From poppy to pierogi: a father's day tribute

Father’s Day has always held special meaning for me, but this year feels different.  As I sit here writing this post for Poppy Ski’s Pierogi, I can’t help but reflect on the man behind the name - my dad, my business partner, and quite honestly, my mirror image (for better and sometimes for worse! (laugh with tear down emoji).

CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH

People often tell us we’re the same person, and they’re not wrong.  We’re both stubborn, strong-willed, absolutely convinced we’re right, opinionated, and yes - we both micromanage.  These traits might not sound like compliments, but they’re exactly what fuel us as we continue to grow our business together.

More importantly, we’re passionate and will stop at nothing to succeed.  We care deeply about those around us and will fight until the end for our cause.  I’m thankful for all of these traits that my dad instilled in me.  Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

THE FOUNDATION OF DISCIPLINE

Growing up, my dad was a strong disciplinarian.  At the time, I wasn’t always appreciative of his approach, but I’m forever grateful for the person I’ve become because of it.  My parents taught me to work hard, go all in, be disciplined and take responsibility - lessons that have shaped every aspect of my life and business.

THE SYMPHONY OF PIEROGI MAKING

I can still remember the very first time we made pierogi as a family.  Everyone pitched in, and my dad showed us each how to do our job.  We were like an orchestra, all the moving parts coming together for a sweet symphony of pierogi making.  We talked, we joked, we probably bickered, but I loved every second of it. 

Through the years, we continued this tradition.  I’d always look forward to Thanksgiving weekend because that’s when we made pierogi for Christmas.  Our making crew changed as my siblings got older, but one thing remained consistent - my dad and I.

Those pierogi-making sessions were pure magic.  We’d listen to classic rock, talk about life, and argue about the most ridiculous things.  But that’s what I carry with me every time we make pierogi - those memories of hanging out with my dad and bonding over dough and filling.

THE DREAM VS. REALITY CLASH

a

Those who know me know I’m quite ambitious.  Once I have something in my mind, I become obsessed and don’t let it go.  I was ready to make Poppy Ski’s a reality much sooner than it actually happened.  My dad and I still argue about who was right about the timing (because we’re both too stubborn to ever admit we could be wrong).

I was a semester away from graduating college, only needing to complete an internship, but that wasn’t on my mind.  I had become obsessed with making pierogi my living.  At the time, my dad and I were making pierogi a few times a year to supply family and friends who asked.

During winter break, I had made my decision.  With no money to my name (actually a negative amount), no game plan, and just a few hundred dollars in an envelope we’d saved from sales over the years, I made my grand announcement to my dad: “I will not be finishing college.  I want to get Poppy Ski’s started.”

I was totally envisioning a different reaction than the one I got.  My dad went upstairs, got that envelope, threw it in my direction, and said he was out.

THE ARGUMENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

What followed between two stubborn Poles…well, I’ll leave that to your imagine.  There were tears, mean things said, and I felt completely unsupported.  But looking back now (and I’m sure I’ll get a nice “I told you so” for publishing this), he was right.  I thank him for not saying “never” but for trying to tell me “not now.”

I had no way to support myself, no business plan, no following - nothing but a dream.  While it only takes a dream to start, from that moment on, everything I did was to grow and learn so I’d be ready for what’s happening now.

THE LEARNING YEARS

Instead of taking an internship in sports (I graduated with a degree in sport management), I took an internship with a food and beverage director at a sports complex.  I was quickly hired and took over the department, continuing to manage in different food and beverage capacities.  I kept learning how to operate this type of business, and I loved every minute of it.

COMING FULL CIRCLE

Recently, I had the same conversation with my dad about going all in.  I half-joked about the last time we had this conversation and how he “quit on me.”  this time, it went differently.  I had taken the time to get right financially, learn the industry, and have a real plan.  He was ready and continues to support me 150%.

While I may still be the one who acts first and figures it out later, and he may be the first one to say, “Hey, let’s slow down and think this through,” it’s exactly this dynamic thar allows us to balance each other out and be successful in business.

THE DREAM REALIZED

Starting Poppy Ski’s (named after my dad) has been an absolute thrill.  I could always remember wanting to do this with my dad, and now we’re living that dream together.

This Father’s Day, I want to celebrate not just my dad, but the partnership we’ve built,  The stubborn arguments, the passionate discussions, the shared vision - it all comes together in every pierogi we make.

Thank you, Dad, for teaching me that sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for, worth fighting for, and definitely worth doing together.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there who shape their children through discipline, love, and the occasional envelope thrown in frustration.

From all of us at Poppy Ski’s Pierogi