Lessons From My Father

Still Inspire and Impact Me

My father impacted my life in so many ways. I talk about him frequently because he’s done so much for me — from childhood to adulthood. He taught me several lessons I still use today. Leading by example, he showed me how to treat others with respect, instilled the value of money and good business practices, relayed the importance of giving, and explained the benefits of taking risks. Each of these lessons has a story I would like to share today.

In our culture, we’re taught to treat everyone with respect. My father took this value seriously and showed me how significant it really is. No matter who they were, my dad treated everyone the same. It didn’t matter if the individual he spoke with worked in a high status role or as a service person; he remained thankful, gracious, and respectful to anyone he interacted with. My parents had a general store when I was younger, and this is when I saw the importance of respect.

My siblings and I would help my parents around the store after school and on the weekends. While doing my tasks, I noticed how every person who entered or exited the store had a smile on their face — it was because of how my dad operated their store. My dad and mom interacted with every customer. This showed me the value of respect and building relationships. Experiencing those positive interactions inspired me and sparked my ambition to run a business of my own someday.

Another lesson my dad taught was to never take money for granted. I remember on the days when my brother and I restocked the shelves and put price tags on each item, we would always try to calculate how much profit our parents were making. Our dad never told us how much money the store made us even though my siblings and I always felt curious about it. My father wanted us to know that money can be used to help others. Any time one of our family members was struggling financially, he would help them out in any way he could. If we all went out to eat, he covered the bill. It was never up for debate. Giving his money away helped him know that money always comes back. Today, I find myself getting the bill any time I’m out with my family or friends. (Even though my friends and I, from time to time, fight for the bill!)

Taking risks is something my father loved to do. When I first had an interest in working in a dental lab, I hesitated before asking my dad what he thought about it. I didn’t want to disappoint my father, because my original plan was to go to a university. He supported me and told me to do it. A few years later, when I was 23 years old, I was getting ready to buy my first home. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I hesitated, but again, my dad told me to do it and that I’ll be fine. When it came time to buy Berkeley Dental Laboratory and become the new owner, my dad once again encouraged me to do it and take another risk.

Last month, I wrote that my mom taught me it’s my own responsibility to put in the work toward getting anything I wanted. After all the hard work is done, and as opportunities become available, my dad taught me to take risks, face my fears head-on and never look back, and I did just that.

I’m thankful for the time I spent with my father, and I’m grateful he taught me lessons that helped me become the man I am today. He continues to inspire me, and I hope my children will learn and acknowledge the same lessons I did. I will lead by example for my girls and as I operate my business.

Happy Father’s Day, everyone!