Father’s Day Feature

Being a family owned and run business, we love holidays that celebrates family and what makes it special and unique. We have lot's of dads around the Western Chief office. You've probably even seen them in some of our posts on social media over the years. This year we wanted to give you a chance to get to know someone from our Western Chief Family. Meet Eric! He plays an important role on the e-commerce team and has been with the company for about a year. Working full-time and being a dad to two small children, he has a full plate of responsibilities, but somehow he manages them with grace a quick wit. You can always count on Eric for encouragement or a good laugh! We took a moment to ask him about his experience has a father. Read on!

HOW HAS BEING A DAD CHANGED YOU?

Being a dad has made me more patient, sensitive, and caring. I know that they are always going to be my children and I will always be their dad, regardless of the good or bad.

WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU'VE LEARNED FROM YOUR CHILDREN?

I’ve had to learn to be more patient, especially when they are trying new things and or want something specific from me. Sometimes Sofia wants to dip her chips in water, and I’ve learned to not correct her but just roll with it. She will learn in her own way and I will always be there to guide her.

WHAT'S SOMETHING THAT YOUR CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED FROM YOU?

I am noticing more and more that Sofia mimics my hand motions and repeats things that I say. She will cross her arms, put her hands at her side, and scratch her head (I know she didn’t actually have an itch). As they grow older, I hope they will continue to learn to be nice to their mom, asking for things politely and always saying “thank you”.

WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR DAD?

Now that I am a dad, I have realized how much I’ve picked up from my own dad! He was always great at entertaining when we were bored or feeling blue. He was so creative. We’d play with sugar packets, magazines, pencils, etc. He taught me to make the best of every situation and I hope to pass that along to my kids.

WHAT'S THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT BEING A DAD?

The most challenging thing is bringing lots of energy and patience when you are running on little to no sleep after waking up at 5am and then working 8-9 hours each day. We come home to kids who are excited to see us and ready to play, laugh, and receive our undivided attention. It can be draining but seeing them smile and laugh makes it all worth it!

WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT BEING A DAD?

The most rewarding thing for me is to see how Sofia and Kirby look at me. Their excitement and joy in response to me walking through the door at the end of the day, makes me so happy. When we go through Sofia’s bedtime routine each night, we always look at each other and say, “I love you”, and then she leans her head down for a kiss goodnight. That is honestly one of the best parts of my day.

IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU WANT YOUR KIDS TO GLEAN FROM HAVING YOU AS A FATHER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I hope they learn to work hard in whatever they pursue, that they learn to always be kind, and that they always make time for their family. Sofia and Kirby are very fortunate to have a wonderful nanny who loves them, grandparents who are always willing to help, and a gang of aunts and uncles who are always ready to play.