Let’s talk Father’s Day. You know, that day where we pretend we know what to get the guy who already has everything… including, apparently, an endless supply of dad jokes. Speaking of dad jokes, have you heard of comedian Ali Siddiq on dads? He says, “Dads be like, ‘Back in my day…’ Yeah, back in your day, you had to walk uphill both ways to school, in the snow, barefoot! Now, shut up and enjoy this gift card!” Or, “My dad always said, ‘Money doesn’t grow on trees.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, but it sure looks good in my wallet!'”
But seriously, Father’s Day is more than just grilling and awkward gifts. It’s a celebration of the guys who shaped us, supported us, and, let’s be honest, probably taught us how to change a tire. And for you merchant services salespeople out there, it’s a golden opportunity! Think about all those last-minute gift purchases, those brunch bills, those online store surges – every transaction is a testament to the power of a strong payment system. So, while you’re celebrating your own dad, keep in mind the dads out there powering small businesses.
From the Home office in Dad, Wyoming
Here are the Friday’s Top 10 Facts about Father’s Day
10. A Floral Tribute: Did you know that the official flower for Father’s Day is the rose? Red roses honor living fathers, while white roses remember those who have passed. (And for you sales folks, remember, flowers are a great point of sale opportunity!)
9. Worldwide Celebrations: Father’s Day isn’t just an American thing! It’s celebrated in various forms around the globe, with different dates and traditions. (Global businesses? Think international payment processing!)
8. The Tie That Binds… Or Doesn’t: The classic Father’s Day gift? The necktie! Though, let’s be honest, many dads probably have a drawer full they never wear. (But gift cards? Always a hit. Make sure those businesses can process them smoothly!)
7. A Presidential Proclamation: As mentioned earlier, it wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon officially declared the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day.
6. The “Father of Father’s Day”: Sonora Smart Dodd, from Spokane, Washington, is credited with founding Father’s Day in 1910, inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon.
5. A Long Road to Recognition: It took over 50 years for Father’s Day to become a national holiday, facing resistance and even ridicule along the way. (Persistence pays off, merchant services pros! Keep pushing!)
4. Early Attempts: Before Dodd, there were other efforts to establish a day to honor fathers, but none gained widespread traction.
3. The Mining Disaster Connection: One of the earliest documented attempts to honor fathers was in 1908, after a mining disaster in West Virginia killed hundreds of men, many of them fathers.
2. The First Celebration: The first official Father’s Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington.
And the # 1 Top 10 Facts about Father’s Day is …
1. The Economic Impact: Father’s Day is a major retail event, with billions spent on gifts, dining, and experiences. (And every dollar spent is a potential sale for your merchant clients! Close those deals!)
This Father’s Day, remember that behind every gift, every meal, every online purchase, there’s a business making it happen. Our work empowers those businesses to thrive. We’re not just selling payment solutions; we are facilitating connections, enabling celebrations, and supporting the backbone of our economy. So, go out there, close those deals, and help make this Father’s Day a success for your merchants! And maybe, just maybe, treat your own dad to something special, too. You’ve earned it!
Have a great Father’s day weekend,
David
