We’re all about celebrating family at Giftster. In honor of Father’s Day, here in the U.S., I asked the Giftster team to share their favorite memories of their dad. And for the dads on the team–their experiences in fatherhood.
Giftster Daughters
Jeannette Evans, Member Support
Share a fond memory with your Dad.
When I was a young adult just my Dad and I went to a small airport (outside Nashville) to watch the planes take off and land. It was something he loved to do. I remember how he talked about the various airplanes and how the early evening was the best time to go and observe. I fondly look back on this day and it always brings a smile to my face.
What is the best advice your dad ever gave you?
I can remember as a young child and throughout my life, my father told me that there is value in forgiveness.
Aimeé Hansen, Marketing Manager
Share a fond memory with your Dad.
My dad was away for work quite a bit when I was a kid but when he was home, he was always there for the things I did. From dance recitals to sports events, he found a way to be there and to be a part of it (and even ended up becoming a referee for a while).
What is the best advice your dad ever gave you?
Among the things, my dad has taught me throughout my life…
Be proud of your achievements yet remain humble.
Be a part of something bigger than yourself that benefits others.
Love your family, and honor and remember the heritage that has been passed down to from past generations.
Sarah Shuda, Design Director
Share a fond memory with your Dad.
I remember a fishing trip we took together to a very small lake in northeastern Wisconsin. We caught fish after fish–mostly small sunfish and bluegill–from our small fishing raft. Then all of a sudden I realized I had a turtle on my hook! We went on to catch 4 painted turtles on accident and released them back. It was such a fun time! We went on a lot of fishing and camping trips as a family over the years.
What is the best advice your dad ever gave you?
“Work hard, play hard.”
My dad is the hardest worker I know. I credit much of my work-ethic to him. But–he always told me the reason we work hard is to play hard. I feel fortunate to have traveled all across the country as a child and have developed a passion for travel and culture.
Giftster Dads
Ron Reimann, Founder & CEO
What surprised you most about being a father?
How quickly I lost my hair! No, really, the intense love you feel towards your kids that makes it so easy to sacrifice yourself for their safety, learning, growing, faith, and recreation.
If you had to give yourself advice before becoming a father, what would you say?
Give them the best of you, and do what you can to help them discover all the talents that God has wired them with.
What’s your favorite activity to do with your kids?
Outdoors in nature. Whether swimming in the St. Croix River, snowmobiling, boating, or even ice fishing, we create family memories in the outdoors here in Minnesota.
Ian Fitzpatrick, Owner & CTO
What surprised you most about being a father?
What a cut-up my little dude would be. He is always working an angle on a joke, and a bit more honestly, driving a gag right into the ground. But the number of times he surprises us and gets us to bust out laughing goes a long long way to offset the…shall we say, more “challenging” aspects of having a kiddo.
If you had to give yourself advice before becoming a father, what would you say?
You know how you said you don’t have time to do things right now? You totally have so much time right now, you don’t know what “not having time” is, alright? Just wait until you are assisting a kid with distance learning, during a global pandemic, and the house is in utter shambles, THEN you will know what “not having time” is.
What’s your favorite activity to do with your kids?
My son is a bit of an indoor cat, so for us playing video games on the Nintendo Switch is our go-to activity. We also recently started doing a Saturday movie night where I pop some popcorn, and my son drags all his stuffed animals from his bed and assigns us each one for the duration of the movie. He looks forward to it all week, and it’s been a really special family activity.
