tED magazine recently introduced a new column that was created to bring you some positive news in today’s negative world. It’s called “The Good Stuff”, and today we’re highlighting more of the positive news we’ve received from our readers.
In this issue, we’re sharing two stories from City Electric Supply. Our first comes from CES Lawrenceville, N.J.:
CES Lawrenceville Driver Dave Hansson drove an hour to deliver a home standby generator to the Jersey Shore after seasonal storms caused countless power outages. His job was to simply deliver the generator to Professional Electric, a small, two-man crew owned by one of Branch Manager Bill Scannon’s long-time friends and customers, David Carabelli. The thing is, he didn’t just deliver the generator. He decided to stick around and help install the generator — that was eight feet off the ground.
“You don’t see something like that every day,” commented Scannon. “Dave saw these guys could use a set of extra hands, and he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. That’s the sort of attitude you want on your team and the culture you want at your branch.”
The work was more than installing the generator, which was eight feet up because of seasonal flooding issues. The work also consisted of wedging a Bobcat in a tight alleyway to raise the generator onto a small platform. It was a hard task, but Hansson didn’t hesitate for a second.
“This is why we go above and beyond for our customers,” Scannon added. “You don’t hear every day about a driver helping to install a generator. A lot of people say they’ll do whatever it takes, but we really mean it. We’ll stay late; we’ll help longer.”
And it was a team effort — from Operations Manager Dave Donahue, who helped size and quote the correct generator, to Counter/Warehouse Associate Kevin Sullivan, who helped load it up, to Dave Hansson, who delivered and helped install it.
Our second story comes from CES in Hutto, Texas.:
City Electric Supply (CES) Hutto Branch Manager Arthur “Buzz” Carruth is also the Texas program director of Team Focus — a non-profit organization that helps support young men without fathers. CES is proud to share all of the great work Buzz has achieved for the non-profit in the past 18 years, but the pandemic has made it difficult for Buzz and Team Focus to continue the mission.
“All of the fun social activities we usually do have been killed because of COVID,” said Buzz. “I can’t tour to raise money. I can’t host camps.” Annual fundraising banquets and summer camps have been cancelled.
And while the mission has always been important to Buzz, it’s even more personal now after the recent passing of his father
“Most men work with me because they have a father wound — either that their fathers were absent or not available. I’m not that guy,” said Buzz. “I grew up with a dad, and he was a part of my life every day. My dad was dear to me, and he passed away just a few months ago. My heart breaks for these men who didn’t have that, and Team Focus has given me the opportunity to help.”
For this City Electric Supply branch manager in Hutto, Texas, it all happened when Mike Gottfried, a renowned former head football coach and game analyst, visited his church back in 2008 to share the story of how and why he started Team Focus.
“Growing up without a father around and knowing what that feels like, I have a desire to provide a place for young men to come and be encouraged, motivated and challenged,” said Gottfried.
The story and mission of the non-profit struck a chord with Buzz, and he immediately decided to join the cause.
“When he finished talking, I walked straight up to him and said I wanted to help in Austin, Texas,” said Buzz, “and he said — ‘Good. You’re the director.’”
Buzz quickly began impacting the lives of so many young men who needed not only the presence of a father-like figure but also guidance to thrive in life. While setting up summer camps and other events in the area, he met 11-year-old twin boys who were getting into a little trouble in school.
Not only did Buzz help the young men get out of trouble, but he also helped lead them to a prosperous future. They were so touched by Buzz’s help, that they pursued careers in the electrical business because they said they wanted to “be like their Uncle B.”
They’re currently working in the electrical business and continue to keep in touch with Buzz. The twins are only two of many other young boys whose lives have changed for the better with the guidance of Buzz and Team Focus.
Buzz is looking forward to getting back to helping young men like the twins that followed his footsteps into the electrical industry. And everyone at City Electric Supply is beyond proud of what this CES Hutto branch manager has done to impact his community. CES looks forward to all that he will continue to accomplish as a team leader within the CES family and as a mentor to young men in his community.
tED wants to know about your “Good Stuff”. If you work with someone who is helping other people, or a group of co-workers that’s creating better outcomes, we want to know about it.
Please send your “Good Stuff” to Online Editor, Nicky Herron at nherron@naed.org and Editorial & Web Assistant, Marie Jakle at mjakle@naed.org. Send us details, names, and photos if you have them.
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