have on your family, your community, and the world around you? Do you want to be remembered as someone who made a difference, who inspired others, who left the world a better place than they found it?

I encourage you to take some time to reflect on these questions and consider the legacy you're building. It's a journey that starts today, with the choices you make, the actions you take, and the impact you have on those around you.

Here are a few questions to guide your reflection:

• What are your core values? What do you stand for?
• What are your passions? What makes your heart sing?
• What are your unique gifts and talents? How can you use them to make a difference?
• What kind of impact do you want to have on the world?
• What do you want people to say about you when you're gone?

It's never too late to start building a legacy that matters. Start today by making conscious choices that align with your values, pursuing your passions, and using your gifts to make a positive impact on the world.