Working With Dad

Years and years ago, I had the chance to work with my Dad.

He was the project manager of a job in New Haven, Connecticut and I was bored out of my mind working the job I got straight out of college.

“I want to be in construction,” I said.

“Come here,” Dad said, “You can work in the office, doing payroll, writing progress reports.”

For three months, I worked in the same office as Dad, and it was an experience I cherish. I got to watch him run meetings and deal with people.

Then he quit!

And I stayed on, and I have been in construction ever since.

About a year ago, one of my clients was looking to hire a young safety guy that they could mold into a company safety guy. Their idea was that he would work closely with me.

I recommended my son, and they jumped at the chance. Jake has learned the job, and he’s doing well…

…today I was front and center at his company doing a safety meeting for more than 100 people.

Jake was nervous when he saw me yawning just minutes before I was to speak.

“You ready?” He asked.

“Just another day at the office.”

I spoke for more than an hour without visual aids or notes, and Jake was amazed that I could do my job so well. I had the audience in the palm of my hand for the full 75 minutes.

The owner of the company said:

“I knew you were great. I didn’t know you were THAT great!”

Which is a wonderful compliment, of course, but I made him laugh when I said:

“Yes you did.”

And I couldn’t help but think about the memory of working with my Dad, and how I have cherished that memory for 35 years.

Dad taught me how to be confident, and to stand up for myself in the work place.

I’m hoping I did the same for Jake.

I will say that it was great fun spending the day with him.