Today, we’re taking a moment to recognize the fathers and father figures who’ve helped shape who we are—not just by what they did, but by how they did it.
Below are a few reflections from the TRUEWERK team, all answering the same question:
What is something your father did that taught you what kind of person you wanted to be?
Steve Cloyd
Carpenter / Contractor / Remodeler
Father of Jason "J$" Cloyd | VP of Partnerships and Community
“He ALWAYS paid attention to every detail so that the finished result was as close to perfect as possible. That often required extra demo and prep work that wasn't even visible once it was completed, but was necessary to make sure things were square, true, and adequately prepared for the meticulous, aesthetic finishes he became known for.
I didn’t understand until I was much older that his attention to detail was primarily for his own peace of mind and his own satisfaction. Of course his clients appreciated the thoughtful design and craftsmanship and I’m sure it minimized the number of callbacks, but knowing a job was done right allowed him to focus on the next project without worrying about a detail that was missed or a problem that could surface down the road. I strive to emulate that mentality and embrace the mantra: “Do it right, sleep at night.”
The other big lesson my father taught me was to always keep learning. Throughout his career he sought out people with different areas of expertise and worked alongside them to pick up new skills. Several of his peers were featured in Fine Homebuilding and other magazines showcasing the latest techniques and ideas - they were steeped in building science before that was a thing. He also spent a lot of time teaching others, which not only helped him keep learning and growing, but also passed on that knowledge to me and all those around him.”
James Brauer
Service Technician
Father of Bryan Brauer | Senior Account Manager
"One of the biggest things my father did that shaped who I wanted to be was the way he involved me in his work. He is a service technician and spent countless hours in the garage fixing machines, building systems, and solving problems, but he never did it alone. From a young age, my brothers and I were right there with him, holding the flashlight, handing him tools, and paying attention. He didn’t just tell me how things worked, he showed me. He documented every step, labeled parts, took photos—because to him, the details mattered. And that taught me something important: to be present, to stay curious, and to take pride in the process. He didn’t just teach me to fix things, he taught me to care about doing things right, to always keep learning, and to help others do the same. Still to this day, he is my go-to resource, watching the way he approached problems with patience, humility, and a willingness to ask for help showed me the kind of person I wanted to be. It’s how I try to show up every day, and it’s something I’ll carry for life."
-Bryan Brauer
David Tullos
Carpenter / Home Builder
Father of Patrick Tullos | Director of Brand
“There are many things my father did that shaped the kind of person I want to be. Early in his career, he built houses, but he spent the next 37 years as a FedEx driver, working the same mountain route the entire time. This wasn't an area with a lot of extra in the bank, but it was rich in community. My dad showed up every day with a positive attitude and a genuine interest in the people around him. Over time, he got to know everyone, not just as stops on his route, but as neighbors and friends.
What stood out most was how he always went beyond the job. If he noticed someone needed new gutters or heard they had a plumbing or electrical issue, he’d show up on the weekend to help. No charge, no recognition, just kindness. That’s where I learned the importance of empathy and the strength of community. He taught me that you always have something to give, and that a good life isn’t something you’re handed. It’s something you earn through how you show up, how you treat others, and the work you’re willing to do.
One moment I always carry with me happened when we moved into a fixer-upper. My brother and I were basically free labor, helping with demolition. I was swinging a sledgehammer and clearly running out of steam when he looked at me and said, “Patrick, you’ve got 20% more. You don’t know how strong you are.” That simple line stuck with me. It still shows up in how I push through challenges and how I try to show up for others every day.”
-Patrick Tullos
John Ciciora
Builder / Teacher / Craftsman
Father of Brian Ciciora | CEO and Founder
“My father is a builder, fixer, and creator of things — cars, houses, machines of every kind. Following him around our two-and-a-half-car cinder block garage, I learned from him the things I wanted to do with my life. But the lessons about the kind of person I want to be didn’t come in the garage by the way he worked with machines, but rather in our home by the way he cared for my mother.
Like many of us, theirs was the first relationship I came to know, and it remains the most profound and inspiring one I’ll ever know — the ultimate example of how a deep, selfless concern for another can ground, uplift, and give meaning to life, and form the foundation of family, friendship, and community."
-Brian Ciciora
Thank you to all the fathers out there. Thank you for the lessons, the legacy, and the examples you set.
Happy Father’s Day from all of us at TRUEWERK
