Our dad is a character. If you’ve ever met him, I guarantee he left an impression. He makes friends wherever he goes - it was a running joke that we couldn’t go out anywhere without our dad finding a friend to talk to. We always thought it was because it was a small town, but then he came to my house for Christmas and we went to a church he’d never been to before for Christmas Eve Mass. He saw someone he knew and introduced us like he was the one that lived in Columbus instead of me! After that, we just assume he knows someone everywhere. I don’t doubt that he’ll find a friend in Florida when we go on vacation in a few weeks.

During the time I sat down and interviewed our mom, I also gave the same interview questions to our dad. As expected, it was quite funny. Ready for our Father’s Day “Meet the Team” post?

If you were describing yourself to a stranger, what would you say?

I’m a bad-ass. [He spent a good five minutes laughing at that answer.] A bad-ass teddy bear. No, but really, I’m a proud father and grandfather, a loving husband … and a bad-ass rugby coach.

What does success mean to you?

Not being a detriment to society. [Again, he was pleased with himself for that answer. Later on, he circled back after he heard our mom’s answer to this same question.] OK, I want to elaborate on my success thing. You’ve got to be happy with what you do.

What if you’re happy while being a detriment to society? Are you successful?

[I waited while he laughed at my question.] No, you have to have both. [He got a nuzzle from our dog.] And you need a puppy.

What did you think when we said we were going to open an Etsy shop together?

I was excited because of your craftiness, and I’m still trying to figure out how I can get a cut of it. [Our dad was always telling us he’d be our manager for whatever endeavor we attempted. He’s continued to offer, clearly, and has also extended his offer to our significant others and his grandchildren.]

How do you feel about our business ventures now?

Well, I’m using it, aren’t I? I tell everyone about it, you made mugs for the team. I think I need to convince you to make me your sales person.

What is one of your favorite products that we make?

I like the signs, I like the cups, I don’t really have a favorite. They’re all good. But I really like the signs that you’ve made for me.

Stef’s Wedding, 2019 - the “long speech” paper before the “short speech” sheet

Do you have any ideas for products that you’d like to see in the shop?

More things that have black and gold on them - go Steelers!

Do you have a favorite memory of us growing up?

I liked the little shows from the school, I miss those. I liked going to see your artwork because you both did good stuff. I liked going to your sporting events. I always liked Christmas. I liked the fact that you stayed kids for as long as you did and didn’t feel pressured to grow up too fast.

When we were younger, what did you think we’d be doing once we’d grown up?

I thought you’d be owners of The Sister Sister Shop! But I thought you were going to be a singer [Stef]. I thought Amanda was going to be in fashion because she loved to shop. She had to shop. What do you call those people that shop for people that are too busy? [Mom: A personal shopper?] Yeah, she could have been a personal shopper.

What would you say makes our family unique and different from other families?

We’re all touched! Every one of the molds has been broken and we’re all unique! [After hearing our mom’s answer, he wanted to add on more.] We always stayed as a family unit. As a coach with all these young kids, the family unit isn’t there anymore. We used to sit down for family dinner every night, that was nice.

Our dad wears as many hats as he wore Hawaiian shirts to my graduation party (he changed every hour, on the hour). Some of these hats he’s been given and others he’s given to himself. He’s Dad, Grandpa, Coach, Manager, Fun Guy (spelled Fungi, according to multiple sources), and the Bank (his interest rates are incredibly high). He’s an integral part of who we both are today and instilled a strong work ethic and unusual sense of humor in the both of us. Also, I’m pretty sure he’s become part of the marketing team - I’m telling you, he hasn’t ever met a stranger and that has worked to our advantage.

Happy Father’s Day to our dad and all the others that have earned that title - keep wearing all your hats and Hawaiian shirts with pride and have an amazing day!

An Interview with Dad