Today, my daughter Elyse turns 21.
Recently, she asked me a question that gave me pause:
“Dad, if you could give your 21-year-old self advice, what would you say?”
It made me stop and reflect — on my own journey, how much I have changed, how much the world has changed, and how we continue to change and evolve every day.
I grew up with five brothers and no sisters, in an industry that was — and largely still is — predominantly male.
When I was 21, starting out in construction, I didn’t think much about it. It was simply “the way things were.”
But life experience — and more importantly, becoming the husband of my wife Amy and the father of our three daughters — has opened my eyes to things I didn’t realize as a young man her age.
In her time working summers at Ozinga, Elyse has helped me see that when women step into roles where they haven’t traditionally been seen — whether on a construction site, in the boardroom, or anywhere else — it’s a big deal.
It’s symbolic. It shows what’s possible.
It sends a message and gives confidence to young women like her: You belong. You can lead. You can blaze your own trail, wherever you are called.
If I could sit with my younger self, here are some things I would say:
• Take more risks — especially the ones that lift others up.
• Be intentional about active listening, asking good questions and giving words of encouragement to individuals, particularly those blazing new trails.
• Work harder at being interested than being interesting (thank you Jim Collins).
• Don’t accept “the way it’s always been”, “we already tried that” or “that will never work” as reasons not to try.
• Invest deeply in relationships. Be there for people in their pain and suffering. It matters more than you know.
• Practice gratitude. It will transform how you experience life.
• Find ways to honor your mom and dad and show appreciation for all they’ve done for you. Don’t take for granted the time you have with them in this life.
• First and foremost, love God with all your heart and trust that He will direct you wherever you are meant to be. It will be beyond what you can ask or imagine.
Today, I’m proud that Elyse, and her generation, are stepping into a world that’s opening more doors.
Women belong everywhere decisions are made — whether that’s in work boots on a job site or at the head of a boardroom table.
My hope for Elyse is simple:
Keep building. Keep believing. Keep trusting God to lead you. You belong wherever your calling takes you, whether it’s in the family business or anywhere else in this life.
Happy 21st birthday, Elyse!
You are already building a future that’s bright — and I couldn’t be prouder.
I love you! ❤️
Dad
#Leadership #Fatherhood #FamilyBusiness #NextGen
#WomenInConstruction #Gratitude
Recently, she asked me a question that gave me pause:
“Dad, if you could give your 21-year-old self advice, what would you say?”
It made me stop and reflect — on my own journey, how much I have changed, how much the world has changed, and how we continue to change and evolve every day.
I grew up with five brothers and no sisters, in an industry that was — and largely still is — predominantly male.
When I was 21, starting out in construction, I didn’t think much about it. It was simply “the way things were.”
But life experience — and more importantly, becoming the husband of my wife Amy and the father of our three daughters — has opened my eyes to things I didn’t realize as a young man her age.
In her time working summers at Ozinga, Elyse has helped me see that when women step into roles where they haven’t traditionally been seen — whether on a construction site, in the boardroom, or anywhere else — it’s a big deal.
It’s symbolic. It shows what’s possible.
It sends a message and gives confidence to young women like her: You belong. You can lead. You can blaze your own trail, wherever you are called.
If I could sit with my younger self, here are some things I would say:
• Take more risks — especially the ones that lift others up.
• Be intentional about active listening, asking good questions and giving words of encouragement to individuals, particularly those blazing new trails.
• Work harder at being interested than being interesting (thank you Jim Collins).
• Don’t accept “the way it’s always been”, “we already tried that” or “that will never work” as reasons not to try.
• Invest deeply in relationships. Be there for people in their pain and suffering. It matters more than you know.
• Practice gratitude. It will transform how you experience life.
• Find ways to honor your mom and dad and show appreciation for all they’ve done for you. Don’t take for granted the time you have with them in this life.
• First and foremost, love God with all your heart and trust that He will direct you wherever you are meant to be. It will be beyond what you can ask or imagine.
Today, I’m proud that Elyse, and her generation, are stepping into a world that’s opening more doors.
Women belong everywhere decisions are made — whether that’s in work boots on a job site or at the head of a boardroom table.
My hope for Elyse is simple:
Keep building. Keep believing. Keep trusting God to lead you. You belong wherever your calling takes you, whether it’s in the family business or anywhere else in this life.
Happy 21st birthday, Elyse!
You are already building a future that’s bright — and I couldn’t be prouder.
I love you! ❤️
Dad
#Leadership #Fatherhood #FamilyBusiness #NextGen
#WomenInConstruction #Gratitude
