Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your family?
I have one son who turned 16 a few months ago. He is currently a sophomore in high school. I met my wife when my son was 6 years old and we have been married for 6 years.
Are you a Reno native?
Yes, I am a Reno native as is my wife. I love Reno and think it is a very unique place. There is something to do no matter what your tastes are, and yet we still manage to remain a relatively “small” town.
What kind of work do you do?
I have a normal day job as a mining software consultant, but I also co-own a beard care business, called Tin Star Products, with my brother and one of our long-time friends. We all have beards, and with the rise in popularity of facial hair (especially in the Reno area) we thought the business was a natural fit for us.
A lot of people are hesitant to grow beards because of itch, smell, unruly growth, etc. Our products help keep your facial hair comfortable, controlled, and smelling good (which can also be a perk for your significant other who is on the fence about facial hair). We offer beard oil, beard balm, and mustache wax in a variety of scents including our High Country line which features scents local to Nevada like Pinion, Sagebrush, Mahogany, and Juniper, as well as our Black Label line which features more of the classic scents which we have nicknamed Judge, Jury, and Executioner.
All of Tin Star’s beard products are handmade right here in Reno with all-natural ingredients. In addition to our website our products are also sold locally at the Tinder Box in Reno.
What are some of your hobbies/ favorite past times?
My hobbies revolve around the outdoors and mainly involve hunting and fishing. We have tried to bring an outdoor theme to Tin Star, and as a father some of my fondest memories with my son involve he and I on outdoor adventures.
The Reno Dads Fast 5
What was your reaction when you first found out you were going to be a father?
I had my son when I was relatively young (17). So when I first found out I was going to be a father, to say the least, it was a surprise. There were a lot of sleepless nights in the lead up to his birth, but once he was born, we dove in head first. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about how it all happened.
What was something you learned from your dad that’s made you who you are today?
My dad is a hard worker and built his own business from the ground up when he was young. He always told us that if we had confidence in ourselves then we were capable of anything. That has always stuck with me, and is something I try to pass on to my son.
What has been your funniest fatherhood moment/memory so far?
There have been many funny moments and memories throughout my time as a father. One funny moment involves a trip my son and I took to Winnemucca when he was about 4 years old. My dad’s political views are very conservative leaning, and he is not afraid to let anyone know it. He is a regular fixture in my son’s life, and as many of you know, small children are a sponge for information (good or bad!). On our way to Winnemucca, we pass through a long construction zone. As we enter the construction my 4 year old son says, “more construction? I’m really starting to hate Obama.” It may be the hardest I’ve ever laughed in my life.
What’s your favorite part of being a father?
The best part of being a father is what I learn from my son. As a parent, I try hard to teach my son about life and make sure he grows up properly, but it’s amazing how much I learn from him on a regular basis. We obviously come from different generations and looking at some things from his perspective helps me to grow as a father and as a person in general.
What do you hope your children will have learned from you by the time they’re adults?
I hope that my son learns not to take life too seriously. Try your best and make sure your passions take priority. Constantly stressed, worried, or scared is no way to live.
Many thanks to Reed for sharing his family life with Reno Dads. Make sure you go check out Tin Star Products – we love that we have a local dad making great natural beard products right here in Reno.
