Kudos to Mr. Montanaro Sr.

Kudos to Mr. Montanaro Sr., for being an awesome dad. I'm sure you are very proud of Don Jr.

I got similar education from my parents in the way that it is invaluable (on par with things that I learn from School if not much more valuable). My parents called it the lesson of life and I'm very grateful for what they has given/equipped me. My parents are very strict and have high expectation of me at all times. I respect them a lot. So much respect that I want to do my best each day and not to let them down.

As the famous saying, talk is cheap. My parents talk the talk and walk the walk, and it's easier for me to absorb/learn what they do daily (instead of just telling me what I need to do which usually goes in to my ear and comes out from the other side right away especially during my teenager years). I got to learn by examples.

Two things that I learn from my parents are creating win-win-win situation, and having high integrity. Sometime it might not be the most optimal solution in the short term but in the long run they will pay off (Integrity does go a long way). Similarly with the win-win-win situation. Common sense tells me that it's theoritically impossible to have everyone to "really Win" (and that's why we have to make trade-offs everyday and probably try to optimize). Also there is no rule of thumb for this and the solution will depend on the situation (case by case basis). One simple example is for me to choose one of the following two options: First option, I get $20 and my two sisters got nothing, and the second option is each of us get $10 (Of course I took the $20 and my sisters weren't too happy with that decision. I guess I was too young to understand win-win-win). What I actually learn (in hindsight) from this win-win-win situation exercise is not to be selfish and not to envy others (where I think the win-win-win outcome can then be somewhat achieved). Additionally, sometime personal sacrifices needs to be made for the greater good.

Remember that integrity goes a long way, and always think win-win-win,

Sidarta Tanu