COMMUNITY
Jeff Yount | father of 2 Our third best dad this year unfortunately could not make it to our ceremony, as the family had flown out to Tennessee just before awards with given out. That won’t stop us from recognizing him, as his friend and neighbor, Joey Coms, came to claim his prize and record it for him. Yount, the father of 11-year-old Braxton and 8-year-old Braelyn, is described not only as the best dad in Maricopa, but the nation, by his wife Crystal. “He has always put his children before ANYTHING else in life,” Crystal said in his nomination. “Minus birthing them, he has done it ALL, and been there through each stage of life!” From cutting peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into shapes they’s like and starting the washer late at night so his daughter had her favorite shirt for the next day, Yount does it all. “This year has been exceptionally tough, as Jeff unexpectedly lost his own Dad. Somehow through the tragedy, he’s stepped up even more to assure his kids know just how much they are loved, appreciated, and adored,” Crystal said. “ Jeff is a pure and genuine Dad who has always gone above and beyond for his family, and for that, we are all eternally grateful to call him ours! Jeff has always been, and will always be, the man that other men should inspire to be one day.”
Stephen Admundson and his family attend the Best Dad InMaricopa contest.
Lisha Vila, Luis Vila and their three children attend the Best Dad InMaricopa contest June 14.
Who’s the Best Dad InMaricopa? BY BRIAN PETERSHEIM JR.
Stephen Admundson father of 2 (soon to be 3)
D
Similarly, Admundson said he was also surprised when he found out he was nominated, let alone that he won an award for his fatherly duties. Acting as the stay-at-home father of 5-year-old son Foster, 3-year- old daughter Remi and their future daughter who has yet to be named, Amundson is “nothing short of a superhero in our home,’ said his wife, Tia Amundson. “While I work full-time and long hours—often traveling for my job— Stephen is the one who keeps everything running. He does it all so I can focus on my career, knowing that our kids are in the best, most loving hands,” Tia said. “From morning routines to bedtime snuggles, he’s there every step of the way, pouring his heart into every moment with our children.” Amundson was raised by a single mom who worked multiple jobs to support him and grew up watching strength, sacrifice, and love in action, according to Tia. “Now, he’s living those same values as a father. He is breaking cycles, building bonds, and giving our children the kind of upbringing every child deserves.” “Every single day I get to spend with these kids, it’s like a dream every day,” Admundson said.
ADS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE AND DESERVE recognition. That’s why Karsten’s Maricopa Ace Hardware sponsored the annual Best Dad InMaricopa contest. This year, more than 120 Maricopa dads were nominated by wives or their kids. A panel of judges reviewed the entries and selected three outstanding Just like our 2025 Best Mom InMaricopa contest in May, Dave Karsten, owner of Karsten’s Maricopa Ace Hardware, was joined by his son, Zach. It’s the first time the two attended the ceremony as a father-son duo. While Zach has worked with his dad for a while, he said stepping into a higher position “almost makes me feel like a kid again.” His favorite part about the event was meeting people and interacting with the community. “It’s a tradition that hopefully I’ll be able to pass on to him, and he’ll be able to continue to support as well,” Dave added. Similar to his son, he enjoys connecting with the community and showcasing parents in an appreciative and special way. These three men were honored at an awards presentation ceremony June 14 at Karsten’s, 21542 N. John Wayne Parkway. fathers to be honored as the “best” this Father’s Day. This year’s event was even more special than usual.
Luis Vila | father of 3 It was a surprise for Luis Vila when he walked into Ace Hardware expecting to pick up some lumber. He was none the wiser about what his family had prepared for him. Little did he know that he received eight nominations. Each in their own words said Vila was the best dad because his “family is his priority.” Lisha Vila described her husband as “truly selfless” as their sons, aged 6, 2 and 10 months, always come first. “Whether it’s attending medical appointments and therapy sessions, working a full-time job, or serving as a parent provider for our children, Luis wears many hats. But above all, he proudly wears the title of “Dad”—and to our boys, he is nothing short of a hero,” she said in her nomination, “Being a dad means doing things without any acknowledgement or appreciation of doing your responsibilities,” Vila said. “It’s really great to know that they do care, and they do appreciate everything I do, and to be able to convey that to me in such heartfelt words, it’s really amazing.”
Zach Karsten, Joey Coms and Dave Karsten pose for a picture at Ace Hardware.
The best dads got the best gifts Vila awarded the grand prize package that included his first choice from three items gifted from Karsten’s Ace Hardware. He chose the DeWalt Atomic Compact Series 20V Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Kit valued at $329, and many other local businesses added to the haul: • 1 year of free internet from Orbitel ($1079.40 value) • Free massage from Trend Salon from 911 Air ($127.50 value) • One year of Felix Family Protection HVAC plan from Felix Appliance Heating and Air ( $99 value) • $200 off a mattress purchase from Copa Mattress & Furniture • $500 off roof replacement or repair from Venzor Roofing • $50 gift card to Rili-B’s Taco Shop
InMaricopa.com | July 2025
42
July 2025 | InMaricopa.com
43
Powered by FlippingBook