Decades ago, in my first job out of college, I worked for a fire protection company who decided to start a plumbing business as well, for a time. Plumbing is not for the weak of heart.
During one of my three spring seasons in my first job, circa 1994, before leaving to start a family as a young 20 something… there was an annual event called “Christmas in April.” Contractors would find a way to give back to the community, and that’s how we ended up on the “job of the year,” somewhere in Maryland.
It started out in a simple way. A family in a small, one level home, needed some plumbing repairs as their bathrooms and kitchen sink were not working properly. Off we went, in our bright red t-shirts, to happily bless a family with some simple plumbing repairs.
Fast forward 3 hours later.
Houston, we have a problem.
It turned out, the ENTIRE plumbing system all the way to the street needed to be ripped up and replaced. Ripped up and REPLACED.
Our fearless leader and his master plumber assessed the situation within an hour, and the next thing you know…. it was all hands on deck, summoned to the property with a handheld cell phone or something. Everyone: report to such and such property immediately. We are getting this done and we are getting this done, today.
No one asked any questions. It was all hands on deck.
My job, as the office assistant was to run out and buy all the fast food in town to feed the crew. I remember walking into a Taco Bell or something with about three, hundred dollar bills, and waiting an hour or more for the order. I’ll never forget pulling back up to the house with all the food, to a hungry and inspired, eager crew of very young men, one fearless leader, and one master plumber… running the show.
They fixed it.
What’s the charge, asked the elderly and anxious homeowner, at the end of the day, as he watched the water flow through the pipes and toilets, once again, with a smile I will remember for the rest of my life.
No charge, sir.
Merry Christmas in April.