By Nana 
In the 84-year history of the Father’s Day Council luncheon, an event steeped in tradition and dedicated to the celebration of paternal influence, a unique precedent was established this past Thursday. For the first time since the organization’s inception, a father-son duo—Mark and Jarrod Weber—stood together to receive the prestigious Father of the Year honors, marking a poignant moment of generational excellence in leadership.
The event, which serves as both a celebration of parenthood and a significant charitable fundraiser, drew luminaries from the fashion, retail, and corporate sectors to honor men who have balanced the rigors of high-stakes executive life with the essential, often demanding, responsibilities of fatherhood.
The Honorees: A Portrait of Professional and Personal Success
The Weber family represents a rare intersection of industry pedigree and personal mentorship. Mark Weber, a titan of the fashion industry, is the former CEO of LVMH Inc., where he oversaw North American operations, and previously led PVH Corp. His career, defined by a meteoric rise from humble beginnings, has transitioned into a new chapter as an author and a resonant voice on iHeartMedia, where he shares insights on the complexities of business and modern life.
His son, Jarrod Weber, has carved out his own formidable path in the retail world. Currently serving as the Global President of Sports and Lifestyle at Authentic Brands Group, Jarrod joined the organization in 2014 following a successful tenure as an attorney at the prestigious firm Katten Muchin Rosenman.
Joining the Webers in the spotlight was David Greenberg, the Chairman of L’Oréal USA. Greenberg’s recognition underscored the event’s commitment to honoring leaders who have demonstrated not only business acumen but a steadfast commitment to the values of integrity and humility.
Chronology: A Morning of Tribute and Reflection
The ceremony was structured around personal testimonials, shifting the focus from corporate boardrooms to the intimate dynamics of the home.
The proceedings were opened by Jesse Weber—Mark’s second son, an attorney, TV news anchor, and legal analyst—who presented the awards to his father and brother. Jesse’s remarks provided a rare, candid glimpse into the Weber household. He noted that Jarrod, being seven years his senior, often functioned as a secondary parental figure during their formative years. "Now that we both have children of our own," Jesse noted, "I look to Jarrod as a role model for his consistency and presence."
Following the presentation of the awards, the honorees took the stage to offer reflections on the nature of fatherhood. Jarrod Weber’s acceptance speech was particularly evocative: "If I ever became a movie producer, a director, an actor, and I won the Academy Award, today is the pinnacle," he remarked. "There’s no role I could ever play that’s more important than being a father to my two little boys."
He shared an anecdote from his high school yearbook, where he had penned a goal to "emulate the character of my mom, the wisdom of my dad, and still manage to be myself." He credited his mother for his confidence and stylistic sensibilities, while acknowledging that his father’s "tough love" provided the grit and resilience necessary to navigate the professional world.
Supporting Data and Personal Narratives
The narrative of "grit" was central to Mark Weber’s address. Growing up in the city projects, Weber acknowledged that his trajectory was far from guaranteed. "I wasn’t supposed to have this career," he admitted. "I had no mentors. I had no one to look after me, I had no one to guide me." He spoke glowingly of his parents, noting that his father’s emotional openness—specifically his tendency to cry when his son hit a baseball—left a lasting impression. He also highlighted the professional mentorship of Stanley Gillette, a former president of PVH, who proved pivotal in his development.
Despite his immense success, Weber insisted that his involvement in his sons’ lives was not a sacrifice, but a privilege. "I went to everything. I was always there for the boys, to guide them, to root for them," he said. "But the reality is, I was selfish. I was doing it for me. I enjoyed it."
The sentiment of humility was echoed by David Greenberg. His sons, Ethan and Henry, presented his award, offering a humorous yet poignant look at their relationship. They noted their father’s patience in taking their frequent, long-winded phone calls, where they often solicit advice for the same recurring problems. "We always do exactly what our dad suggests anyway," Henry joked. The brothers cited their father’s "integrity, kindness, and humility" as the bedrock of their own values. In his speech, Greenberg described fatherhood as a "lesson in humility," suggesting that the goal of a parent is not perfection, but the continuous, incremental effort to be better each day.
The Community Pillar: Honoring the "All-Star Dad"
The event was not limited to corporate titans. Je’Donne Williams, a life coach, was recognized as an "All-Star Dad," a designation selected from thousands of submissions nationwide. His son, Jaden, penned the winning essay, detailing how his father, who grew up without a strong paternal figure himself, successfully broke the cycle of instability.
"The biggest thing you taught me was faith, integrity, and how to be a good man overall," Jaden wrote in his tribute. Williams used his platform during the acceptance to advocate for all fathers who face the daily challenges of raising children with limited resources, reinforcing the idea that consistent presence is the most powerful tool a father can possess.
Commemoration and Corporate Responsibility
The luncheon also served as a solemn moment of remembrance. The event marked the 25th anniversary of the Father’s Day fire in Astoria, Queens—a tragic propane explosion that resulted in the loss of three New York firefighters: Harry S. Ford, Brian D. Fahey, and John J. Downing. The widows of these fallen heroes were honored, serving as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice and the enduring strength of families in the face of sudden loss.
This commitment to social good is woven into the fabric of the National Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council. The organization, which has operated for over eight decades, has contributed more than $40 million to various charitable causes. This year, the luncheon functioned as a significant fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, an organization that aligns perfectly with the theme of mentorship and the positive impact of adult role models on youth development.
Implications: The Evolving Definition of Paternal Success
The honors bestowed upon the Webers, David Greenberg, and Je’Donne Williams highlight a shifting cultural landscape regarding fatherhood. No longer is the "provider" role sufficient; the modern expectation, as articulated by the speakers, is one of emotional intelligence, consistent presence, and the active cultivation of character.
For leaders in the corporate world, these testimonials serve as a reminder that the most enduring legacy is not found in a quarterly earnings report or a market share percentage, but in the values passed down to the next generation. By bringing his children into board meetings and industry events, Mark Weber did more than expose them to his profession; he offered them a masterclass in how to navigate the world with purpose.
As the luncheon concluded, the consensus among attendees was clear: whether in the high-stakes world of international luxury retail or in the quiet moments of a family home, the core of fatherhood remains rooted in the same fundamental pillars: love, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of being a little bit better tomorrow than one was yesterday. The historic recognition of a father and son sharing the stage was not just a celebration of their individual accomplishments, but a testament to the enduring power of family as the ultimate foundation of leadership.
Asro 
Iffa Jayyana 
Nana Muazin 