As summer winds down and the school year kicks into gear, the June family is riding the wave of transition with full hearts and full calendars. It’s been a season of sunshine, surf, and stage lights—with a fair amount of work mixed in, naturally—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Spotlight Moments & Summer Fun
All three girls had a blast at summer camp, soaking up every minute of pool time, beach days, and various activities. Leland headlined the show as Willy Wonka in her summer play, while McKinley played a key role alongside her. Their love for the arts continues to grow, with both Leland and McKinley diving into advanced arts programs at school this fall.
Through it all, sleepovers and spontaneous giggles filled our home. Sara and I are still adjusting to the revolving door of friends and overnight guests—and learning to “let go” a bit as the girls venture off for sleepovers at their friends’ houses. It’s a beautiful kind of chaos, and we’re grateful for every moment.
Back to School, Back to Soccer
With school back in session, we’ve officially entered soccer mode. I’ve stepped into the assistant coach role for all three girls (ages 6, 9, and 10), which—let’s be honest—feels a lot like head coaching most days. While it’s more than I bargained for, I wouldn’t trade it. Helping the team grow, getting to spend quality time with my girls, and supporting the head coach has been a rewarding way to stay connected and give back.
Sara’s Classroom Connection
Sarah’s been busy too, working what amounts to nearly full-time as a substitute teacher and paraeducator in the Cajon Valley School District. She’s covering grades K–8 and loving the chance to meet new people and explore fresh opportunities. It’s a great fit for her energy and heart.
Back Surgery: Recovery & Resilience
On a personal note, I underwent yet another back surgery mid-summer to fuse my L5-S1 vertebrae. The good news? I gained a little height. The not-so-good? Recovery was tougher and more painful than I expected (I guess I’m not 30 anymore!). But I’m healing steadily and aiming to be back on the volleyball court by October or November. Huge thanks to everyone who reached out with support—it meant the world.
Work & What’s Next
At Mobile Edge, as VP of Marketing & Sales, I’ve been focused recently on promotional products for the education market, bookstores, and corporate resellers. Custom imprints are making a big splash—perfect for employee recognition and client appreciation as we head into fall.
On the Barrel O’Monkeyz front, we continue to thrive as a boutique agency, working closely with a select group of clients. We’re not trying to take over the world—just helping our partners tell their stories and grow their brands with care and creativity. Lately, we’ve seen growing interest in what I call fractional CMO services, where we step in with executive-level marketing strategy and business planning support, supplemented by the BOM team as/if needed. It’s a great way to offer high-impact guidance without the full-time overhead and to connect clients with the tactical support they need when they need it.
Stay Connected
We love hearing from our Barrel O’Monkeyz family—new faces and longtime friends alike. Drop us a line, let us know how you’re doing, and if you ever need support, know that we’re here. Contact Us Today
Here’s to a strong start to fall and the adventures ahead!
Warmly,
Paul,
King Monkey
