In honor of Father’s Day, I reached out to direct sellers and mom biz owners in my network to uncover stories of exceptional Fathers and Husbands. They take care of the kids, throw in a load of laundry, help their wives at home parties and more importantly, send a message to their daughters and sons that teamwork and success have no gender.
Here are their stories, as told by their wives:
Joe and Denise Atkinson by Erika Doss Photography
Joe Atkinson
My Hubby is a Mr. Mom so that I can work my business. He is 100% supportive of me being a stay at home/work from home mom. Joe is also the number one supporter of my business. He takes the kids at night and gives them baths and gets them ready for bed so that I can connect with clients, host girls’ night in, take a call or set up at an event. Before I leave the house, he is always helping pack the car and even shows up at events and helps me break down. There are times when he is even my chauffeur. Joe is usually the one making dinner and will help with laundry and cleaning up the kids’ (9 months and 2.5 years old) toys. Recently, we moved 400 miles from home and are starting over in a new town. It’s not easy, but we make it work. I know I’m blessed to have a supportive husband who takes an active role in our children’s lives and allows me to work my business. Joe is not only a great Dad to our children, he is my rock! – Denise Atkinson, Ruby Ribbon Stylist
Joe’s advice:
I love that we support each other’s career goals and can both be there for our children. At the end of the day, it takes teamwork. It’s important to always support each other.”
Joe Applewhite
Joe and I have been married for 5 1/2 years. I am a bit of a dreamer and a risk taker and he has always supported me in everything that I do. He watches our kids so that I can do online trainings and home parties. Joe even goes with me to Jamberry Nail Conferences so that I can continue to learn and grow. We just make a family vacation out of it! He is a great Dad because he spends lots of time playing with and taking care of our kids, and he loves it! Joe is a great supporter, provider and a fun Dad! We love him and are lucky to have him! – Heidi Applewhite, Jamberry Nails
Joe’s advice:
Support your wife in all her decisions and dreams and you’ll teach your children they can do anything. Happy wife, happy life!”
Richard Williams
I was a single mom of 2 when I met Richard. I was in a bad relationship that was getting physical (yet I never told anyone). With Richard, it was a struggle at first because he was still married and going through a divorce when we first met. His friendship helped me see that what I was living was just not right and that I needed to get out before it got any worse. Richard has been a great friend, partner, father and support person through everything. I have always needed to work full time to support my kids to give them everything they needed and now today, after 27 years together, (17 of them married) he has given me the blessing to leave the corporate world and pursue my business full time. He has always been there for me and the kids and has NEVER stood in the way of me pursuing my dreams. I LOVE HIM TO THE MOON AND BACK! – Melanie Williams, MiaLisia Jewelry Consultant
Ross Shock
I was a single mom for 13 years before I met Ross, my husband. I fell in love with him the day I let him meet Steven, my son (we dated for a few months before I introduced them because I didn’t want Steven getting attached – he had never had a father – and getting hurt). I saw how wonderful Ross was with my son. Ross asked Steven for his blessing before he asked me to marry him, then he asked to adopt Steven. So, now, Steven has a father, and I have the best partner for my husband. I started direct sales when Steven was 16. Ross asked me what I wanted for Christmas that year, and I told him I wanted to sell (adult) “toys.” The starter kit was my Christmas present. When he can, Ross goes to my parties with me and helps me setup. – Laura Shock, Sweet Toy Delights
Ross’ advice:
Support your wife and help out as much as you can. Ultimately this isn’t just her business, it’s our business.”
Bill Bardowski
Rounding out the list is my husband, and awesome Dad to our two daughters, Bill. He’s had many roles since I started my mom biz twenty five years ago: Chief dishwasher unstacker, kid chauffeur, chef, security guard and now advice-giver to Lauren and Alyssa, who are making households of their own. One of my favorite stories is from the teenage years, when boys started showing up to “go out” (or whatever they call dating). After a little chit-chat, Bill slowly walked over to the double-door hall closet, returning with a pair of samurai swords, a gift my brother bestowed on us when he was stationed in Japan. As the stunned teenage boy looked on, Bill (who’s completely harmless) proceeded to sharpen the swords with a sinister look on his face. Hysterical. The girls were mortified, but the message was clear. Don’t mess with my daughter. If you need a visual, think of the scene in Uncle Buck when Buck says to Bug (boyfriend to his niece), “Would ya like to see my hatchet?” Yep. Bill’s that kind of Dad.
Bill’s advice:
Love your children unconditionally. Advise them without telling them what to do. Be there when they need you.”
Lynn Bardowski is an award-winning entrepreneur and bestselling author of Success Secrets of a Million Dollar Party Girl. She speaks to global audiences about work-at-home success, vision and branding and is a resource for press, media and bloggers. Like her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and subscribe to her YouTube channel. Learn more about her VIP Group: The Visionista Connection.
