Things my Dad taught me: 

No good deed goes unpunished, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do good deeds. 

Sometimes after I do something to help someone, I immediately regret it. We all know those people – give them an inch, they’ll take a mile. You should still help those people; what you see as them taking advantage of you is actually a compliment to your time and talent.

If you don’t make time to do it right, you’ll always make time to do it over.

I used to not be some obsessive-compulsive(no really). I always did well in school, and I was always a bit of a neat freak. However, when working on cars, I sometimes cut corners to make things work. My dad taught me to pay attention to all of the details, even the ones nobody would ever see. I guess with him working on top fuel dragsters, funny cars, and airplanes, the hidden details were the most important

Now, I take extreme proud in the most minute detail of my projects (especially those that no one will ever see).

The only helping hand you’ll ever find is at the end of your own arm.

Being self-sufficient isn’t a hard skill to learn. It seems to be harder for some than others but the most important part is to only blame yourself for your situation. Don’t blame your parents, your spouse, your kids, your boss, or your friends.

Don’t expect people to help you or to care about you. Give them reasons to, and they will.

I’m very thankful that my Dad taught me these things, and I think my life reflects the quality of his teachings. I’ve been married to my wife for almost 17 years, and together with her for over 20. I’ve worked at the same company for 21 years, and I have a ton of great friends I know I can depend on if I need them. I have 2 wonderful daughters who love and adore me, and help me drive my wife crazy.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad.

Thanks for all the lessons you taught me – the intentional ones, and the unintentional ones.