Happy Birthday, Pop!

By Brad Holdhusen, Co-Founder, CEO & Board Member for Father’s Club

My “Pops” has been my hero since I can remember. Sadly, I don’t tell him that enough. So, please allow me the honor to share a brief tribute to him as he celebrates his 73rd birthday today, May 17th. (In case you don’t know him, his name is Dan.) I’m already tearing up and I’m not even three sentences in! That emotion for which I can affectionately thank my wonderful mom. OK, here goes…

This blog was prompted after I read my dad’s recent Father’s Club blog draft. That will be coming out next week. In his typical, humble fashion, he only scratched the surface on why I asked him to get deeply involved in Father’s Club as somewhat of our “Interim Executive Director”.

In an attempt to keep this blog from getting too long, I’ll try to simply focus on the reason behind why I asked my Pops to help out in this capacity and why I’m honored he chose to do so.

The Career

Over his professional career, my dad was entrusted with titles such as CEO, CFO, Director of Communications and others. He’s sat in on and has run many board meetings, has been deeply involved with more than one non-profit, addressed thousands–including elected officials in DC–at multiple public speaking opportunities and has dedicated much of his life to (at least in my opinion & through a son’s eyes) impacting many while flying under the radar with his refreshing and humble demeanor. Although his giftings outweigh most people, you will NEVER hear that from him… not even a glimpse or a hint. His impactful humility inspires me more than he knows.

Therefore, it was an honor when he agreed to “join the team” at the Father’s Club organizational leadership level. Not only has it provided me the opportunity to talk with him and meet him for lunch or breakfast on a more regular basis, but it has allowed me to comfortably know that many of the organizational details needing attention and focus are now in great shepherding hands… My dad’s hands. (Of course, with the help of myself and the rest of our very capable board.)

The Athlete

I could go on and on, but I’ll close by explaining some of the pictures that I pulled together for this blog. In his blog post next week, my dad alludes to being a high school athlete and draws a connection to “staying in the game” similar to not checking out after retiring. I’m proud to share that my Pops was an all-star on the basketball court and the football field for the Aberdeen Central Eagles in South Dakota. You’ll see some newspaper clips from those days in this blog.

In addition, BOTH my mom and dad were on the homecoming court pictured in the hometown parade as they were able to ride in the same convertible together their senior year. High school sweethearts to boot!

Lastly, you’ll see a picture of my dad with his dad (my grandpa Holdhusen) back in the day. Next to that, a picture of my dad (with a sweet mustache) holding me as a baby. Even at that very young age you can see the joy in my face as I look at my Pops.

Why write this blog, besides to obviously honor “my old man”? Because I believe it’s at the root of what Father’s Club is all about and why I pressed in so heavily when Vince Stephens approached me back in 2018… Because although dads aren’t always perfect, they are so incredibly important and instrumental in the lives and direction of their kids.

I’m honored to have been taught so many great qualities by “my old man”.

Love you, Pops!
Brad