Measure Twice, Cut Once: A Father's Day Lesson I Carry Into Every Resume

Measure Twice, Cut Once: A Father's Day Lesson I Carry Into Every Resume

June 15, 2025 by Katie Travis |Leave a Comment

Back in 2017, something seemingly small turned into one of my favorite reminders of integrity—and of my dad.

Let me set the stage:
It’s a regular day. I’m not home.
And a former student—just a brand new driver—accidentally takes out my janky old mailbox.

I come home to find not just a dent in the post, but a handwritten note on my door.
She apologized sincerely and left her contact information, offering to cover the cost of a replacement.
(Pretty sure she had no idea I even lived there.)

I gave her a call and her mom picked up.
I remember saying how impressed I was that her daughter took full responsibility.
Think about it—would YOU have stopped at 16?

It was a small thing, but a big lesson.

Fast forward: My dad volunteers to help me fix the mailbox.
And as usual, he doesn’t just fix things—he perfects them.

Every angle was measured. Every bolt checked twice.
The final product? Flawless.

As we worked, I heard one of his classic sayings:
“Measure twice, cut once. Do it right the first time, Kate.”
(Yes, he calls me “Kate.”)

Years later, that same mindset drives the work I do every single day.

When I’m crafting a FIRE resume or LinkedIn profile for a client, I channel that same precision and care.
Because I’ve heard the stories—so many of you have paid someone else before me and ended up disappointed.
Cookie-cutter documents. Typos. Stories that missed the mark.

That’s not how I work.

No half-butting it over here. 😎
I treat your career story like it’s my own—because your wins feel like mine.
And when I get that “I got the job!” message from you? That’s what it’s all about.

So here’s to the people who taught us how to do things right the first time.
Here’s to showing up with integrity.
And most of all—here’s to dads.

Happy Father’s Day. 💗