Early Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Growing up, my childhood wasn’t your typical story. My parents built a childcare center when I was just two years old, and for the next 30 years, that center became a second home—not only to hundreds of kids but also to dozens of teachers, including my family. Being around that environment gave me early lessons in responsibility, hard work, and the value of community that I still carry with me today.
Unlike most kids who spent their time just playing, I spent a good part of my youth helping out around the childcare center. Whether it was doing maintenance, assisting teachers, or helping keep the place clean and organized, I learned firsthand what it takes to keep a business running smoothly. These tasks may have seemed small at the time, but they taught me that every job matters, and every role has value.
Watching My Parents Build Something Real
My dad was in the stockbroking business, and my mom was a teacher, but when they took on the challenge of building and running a childcare center, I saw a different side of them. This wasn’t a 9-to-5 gig; it was a labor of love that required long hours, sacrifice, and dedication. They weren’t just running a business—they were creating a place that served hundreds of families and offered jobs to nearly 90 teachers over the years.
Growing up in that environment, I saw the ups and downs, the moments when things ran perfectly and the times when problems popped up unexpectedly. But through it all, my parents never lost their commitment. That perseverance stuck with me and shaped how I approach challenges in my own work today.
The Value of Teamwork and Leadership
One of the biggest lessons from those years was the importance of teamwork. My parents couldn’t have done it alone. They depended on teachers, assistants, and even family members to make the childcare center a success. I watched as my sister got her degree to eventually take over administrative and teaching duties, though she later chose to focus on her family instead.
I also saw my dad coach my soccer teams. We were always on championship teams, partly because we played with heart and partly because my dad taught us what it meant to work as a team. That same spirit of cooperation and leadership is something I’ve carried with me throughout my life, especially in my job at the car dealership. Whether detailing cars or handling other responsibilities, I understand that success depends on everyone doing their part.
Getting Hands-On Experience Early
From a young age, I worked as a porter at a car dealership, learning the ropes of the auto industry and gaining a real appreciation for hard work. Those early jobs weren’t glamorous, but they taught me important skills like attention to detail, time management, and customer service.
Later, after some culinary school and a car tinting class, I came full circle back to the dealership, where I’m now responsible for detailing cars and taking on various duties that keep things running. I’m proud of that journey because it shows that hard work, no matter where it starts, can lead to opportunities. It’s also proof that there’s dignity in every job.
How Family Values Shape My Work Ethic
Being part of a family business instilled values in me that go beyond just getting the job done. I learned to care about the people I work with and the customers I serve. I saw my parents involved in the community, supporting local food pantries in St. Louis by delivering holiday gifts, food, and school supplies to families in need.
Those moments taught me the importance of giving back and that work isn’t just about making money—it’s about making a difference. I try to live by that in everything I do, whether it’s volunteering or just treating every car I detail like it’s my own.
Balancing Work and Family Life
Now that I’m a dad, I see those lessons come full circle. I play basketball, football, and go swimming with my kids, and I want to pass on the same values I learned growing up—hard work, teamwork, and kindness.
At the same time, I know the importance of balance. My siblings took different paths—my sister stayed home with her boys, my brother worked in car sales, and my younger sister, who joined our family later, works as a hostess. Each of them found their way, but we all share that same family work ethic and respect for honest labor.
Why Hard Work Still Matters
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of what hard work really means. But for me, the lessons I learned growing up in a family business are more relevant than ever. They remind me that success isn’t about luck or shortcuts. It’s about showing up, doing your part, and caring about the people and the work.
Every car I detail, every task I take on, is a chance to honor that legacy. It’s also a way to teach my kids that there’s pride in honest work, no matter what form it takes.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the life I grew up in—a life filled with hard work, family support, and a strong sense of purpose. My parents’ childcare center was more than just a business; it was a community, a classroom for life’s most important lessons.
Those lessons shaped my work ethic and who I am today. They remind me that with dedication, teamwork, and heart, you can build something meaningful. Whether you’re coaching a soccer team, detailing cars at a dealership, or raising a family, those values don’t change.
And that’s something worth passing on.