Fab Dad: Mike Jesowshek
New dad Mike Jesowshek is the founder of JETRO & Associates and host of the Small Business Tax Savings Podcast. “Simply put, we help small business owners pay less in taxes and reduce anxiety knowing they have a solid set of books.”
Dad to: Mason, 7 months
Hometown: Kewaskum, WI
Favorite ways to spend family time in WI: I’m a foodie. I love checking out local restaurants. Although Mason was born during a crazy time (COVID), he is one baby that isn’t afraid to get around and check out new spaces. Whether he is hanging out at a local restaurant sucking on a pickle (or lemon) or crawling around a park at a local beer garden, he has enjoyed exploring Wisconsin. As Mason gets older, I look forward to spending family time on a golf course and showing him the incredible courses we have been gifted with here in Wisconsin!
Your most rewarding fatherhood moment: Boy, I could go on for days here. Kids amaze me. The way they develop is just incredibly fun to watch. You can just see their little brains working each and every day. If I had to pinpoint one thing, it would have to be his smiling and giggling. A baby has no idea of the craziness of life. When I wrap up a rough day at work, Mason has no idea what that means and being able to walk in and see him start smiling and giggling really puts things into perspective.
Biggest challenge as a dad: Slowing down and enjoying every single moment you have together. I know that is cliche, but it is true. You always want your baby to continue developing and hitting milestones but, once they hit the milestone, you wish you could go back and enjoy some of the younger days again. You have to constantly remind yourself to be more intentional and enjoy what you have today because, as I mentioned above, you know tomorrow will be different. At such a young age, there is so much development happening so quickly.
A father who inspires you and why: My dad. I’ve always known he is an incredible man but seeing him with Mason magnifies the immense love he has and his selfless way of living. If I can be half of the dad he is, I know I’m going to be in good shape. If I had to pick a movie example it would have to be Will Smith in “The Pursuit of Happyness.” No matter what was thrown at him, he remained hungry to do what was best for his son.
Best piece of advice for a new dad: Take care of the mother of your baby! Lets face it, in the first few months the mother plays such a big role in feeding and caring for your new best friend. Going from no kids to a newborn is definitely a reality check. No matter how many people tell you what the experience of being a new parent is like, you can never be prepared. Take care of your child’s mom, and everything else will flow from there!
Your biggest hope for your children: That he can find and put his faith in Jesus. It is clear that if Mason can make Jesus No. 1 in his life, every adventure and season thereafter will be taken care of.
How are you celebrating Father’s Day: Taking it all in. I still find it hard to believe that I am a dad. I have to pinch myself every day to ensure this is real. I plan to grab lunch with my wife and little man, maybe enjoy a local craft and then hopefully getting a relaxing round of golf in.