Legacy of a Grandpa

Helping grandparents connect,
one conversation at a time.

Digital Storyteller. Content Creator. Partner to Modern Brands.

Hi, I’m Rick Cognata!

I’m the creator of Legacy of a Grandpa! I help modern grandparents bridge the generational gap, embrace change, and build deeper connections with their families. Through relatable content, practical strategies, and meaningful conversations, I empower grandparents to understand today’s parenting dynamics, foster stronger bonds with their grandkids, and leave a lasting legacy.

In my full time career, I’m a leadership developer specializing in building strong partnerships and leadership initiatives, I bring a unique perspective that blends wisdom, empathy, and humor. My goal is to help grandparents adapt, connect, and thrive in today’s world-one conversation at a time.

Your Brand In Front of the Right Audience

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Audience Insights

My audience resonates with real life grandparent experiences, challenges and successes in boding with their grandchildren and adult children. They prefer clear, easy to implement strategies on how to improve relationships, staying active in their grandchildren’s lives and building lasting traditions.

Let’s Work Together

Today wasn’t about golf.
It wasn’t about the putting green.
It was about a little boy… his snacks… and the simple joy of just being together.

I brought my grandson out thinking we’d practice a little putting, but he had other priorities, his favorite snacks in hand and a heart full of love.

He didn’t care about technique.
He didn’t care about score.
He just wanted to be where I was.
To him, this was the best kind of day. And to me, it was a moment I’ll never forget.

These are the real wins.
Not the putts. Not the strokes.
But the giggles, the shared snacks, and that look in his eyes that said: “I’m just happy to be here with you. Nonno” ❤️⛳️

#grandpa #grandma #grandparents #parenting #familyfirst #family #grandsons #granddaughters #wisdom #dadlife #momlife #dads #moms #lifelessons #naplesflorida #fathers #mothers #advice #legacy #inlaws #rolemodel #golf @officialfritos

Every time you say,
“When I was your age…”
you risk turning a moment of connection into a monologue.

Your grandchild doesn’t need your past. they need your presence.
They’re not asking for a history lesson…
They’re asking to be seen, heard, and valued right now.

Let their world be the center of the conversation.
Ask about their dreams, their fears, their friendships.
Be curious about them, not consumed with you.

#grandpa #grandma #grandparents #parenting #familyfirst #family #grandsons #granddaughters #wisdom #dadlife #momlife #dads #moms #lifelessons #naplesflorida #fathers #mothers #advice #legacy #inlaws #rolemodel

Our generation messed this one up big time! Let’s be clear: this is not helpful. It’s harmful.
And yes, even if you meant it “out of love.”

Our grandchildren are already swimming in a culture obsessed with appearance. They don’t need more pressure from the people who are supposed to be their safe space.

#grandpa #grandma #grandparents #parenting #familyfirst #family #grandsons #granddaughters #wisdom #dadlife #momlife #dads #moms #lifelessons #naplesflorida #fathers #mothers #advice #legacy #inlaws #rolemodel

Happy Sunday! Pretty proud of my first tomato🙂🍅

#grandpa #grandma #grandparents #parenting #familyfirst #family #grandsons #granddaughters #wisdom #dadlife #momlife #dads #moms #lifelessons #naplesflorida #fathers #mothers #advice #legacy #inlaws #rolemodel #tomato

We all know we are not supposed to have favorites. I think grandparents are more guilty of this than parents. You might have a conversation with your spouse about comparisons, but do your best not to verbalize it to your grandchildren.

#grandpa #grandma #grandparents #parenting #familyfirst #family #grandsons #granddaughters #wisdom #dadlife #momlife #dads #moms #lifelessons #naplesflorida #fathers #mothers #advice #legacy #inlaws #rolemodel

“Are you sure that’s a real career?”
Those eight words may seem harmless, but they echo as doubt, shame, and discouragement.

Today’s world is different.
Success looks different.
Security looks different.
And fulfillment? It doesn’t always wear a suit and clock in at 9 AM.

When we question their career paths, we’re not just doubting their choices, we’re telling them their passions don’t matter. That their vision isn’t valid.

#grandpa #grandma #grandparents #parenting #familyfirst #family #grandsons #granddaughters #wisdom #dadlife #momlife #dads #moms #lifelessons #naplesflorida #fathers #mothers #advice #legacy #inlaws #rolemodel

You know that this has happened to you when you were younger. Maybe they didn’t actually say the words “Go play with the other kids“ but they didn’t give you the time of day or act as though you mattered.

If you felt this, then you know you would never want to do this to your grandchildren yet I see some people doing this, and it breaks my heart.

#grandpa #grandma #grandparents #parenting #familyfirst #family #grandsons #granddaughters #wisdom #dadlife #momlife #dads #moms #lifelessons #naplesflorida #fathers #mothers #advice #legacy #inlaws #rolemodel

That phrase might feel harmless, motivational, even.
But what it really says is:
❌ “You’re not doing enough.”
❌ “You don’t measure up.”

Our grandchildren are growing up in a different world with different challenges, opportunities, and timelines. This isn’t about lowering the bar, it’s about understanding the new landscape and offering support instead of comparison.

They don’t need pressure from us.
They need presence.
They don’t need our stories to be a standard.
They need them to be connection points.

#grandpa #grandma #grandparents #parenting #familyfirst #family #grandsons #granddaughters #wisdom #dadlife #momlife #dads #moms #lifelessons #naplesflorida #fathers #mothers #advice #legacy #inlaws #rolemodel

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Collaborations

The Today show
More Than Grand
Kinsome
Caringgrandparents.com

Testimonials

Rick has been a guiding light on Kinsome’s Grandparent Advisory Council since day one. He brings a welcoming presence that puts everyone at ease and fosters a space where every voice feels valued. Whether he’s offering thoughtful insight or elevating someone else’s perspective, Rick has a gift for coaching others into confidence and meaningful discussion. His contributions don’t just move our conversations forward—they bring us together!

“Your guest blog that you wrote for us is an elegant expression of my beliefs and values of Grandparenting. Grandparents as enhancers as well as partners are a force for good. In addition to the excellent and valuable content in your message I have come to know that you have a good heart as well. Thanks for your contribution to our mission of enhancing the entire family by being the best Grandparents we can possibly be.”

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“Rick connects with his audience in a way few new creators do. His wisdom and encouragement are genuine and relatable, and it’s easy to see why his account has grown so quickly. What’s more, he’s a great collaborator, and I look forward to working with him again in the future!”