Ep. 524 Gary Stache: Discipline, Step-Children, Years of Unconditional Love

Fatherhood Field Notes

In this heartfelt conversation, host Ned Schaut sits down with Gary Stache— a husband, father of five, grandfather of seven, and Vice Chairman with CBRE Capital Markets, Investment Properties — to explore what it really means to love unconditionally as a dad. Gary shares raw stories of raising a blended family, guiding kids through rebellion, and embracing both tough love and tender moments. With wisdom from 40 years in business and 30 years of parenting, Gary reveals why he never plans to retire, how faith shaped his role as a father, and why being present matters more than perfection. Most importantly, he reflects on raising his children with values and ensuring those values are passed down as the true legacy. His insights on marriage, mentorship, and modeling love will encourage every dad to embrace the messy adventure of fatherhood.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Fatherhood Field Notes Podcast
• 00:01:34 - Meet Gary
• 00:02:10 - Family background and children
• 00:02:46 - Career at CBRE and choosing not to retire
• 00:04:47 - The father’s role: loving unconditionally
• 00:04:58 - Story: a cherished memory with his young daughter in a special dress
• 00:05:53 - Becoming a stepfather and raising a blended family
• 00:07:10 - Story: disciplining a stepson by removing his bedroom door
• 00:09:35 - Tip for fathers: praying before disciplining children
• 00:11:16 - Leading with love: beginning every hard talk with “I love you”
• 00:11:53 - Overcoming the past: growing up without hearing “I love you”
• 00:12:22 - Story: a teenage son showing affection
• 00:14:17 - A blended family’s honor: stepdaughter naming her child after him
• 00:15:06 - Building unity: inviting his wife’s ex-husband to family gatherings
• 00:19:32 - Balancing discipline with fun and engagement
• 00:20:05 - A united decision: asking the kids for permission to propose
• 00:20:40 - Lessons from his father: valuing the outdoors and family first
• 00:22:17 - A moment of healing: asking his father to say “I love you”
• 00:23:40 - Advice for single men: letting God define your future wife
• 00:27:21 - Loving adult children: allowing them to learn their own lessons
• 00:29:21 - Rebelling against distraction: turning off the phone and avoiding social media
• 00:32:43 - Continuing family values

Guest Link:

• Gary Stache on LinkedIn
• Gary Stache – CBRE Profile

Links and Resources:

• Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness:
• RUK Fitness
• This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
• Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
• Check out the TEDx

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• https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
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Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

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