The Dads Behind the Tea
As Father's Day approaches, we're realizing once again that we never seem to make elaborate plans very far in advance. This holiday has a way of sneaking up on us every year!
When the day finally arrives, though, we usually end up spending it in the best way possible: outdoors and surrounded by family. There might be a hike, a picnic, a paddle down the river, or a last-minute backyard gathering. The details change from year to year, but the theme tends to stay the same!
Father's Day always gets us thinking about the people who helped shape who we are. Looking back, it's easy to spot some of the habits, hobbies, and ideas that somehow made their way from our dads into Piper & Leaf. Unsurprisingly, many of the things we value today can be traced back to time spent with our fathers.
Caleb's Dad: River Trips and Big Ideas
Some of Caleb's favorite memories involve canoe trips down the Flint River with his dad. His dad was known for creating elaborate plans to make sure they could spend the day drifting downstream, without ever having to paddle back. There was always a carefully chosen launch point, a vehicle waiting at the end, and a strategy that probably took almost as much effort to coordinate as the trip itself.
Of course, nature didn't always cooperate. Many of those outings included unexpected encounters with snakes, spiders, and other creatures that occasionally fell from overhanging trees into the canoe!
Looking back, it's easy to see where Caleb inherited his creativity and ingenuity. His dad has a passion for invention and problem-solving. Whether they're experimenting with a new tea blend, building something, or dreaming up an unusual project, that instinct to imagine a different way of doing things runs deep in the family!
Mr. Knapp: Always Ready for a Race
When Brigette, Connor, and MaryClaire think about their dad, running is never far from the conversation. Growing up, he loved finding local races and signing the family up to participate. Oftentimes, the registration happened before everyone else knew about the plan! Even now, he still enjoys gathering family members for new events whenever he gets the chance.
Along the way, he passed on a love of staying active and trying new things. You’ll still find our family, from the youngest to the oldest, congregated at a local 5K for several weekends of the year. Many of these races become family memories that last far longer than the finish-line times.
Mr. Knapp also rarely traveled alone. Whether it was a work trip, a historical site, or an opportunity for adventure, he often found a way to bring the family along. Some of our favorite memories came from those journeys.
What Are They Drinking?
Like many dads, their beverage preferences are well established. Caleb's dad has always been a coffee enthusiast and enjoys making specialty coffee drinks for family and friends whenever they visit. He is constantly experimenting with new techniques and recipes, and there is usually something brewing whenever he's around.
Mr. Knapp can often be found sipping tea from one of the Piper & Leaf shops, although predicting which blend he will choose on any given day is nearly impossible. His favorite seems to change regularly, which means there is always a new favorite in his cup.
Happy Father's Day
Looking back, we're thankful for dads who taught us how to plan river adventures, sign up for races we weren't expecting, share a good drink with friends, and say "yes" to one more adventure. Those gifts have shaped our families and the company we get to share with all of you.
As we spend Father's Day outdoors with our families this weekend, we're grateful for the fathers and father figures who taught us to stay curious, embrace adventure, keep learning, and enjoy the journey along the way. We hope you have the chance to celebrate the people who helped shape your story as well.
Happy Father's Day from all of us at Piper & Leaf!
