President's Log
Jeff Haggard
Family Time… and Work Family
Recently, our family took our annual getaway. Most years we head to the lake, and while we always enjoy being on the water, that’s really not the reason we go. The real purpose is simply to spend time together.
We plan meals, play games, go boating, tell stories, laugh together, and every year we do some type of family craft. This year we decided to tie-dye beach towels. I’ll admit, it was hot, messy, and at times a little tedious. But as I looked around and listened to everyone laughing, teasing each other, and proudly showing off their colorful towels, I realized once again that the towels weren’t what mattered.
The memories were.
Years from now, our grandchildren probably won’t remember exactly what color their towel was, but they’ll remember spending time with their family. They’ll remember the laughter, the jokes, and simply being together. Those are the moments that last a lifetime.
Family has always been incredibly important to me. I would do just about anything to help my family be successful. When someone needs encouragement, a helping hand, or someone in their corner, I want to be that person. That’s what families do for one another.
As I thought about our vacation, it reminded me of something I often say about H&S.
Many of us spend more waking hours with our coworkers than we do with our own families. For those who have been here a long time, you’ve seen it firsthand. We’ve celebrated weddings, welcomed new babies, watched children grow up, mourned the loss of loved ones, battled illnesses together, and celebrated retirements. We’ve helped each other move, supported one another through difficult times, and shared countless laughs along the way.
That’s what makes H&S special.
Yes, we work hard. Yes, we focus on serving our customers and growing our business. But what truly sets us apart are the relationships we’ve built over the years. The friendships. The willingness to step in and help when someone needs us. The genuine desire to see one another succeed.
Those relationships don’t happen by accident. They’re built one conversation, one act of kindness, one shared challenge, and one shared laugh at a time.
As we continue through another busy season, I encourage each of us to remember that we’re not just working alongside coworkers—we’re building relationships that can last a lifetime. Take a few extra minutes to encourage someone. Offer to help when a teammate is overwhelmed. Celebrate each other’s successes. Those moments matter more than we sometimes realize.
Because whether it’s our family at the lake or our work family here at H&S, it’s never really about the activities.
It’s about the people.
And in the end, the memories we build together will always be the most valuable thing we take with us.