Background
I “met” Ron Ploof through the wonderful world of technology–specifically, Twitter. Ron’s profile page on Twitter immediately caught my attention because of his love for his work and family. From a business perspective, check out Ron’s book, Read This First: The Executive’s Guide to New Media–From Blogs to Social Networks, for all businesses, small and large–you all need to listen to Ron’s teachings to move your social media campaigns to the next level. From a personal perspective, I exchanged messages with Ron discussing his success as a father and husband… and the rest they say is history.
Ron shares with us his view on fatherhood and manhood. Enjoy the seriousness through the humor. Ron has definitely figured some things out (and not let them ronamok) regarding manhood.
Thanks again for sharing, Ron!
Interview
Where are you from?
I’m originally from New England. I grew up in a classic New England small town that was incorporated in the 1700s. I think my love for history is rooted in the fact that I was surrounded by it.
Why did you move? Will you ever return home?
Having spent the first part of my life in one location–twelve years of grade school in the same public school system and four years of private college a few miles down the road–I decided to make a change. The day after graduating from college, I was on a plane to start my new life in Southern California. Goofy thing that I did. I met my wife!
Define manhood.
Wow. That’s a term that is really abused. Culturally, it’s tied to virility and power. But I like to look at it as the next stage after “boyhood.” Boys play with their toys, chase girls, and make decisions that in general benefit themselves first. Men, on the other hand, work to support those who they love, which means putting others’ needs first. It’s also important to point out that boyhood-to-manhood transition is difficult and gradual. Once a “man,” it’s still easy to slip back into “boyish” behavior, but a man will recognize this behavior and fix it quickly.
How has manhood been positively portrayed in your life?
I had great male role models growing up. My dad, my grandfathers, my uncle, and mentors that I’ve surrounded myself with today keep me on the “man” side of the transition.
Compare and contrast being a father and husband?
I’ve been married for 22 years. (And yes, to the same woman 
)
Being a husband is about learning that you now are part of a decision-making duo. It’s about two people who may not always agree on things, but make decisions for the betterment of the duo.
Fatherhood is a totally different beast. You now have a responsibility to nurture a helpless little person grow to be an independent one. I remember the night I returned from the hospital after our son was born. He and my wife were still at the hospital and was sitting in our empty house… thinking. “Wow. Everything is changed,” I thought. “I’m a father and it’s my job to turn this baby into a man.” The feeling was overwhelming that evening, but it did get easier as I grew into my new role.
How many children do you have? Do you plan on having more?
I have two: a son who is a freshman in college and a daughter who is a junior in high school. As for more? No. We’re done. 
How do you want your children to remember you?
I want them to remember me as the guy who taught them to focus on the things that are going right in their lives. It’s so easy to go the other way. Instead of lamenting about “What’s wrong,” I ask them to re-frame the question to “What’s not right, yet?” If, some day after I’m gone, my kids are going through a rough time and they ask themselves, “What’s not right, yet?” I’ve done my job well.
Any final comments?
Thanks for the opportunity. This was fun.
