We are big dad fans.

From fathers, to grandpas, to fathers-to-be, to foster dads, to fathers who have a lost child, hear this: we see you and are celebrating you here at Parker Clay. We are so excited that June is the month to honor the dads in our lives, and we can't think of a better example of fatherhood than our very own Co-Founder, Ian Bentley! 

Ian and his wife Brittany first became parents with the birth of their son Parker back in 2006, followed by their son Clay in 2008. (Wait...do those names sound familiar??) Their journey would eventually lead them to Ethiopia to adopt their two daughters, and then to move there in 2012 to start Parker Clay, named after their two sons.

Ian reflects back on that first trip to Ethiopia as a life-altering moment. "When I made my first 9,000 mile journey over to Ethiopia it was because of my daughter Selah.  I can remember the overwhelming feeling I had in meeting her for the first time, and in that moment life changed forever."

          

Since those days, Ian and Brittany have moved back to their hometown of Santa Barbara, CA where they run Parker Clay and raise their five children. Ian says that for him, "being a father is about being genuine, honest, and giving 100% of the love I have to give. I have learned that I cannot and will not let being a father be about giving what is left of me but rather giving what is best of me."

Ian is passionate about sharing the Parker Clay story to educate customers on the ways their purchases can empower others within the global community. When he's not growing the Parker Clay brand, he loves taking his kids on daddy dates, traveling the world together, and sharing meals as a family. 

So cheers to you Ian, and to all the other fathers out there who are doing it right! 

Want hear more of Ian and Brittany's story? Check out their interview on the RELEVANT Magazine podcast and watch a short video that shares more of their journey.