Bo’s Story

Bo Petterson didn’t set out to become “The Internet’s dad.” In fact, he almost didn’t post at all.

Now a longtime friend of Carhartt and a trusted voice to millions, Bo has built a following by sharing practical advice, from DIY home and car repair to the kind of everyday perspective that helps people stay grounded, productive, and connected to their families. Alongside his daughter Emily, he’s created a space that resonates simply because it’s real.

That journey started after Emily suffered a debilitating brain injury during a college soccer game, eventually disrupting her career in social media. As she worked through a long period of depression and searched for renewed purpose, she encouraged her dad to start sharing his advice online.

“I said, no thanks. I'm not interested in putting myself out there,” Bo said. “I'm kind of a shy guy when you get right down to it.”

But Emily persisted and eventually convinced him to show up the same way he always had for his own kids.

After his first post went viral, the two quickly built a following across TikTok, Instagram, and beyond, earning Bo a reputation as “The Internet’s dad.” For him, though, the approach hasn’t changed.

“It’s really no different than what I do with my own kids,” Bo said. “They call when they’ve got a problem they don’t know how to solve, or they’re worried about something at home or at work. I just try to give them my best advice.”

That authenticity has resonated with people around the world looking for encouragement and a more positive, productive corner of the internet. For Bo, the connection goes both ways.

“It’s very rewarding, very fulfilling, and honestly very emotional,” he said. “You feel connected to these people.”

Even with a community of more than 5 million followers, Bo still makes time to respond directly whenever he can.

“I try to write back to as many people as possible,” he said, “point them in the right direction and give them encouragement.”

Between a full-time job, creating content with Emily, and tackling projects around the house, free time can be hard to come by. Still, Bo emphasizes the importance of slowing down for the people who matter most.

 “You never want to be so busy as a dad that you can’t stop to hug your kids, your wife, or your grandkids,” he said. “Life shouldn’t get so hectic that you don’t have time to listen to a story.”

While many now look to Bo for guidance, he points to his own father as the example that shaped him.

“The main thing I learned from my dad wasn’t what he said, it was how he lived,” Bo said. “His work ethic. The way he treated our neighbors. The way he treated my mom. He was honest as the day is long. Those are the values I grew up watching, and the same ones I tried to pass along to my kids.”

That mindset carries through everything Bo shares, from tackling home repairs to navigating life’s bigger challenges. It all starts the same way, by taking the first step.

“Even if you fail, even if it doesn’t go together right and you have to start over, at least you got the ball rolling,” he said.

And for Bo, that first step didn’t just start a project, it built a connection with millions of people looking for the same kind of steady, honest advice he’s been giving his own family for years.

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