A proud dad to three boys, Michael Lhuillier looks back on how he raised them and looks forward to the good times yet to come
For some gentlemen, being a father is one of the best things in life. They feel responsible for and behave responsibly towards their children, and are positively and emotionally engaged in the young ones’ growth and development. These men are the kinds of dads who do their best to make it to every basketball game or dance recital, but also know when to act as a firm yet fair disciplinarian. And, over time, they become their children’s best friends. Such rings true for Michael Lhuillier, the CEO and president of M Lhuillier Financial Services Group of Companies, who has struck a balance between his role as a family man and that of a businessman. Together with his wife, Joanna, he is a doting parent to three sons: Michael James, 24; Matthew, 22; and Myles, 20.
“I am truly blessed to see what wonderful young men my sons are growing up to be,” says the proud dad. “They are so different, yet so similar in many ways. Joanna and I have worked hard to give them a strong, secure, and loving foundation, so that they can spread their wings and ultimately have a positive impact on people and the world around them.”
Michael and the boys share a passion for sports cars and basketball. On the basketball front, they bond through half-court games of two-on-two when all four of them are together. He jokes, “The problem is, they all now tower over me, so it has become more and more difficult for me to keep up!” On the automotive front, Michael James, Matthew, and Myles are just as invested. Michael has an ever growing collection of sports cars; his sons take part through doing research, reading reviews, and searching the classifieds. “I then get consensus for the next car to add or delete from the lot,” he says.
As a family, they also enjoy travelling. For Michael, speaking often and spending time together is of great importance. They have made wonderful memories in a multitude of places: from Cebu to the Grand Canyon, from California to Italy. “We have had great road trips, ski trips, and boating trips,” he recalls. “Quality family time is something we all look forward to and will always treasure.” He is happy to share, too, that friends and girlfriends are also welcome to join them.
As the boys grow older, Michael hopes to always be a part of their lives and see them succeed in whatever they choose to pursue. “I want them to always be respectful, kind, considerate, and humble human beings. When my wife and I were growing our family, we always told our boys that we would bestow upon them much love, attention, and adoration, and build a secure home for them to grow up in. We both agreed not to spoil them with material things. I can only wish that my three sons appreciate these virtues and will build upon them.”