Stepping Up In Times of Need: How Our Hussmann Family Supported Hurricane Ida Relief Efforts

The Panasonic team is united in our dedication to making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. It’s been a part of Panasonic’s 100+ year old legacy that all started with our founder Konosuke Matsushita, who believed in giving back to others through wholehearted services. 

Today, our employees from across the world are encouraged to give back to the causes and charities that mean the most to them - whether it is through volunteerism, fundraising or philanthropic efforts. 

Below, Thomas Miller, Area Services Manager at Hussmann shares about how he was recently able to give back to those in need when Hurricane Ida left friends, family, co-workers and customers within his own Alabama community devastated.

Learn more about Thomas’ story and how members of the Hussmann family stepped up when it mattered most. 

What is it like when you show up to help customers and Hussmann Family members? 

I'm just devastated for their devastation. It's one thing to see it on the news and it’s another thing to live it. We see their homes and properties with, sometimes, severe damage. Two of our coworkers had unlivable conditions in their homes. With the shortage on building materials already due to COVID and the amount of devastation regionwide, getting an adjuster to assess damages has also been challenging. 

How does it feel to endure a natural disaster as a Hussmann Family? 

We have meetings every morning and every afternoon to make sure everyone is safe. On one of our regular conference call, our team member Jay said, “Whatever it takes. Whatever we can do for you.” The whole leadership team, they don't just say it, they really mean it. That's what family is. I've been here 30 years, and most of the reason I'm here is because of the family feel.  

It's become even more of a localized family down here because we're going through this so often and we know what to look for and what to do through every storm. 

How do these experiences shape you as a leader? 

I think of it this way: I've never hired a technician. I've only hired new people into our Family. Otherwise, I’d never get the full picture of who they are. 

We have 40 technicians from Arkansas to Tennessee and Mississippi to Louisiana and they have 40 different struggles today. I may never hear about these struggles, but I understand, as people, they're going through them – and that's how I approach everyone. My daily creed is to stay open minded and take it by the horns when someone needs help. 

There are many stories of compassion, and many stories of stewardship to take away from Ida. Here are just a few: 

Jeff Vidos (Youngsville, LA) - Jeff never missed an hour of working. He traveled several times to Vitalant to connect their generator and then reset it when it failed. He was available at first light and first safety to respond to critical needs. He tirelessly responded to our customers' needs. He also made sure one of our account reps, who has elderly parents living with him, had a generator and supplied him with gas. He drove 2 hours to assist there. 

Jose Garcia (Kenner, LA) – Jose, after tarping his roof to prevent rain from entering his home, devoted the rest of his hours in getting Sam’s Club Houma back up and running even though it was still on generator power. His constant perseverance was highlighted by Sam’s leadership team. 

Charles Bourgeios (Carriere, MS) – Immediately, the day after the storm, Charles gathered up containers of fuel and transported them to our generator-using employees. He did this without a ticket, and without concern of the cost of fuel. Even though he lives in Mississippi, he would load up 12 empty gas cans every morning and take them to our coworkers’ houses. It offered comfort and the ability to keep whenever is in the fridge cold. He wanted to make certain he was helping any way he could. In fact, he also traveled to assist Jose in repairing his roof. 

Learn more about our Panasonic Office Social Impact & Panasonic Foundation  here.