In honor of Father's Day we caught up with our friend Casey Courter of Sundream Coffee to talk about being a business owner, a husband, a father, ocean enthusiast and coffee aficionado.
Casey, Hey! Tell us a bit about your story and your family!
I grew up in Georgia - born & raised. Little suburb town called Snellville east of Atlanta. Middle child of 3 boys. My family was known as the active, adventurous 'always-in-the-water' people, itching for sunshine and the adventure - a river to kayak, lake to swim in or neighbors pool to party :) My dad was a tri-athlete and has his masters in physical education so it was serious business in the Courter household when it came to eating right and staying active.
My Grandpa had a place down in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where we would frequent as often as possible as a family for our beach fix. This is where my love for the ocean was sparked. I fell in love with surfing and the easy going beach lifestyle. The feeling of the ocean breeze and sand between my toes... I loved the surf culture, always wanted to be a "local" (haha), took pride in my Quiksilver collection, & I'd go as far as taking saltwater home with me in gallon jugs just because I loved the way it made my hair curly (circa middle school *insert puka shell necklace here*)
Fast forward, after college at University of Georgia I took and internship in Hawaii where I met my wife, better half and 1/2 of Sundream Coffee, Brooke. We got married shortly after, moved to South Bay, LA & started a little family and a coffee company :) Our daughter, Liv is 2 and we spend most mornings as a family at the beach with coffee in hand before we get into the busy workday ahead.
What is your favorite Parker Clay product and how do you love to use it?
I love the Atlas Backpack and how it fits my laptop so perfectly. I primarily use it to keep all of my work essentials but also love it for its rugged versatility for weekend trips up the coast.
We are sure that you’ve learned a lot from being a dad -- but what is one learning experience that you’ve been thinking about lately?
I've been thinking about the word "attention." By definition, it is "notice taken of someone or something; the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important." To me, this spells fatherhood. Everything requires your attention & although it's hard for me to fully give it while I'm working I'm trying my best to be "fully there" when I'm there. :)
With Father’s Day in mind, what is your message to fathers out there?
Being a dad is rad. Being a rad dad is even more rad :)
Your family needs you and your attitude shapes the home environment more than you think! I've been really keen on being hyper aware of the environment that I'm setting. It's a good thing to take into consideration and to heart.
What is a vital lesson or mindset that you want to impart to your kids?
Leave it better than you found it. The ocean, your friend's feelings, the playroom.. etc etc... easier said than done :)
What would be your biggest piece of advice to a new dad?
"The days are long and the years are short." Take it all in.
Our daughter is only 2 and it feels like yesterday and an eternity all in one. Along with having 20,000 photos on my phone I've taken up journaling to write down fun moments and milestones.
Do you have a special memory of your father or mentor from your childhood?
I love that I've inherited a love for the water, health and time in the sun from my dad. All these things combined have created a lifetime of amazing memories - too many to count :)