Last month, I wrote an article titled “You’re Just Like Your Mom!” and this month, in honor of Father’s Day, it only felt right to write one for my dad. Similar to my mom, in some ways I’m just like him… and in others, we couldn’t be more opposite.
I’ve got his blue eyes and long legs—appearance-wise, it’s pretty obvious we’re related. I can be soft-spoken like him, and I definitely get my more introverted qualities from him too. But beyond the physical traits and personality similarities, there are so many deeper things I’ve learned from watching him my whole life.
One of the biggest lessons? The value of hard work.
That man works HARD. He owned a body shop for my entire childhood, and long days, weekends, and even holidays were just part of life. Looking back now, I realize how much sacrifice came with being a business owner, but as a kid, it was simply what he did. He showed up every single day.
The one exception each year was our Fourth of July vacation. He’d close down the shop for the week, and we’d all pack up and head to Lake Norman. To this day, some of my favorite childhood memories are from those lake weeks—tanning on the pontoon boat, being out on the water, and seeing my dad fully relaxed and happy. That man LOVES the lake. And it makes me so happy that the place he looked forward to escaping to once a year eventually became the place he got to retire and live full-time. My parents have lived there for almost 10 years now, and it’s hard to get him to leave. As a fellow homebody, I get it.
I also vividly remember him always washing the dishes after dinner. At the time, I thought it was just part of his routine, but really, I think it was his way of trying to get his hands clean after a day at the body shop. When you work with your hands like that, they carry the evidence of it. His hands were always rough and stained in a way that instantly told you: this is a hard-working man.
Another thing my dad taught me was the value of exercise.
For as long as I can remember, he rode his bike around town for an hour every single day around lunchtime. If you lived in Clemmons, you probably saw him biking at some point. It wasn’t negotiable, it was just part of his routine. Looking back now, I’m sure it gave him a mental break from work, but I also know taking care of his health mattered a lot to him. Especially during a time when people weren’t constantly talking about wellness and exercise the way they do now, I think that level of consistency is really admirable.
And speaking of health… my dad has always been extremely particular about what he eats. He loves a sweet treat just like I do, but overall he’s very disciplined with his diet. He doesn’t eat pork or red meat (despite my occasional attempts to convince him moderation is okay), and he’s always open to learning more about health. If I suggest he needs more protein or should start drinking electrolytes during the summer, he’s immediately on board.
He also taught me the importance of taking care of your things.
Some of our biggest arguments when I was younger were about me not keeping my car clean. My dad has always been meticulous about maintaining everything he owns. He’s basically the definition of the ideal homeowner, car owner, boat owner—you name it. While that trait maybe rubbed off a little more on my brother than me, I still like to think I’m pretty good at taking care of my car and home… and that is 100% because of him. (Sorry, Mom)
I sure do love that man.
Growing up with two entrepreneur parents and a dad who was so far from the stereotypical golfing, office-job dad gave me such a unique childhood experience…one I’m incredibly grateful for. Instead of taking me to soccer games, he took me riding dirt bikes. Instead of teaching me through long lectures, he taught me through his daily actions—the consistency, the hard work, and the quiet way he showed up every day.
He’s truly the best there is, and I’m so grateful he’s my dad.
Publisher’s Note: This month’s column from Brooke Culler is especially personal. The dad she’s writing about is my husband, and reading her words reminded me just how much of the quiet strength behind our family — and behind our magazines — comes from him. While many of our readers know Brooke as the owner/publisher of our Winston-Salem magazines and editor of LKN Magazine, they may not realize how much support her dad has given all of us through the years. He has always been the steady, hardworking foundation of our family, cheering us on behind the scenes, helping wherever needed, and believing in these publications from the very beginning. We are endlessly grateful for him — not just on Father’s Day, but every single day. — Keela
