Father’s Day reflections from a few ESPN colleagues with family ties

THE DEANS

Chip Dean, Coordinating Director, 36 years at ESPN
Kyle Dean, Senior Remote Operations Coordinator, 5 years at ESPN

What it’s like working with your father/son?
Chip: We have lunch once a week to talk about life and work. It’s becoming my Tuesdays with Morrie. I listen a lot and I give advice based on my experience. We’re in different departments, but we’re tied together. It’s the ultimate collaboration. Now as he’s working for people I mentored years ago, I’m proud to see how his team spirit and positivity have translated from the field to the working world.

Kyle: During weekly lunches with my dad, it is wonderful to hear the drive in his voice to be the best he can, to question what doesn’t make sense and to remember to be happy – not just content. He motivates me. I know I am incredibly fortunate to have him as a guiding light in the workplace.

A favorite father/son experience:
Chip: Baseball is Kyle’s favorite sport, so we took in a Tampa Bay Rays game and a Miami Marlins game this spring. Planning this trip and traveling with him, I realized how meticulous Kyle is, how organized. Our goal is to get to as many ballparks as possible.
Kyle: We went to Tropicana Field and Marlins Park this year – our first father-son experience as adults. It was like hanging out with my one of my best friends. I view him as both the dad that molds, teaches and coaches me – as well as the man I try to mirror every day.

Father’s Day message from Kyle:
Dad, I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me throughout my life, as a coach, a mentor, teacher and father. You’ve helped make me the man I am today and have always been the biggest influence in my life. I hope I’ve made you proud.