Sometimes Dads Just Know Best with Jay Reeve, Mathew Wilson & Beck Wadworth

To celebrate Father's Day this year, we spoke to Mathew Wilson, Jay Reeve & our founder Beck Wadworth, and asked them the best piece of advice they’ve received from a father figure in their life that has stayed with them.
"Dad always finds the fun in life. He's taught me not to sweat the small stuff. He's also a big softie and he always tells his family just how much he loves them at every chance he can get." - Mathew Wilson, Gritty Pretty
"My Father is my biggest inspiration in life. A silent stoic type, he was a man of action and not words but this is what I learnt from observing how he lives. As a dairy farmer he worked long hard hours, he was strong both physically and mentally, connected to the land and the animals he looked after, he took pride in his work and never cut corners, he loved deeply and selflessly, provided and supported, was part of a community and the community was part of him. A jack of all trades and phenomenal problem solver, worked with the seasons and not against them. Held my mother in the highest regard and for a person who in a role that had no time never missed a footy game and always encouraged me to do my best. A true hero. He never verbalised the following lessons but I learnt them from his actions and will try to pass them on to my sons. Life is a gift, treasure it. Give an honest account of yourself in everything you do. Appreciate the cycles of life and how we are custodians and not owners of land and the animals upon it. Everyone is on a different journey you are not to judge but understand. Be right, be wrong, be you, but most importantly in a world where you can be anything, be kind." - Jay Reeve, Drink Pals.
"The older I get, the more I learn about my dad & I love it. He's taught me so much & continues to do so. Advice wise, he hasn't verbally said it, but I've taken the below from him & I've very grateful for this knowledge.
Firstly, he's taught me the meaning of hard work. He's always been an extremely hard worker. He gets up at the crack of dawn to work on his vineyard in NZ (even in winter). He never makes excuses and takes full responsibility in making sure everything is done to a high standard. Hard work, respect, dedication and self motivation are huge skills I have learnt from my dad that have helped me get to where I am today.
Secondly, Dad's definitely not one to beat around the bush and will tell me if he doesn't like something (which I appreciate)! I think it's important to be honest and nowadays not many people feel confident enough to be 100% honest in some situations. I can always rely on dad to have an honest, truthful and realistic conversation about different topics and situations thrown at me in life. It's a skill that I value a lot.
He is also a huge softy underneath it all and is always there to support me whenever I need him. He never gloats about helping people but whenever someone needs him, he will be there.
And... my dad has taught me the importance of a sense of humour. He doesn't take life too seriously and is always up for a laugh. He can walk into a group of people and I guarantee you by the end of his conversation they will be laughing their heads off. Sadly I didn't get his sense of humour in full, but I definitely appreciate the importance of being a bit light hearted in situations and to have a laugh! Life is too short!"
- Beck Wadworth, An Organised Life