Father’s Day: Following in the footsteps

At WHA, I’m lucky to be a part of a company that values family. A few of us here are also lucky enough to work with our fathers, which I think we’d all agree is truly a blessing.

When I was in elementary school, I remember eating cereal with my dad before he left for work, wondering why he had to leave so early. Soon I learned he was an Architect and I decided I wanted in. I asked my grandmother, if I wore a suit and tie, could get a job like him? So, she bought me a suit that I could wear into the office. From that day forward, I told him, I was going to be an architect.

My father has always been an inspiration to me. He’s always supported my interests, especially anything creative or constructive. He could see that I loved to build and make things; over the years we’ve spent hundreds of hours building things like Legos and train sets. As I grew older, the train sets and Legos turned into bigger projects, like a water balloon launcher built out of 2x4s, surgical tubing and a funnel, or a new roof for our pool house that matched the roof details of our house. No matter whether the projects were for fun or seemed like weekend chores, the time we spent together was priceless. My dad showed me how to be inventive, taught me basic construction techniques, and most importantly, helped me learn how to turn an idea into a reality. He has always challenged my creative ability and I will always be grateful for that.

If it were not for my father’s influence, I might not have begun working in architecture. Thanks to him, I’ve found a path that not only allows me to follow in his footsteps but gives me the opportunity to inspire the next generation, like he did with me. So, to my dad Rick, and all the other fathers at WHA, Happy Father’s Day!