Yesterday, we threw a Rockabilly Hob Nob at Self Edge New York – the highlight of the afternoon was definitely the set Omar and the Stringpoppers played right outside the store. The energy they brought to their live show was infectious… it’s refreshing to see a band performing that’s genuinely having a good time.

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This morning, I brought our 3sixteen intern Kyle to visit Chris and Kirk at the Billykirk office in Jersey City. They moved into a new workshop about 2 months ago and the space looks great.

Gizmo, the unofficial office mascot, lurks from above.

The reason for our visit was to get a custom card case made up for Kyle’s dad. The brothers Bray hand stitched a case for Kyle on the spot and customized it with his father’s initials. Kyle took photos of the process and plans to make a nice little photo book to give to his dad along with the card case.

I scanned these pictures a few months ago while visiting my parents. My mom was bemused by my intrigue as I went through and carefully disassembled photo albums that hadn’t been disturbed for decades. My intention was to post a few of my favorite photos of my dad (I left out some sartorial gaffes in the ’70s) but when I started looking through them later on, it became clear to me that there was more to it than just sharing his style: these pictures remind me of many of his character traits I look up to. Although I’m sure he’s mellowed out quite a bit since his 20′s, he still is the reckless, confident man that won my mom over. He has small bouts of playfulness that peek out every now and again. He has good taste and strong opinions. And most importantly (not shown in pictures), he’s a man of faith and integrity who never hesitates to lead by example. In these past few years of adulthood I continue to realize how much I’ve been shaped by him, and am so thankful for his guidance and leadership. The more I find out about him, the prouder I am to call him my dad.

Happy Father’s Day.

There were times when I blundered and got the dreaded look from the lads. But that was a good sign. It showed I’d attempted something I’d not tried before.

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