Author Archives: Greg Hague

About Greg Hague

I am an entrepreneur, attorney, author, motivational speaker, pilot, and world motorcycle traveler. First and foremost I am a dad. And, I am the founder of www.savvydad.com. My new book, How Fathers Change Lives, is a "Chicken Soup" collection of stories about remarkable dads... 52 examples of doing it right. What they say. What they do. Best advice. The stories are inspiring, touching and fun. The life lessons are great. This book has been recommended by some very special people including my friend, NY Times #1 Best Selling author Harvey Mackay ("How to Swim with the Sharks.."). In its first month it received over 50 five-star Amazon reviews. Learn more about Greg. Follow Greg on Google+

Dad Taught Respect and Courtesy Through Two Words – Mahogany Desk

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He was born above a small country store.
July 15, 1939. Hillsboro, Tennessee.

Today’s story is from Calvin LeHew.

my dad taught respect

Alton ‘Red’ LeHew with his son, Calvin.
The year? Long ago.

My dad’s parents worked into the night. Money was tight. The elementary school was without plumbing.

His dad, Alton ‘Red’ LeHew, only finished third grade. His mom, Leola, made it through sixth. They both died of cancer when he was a kid.

From humble beginnings, today’s Savvy Dad guest rose to the top. He worked for Presidents Nixon, Kennedy and Johnson. One of his youthful goals was to make his first million by age 35. He did it at 33.

What advice meant the most?
Words from his dad…mahogany desk.
Mahogany desk?

Meet pilot, author and real estate developer, Calvin LeHew.    READ MORE 

My Uncle Greg Told Me A Family Secret

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I didn’t have a dad growing up. Mom raised me, for the most part.

Today’s story is from Jason Fields.

I did have an uncle. His name was Greg. Uncle Greg taught me something special about me. It was 1981, another bleak, freezing Cincinnati winter.

A family secret

The ‘Panther’

My name is Jason. I was 5 at the time. The memory is vivid, even today. Standing in the Cincinnati Kmart.

Longingly gazing at the most beautiful thing I had ever seen…a jet-black Huffy “Panther” BMX bicycle.

Chrome spokes, riding pegs, trick handlebars, and “panther claw” grips! My heart pounded at the thought of riding this powerful steed.    READ MORE 

My Dad, Jim Henson, Taught Us Learning Is Cool

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His teachings were brilliant, lessons of felt.
Lessons of Felt?

Today’s story is from Lisa Henson, daughter of Jim Henson of Muppet fame.

He “fathered” thousands…but never met most. Jim Henson fathered The Muppets. Creatures of felt. He brought us Sesame Street, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, so much more.

Jim Henson taught us that learning is cool.
Counting to ten could be fun.
Jim Henson, Learning is Cool

Lisa Henson with her father Jim Henson*

But what was it like to be a real Henson kid? “We were always doing extraordinary things,” says Lisa, now 53 (the same age as Jim when he died). Making it fun was how the Henson kids learned that learning is cool.

“Dad (and Mom) were always up for play,” says Brian, 50. Games and more games. And felt puppets—of course.

Jim taught his kids through engagement and fun, lessons of felt. Brian, a technical whiz, Dad taught puppet building. Lisa showed a knack for editing. “From age 12, I read and gave feedback on his scripts… ”
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False Pressure From Dad

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Yells, screams. Acid to the stomach. Stress on the heart.

by Greg Hague

We fought into the night. A wife? A girlfriend? Nope. It was my dad.

Pressure from Dad

1952. Mom pins an award on Dad.

In 1977, I broke up with Chubby. This is a story very few know.

For over a year I hated the man I loved. He felt the same about me.

It started three years before. I had graduated from law school. Chubby owned a real estate firm in Cincinnati. I wasn’t sure what to do. Practice law? Work with Dad?

Dad never pushed. I knew what he wanted. I joined the firm.

It was pressure from Dad exerted by me.
For three years it was horrible and great.

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Dad Taught Me the Value of Approaching Life in a Different Way

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The announcement came over the school PA.

Today’s story is from Brian Hague.

Dad embarrassment

Brian as a kid with his dad, Greg Hauge

Eyes turned and focused on me. Run for the door? Slide under the desk? Is embarrassment fatal? I am now dead. It was my dad. He did it again!

My name is Brian. It’s been 23 years. I was 11. Monday morning. Fifth grade. Ms. Sullivan’s class. Two days before. Dad had taken my brothers and me to the Swap Meet. We trolled for trick stuff.

Something caught Dad’s eye, really his ear. D.J. Carlos, a Latin rapper in hip-hop gear. Selling songs right out of his van. The sign read,

“Custom Rap Songs. You write it, I rap it.”

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My Father Was ‘The Coach’ But No Task Was Too Low

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No one commanded respect like ‘The Coach.’

Today’s story is from Jean Herges.

Everyone noticed, everyone stopped. The cockiest kids lowered their gaze, boys obeyed. “He scares me,” admitted a burly linebacker friend. I smiled.

Dad does it all

Jean and her dad Pete Herges, 82

I knew a secret about Dad. But first, let me set the stage. We lived in a small Minnesota town (of 1,600). Sports dominated our life. Farming was most everyone’s trade.

Dad was Athletic Director. He also coached football and golf. In our sports town, he was ‘The Coach.’ I was a cheerleader for the team.

What was my secret on Dad? Dad disappeared after Friday night games, also on Saturdays. What took him away? Fishing? Golf? Secret outings with “the guys”? Many speculated, few knew.    READ MORE 

Dad’s Shared Stories Turned into My Dream

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1965. East Lansing, Michigan. Cattle Auction.

Today’s story is from Jan Miller McGilliard.

Allen Miller leaned against a metal gate pole. The auctioneer’s call echoed the walls. It filled the hall. Farmers frantically bid. Cows sold. Every one was destined to go.

Allen was no buyer tonight.
He needed to sell his prize Jersey cow.
dad's shared stories

Jan’s dad Allen Miller in World War II
on the shores of England.

“Final call, I’ve got four hundred. Going once, going twice.” The gavel slammed down on a hard wooden block. Sold! She was gone.

Allen, a small dairy farmer in rural Michigan, was a hard working man. This Jersey was his pride. It was revered among neighbors and friends. Allen had done what dads often do…give what they have so their kids can have more. He collected the $400 with a big country man’s smile.

His 16-year-old daughter could now have her childhood dream.

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