The Hero Effect

Keynote speaker encourages Partners in Progress attendees to become everyday heroes to their customers.

“What does a hero look like?” This is a question Partners in Progress Keynote Speaker Kevin Brown asked the audience during his session, “The Hero Effect: Transforming Ordinary People into Extraordinary Heroes.”

“Many define heroes as ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” explains the author of “The Hero Effect” and “Unleashing Your Hero.” “But I don’t think we were ever ordinary in the first place.

"We were all born extraordinary," Brown insists. "As we grow, we just learn to stop believing that. When we were kids, we played games inside of large boxes, creating imaginary worlds. Now we are told to think outside of the box, but the real game is played inside of the box.”

He told the story of his son, Josh, who was told at 5 years old that he was autistic and would have a tough road ahead. Instead of taking the storyline life gave him, he worked hard to earn his high school diploma. A big fan of Disney, his parents took him there for the first time at 9 years old. Since he had a very special diet, they were concerned about food choices. A Disney chef listened to their concerns and though she couldn’t make what he wanted on that first day, she made such a positive impression on Josh that he wanted to return the next day for breakfast. The chef had gone out of her way to buy the special ingredients necessary to make Josh’s favorite breakfast: apple pancakes. Josh and the chef kept in touch. After graduation, Josh and his parents returned to Disney to find out that this chef built an entire special menu for kids like Josh that Disney didn’t have prior to his first visit. In 2016, they served over 1 million kids just like Josh with this special menu — all inspired by this one 9-year-old kid with autism.

“A hero doesn’t have to be about grandiose, life-changing things,” Brown says, encouraging the audience members to think about how they can leave legacies they can be remembered for in their work. “More often than not, a hero is made through small, everyday things and collaboration and innovation.

“Heroes are people who choose not to be ordinary,” Brown adds. “Heroes are the people who solve problems and make life better for the people in front of them every day. In the end, you can never go wrong by doing the right thing.”

Published: May 10, 2024

SMACNews March/April 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

Contractors Beware: Bonuses and Incentive Payments May Create Overtime Headaches

While SMACNA contractors are familiar with the concept of “overtime” — that is, paying employees time and one-half for certain hours worked — few contractors understand how overtime paid pursuant to their collective bargaining agreement (or “CBA”)

Embracing Shared Goals and Prioritizing Mutual Interests

I had the first-hand opportunity to witness the SMACNA/SMART labor management partnership at work.

Finding Happiness at Work

Culture of Respect — formerly BE4ALL (Belonging and Excellence for All) — launched in December 2021.

Government Affairs Update and Honors for Stan Kolbe

The 118th Congress is now over half over and just seven months of activity remains before the election.

How to Attract & Retain Generation Z Workers

Learn what the newest members of the workforce value most in their career choices

HVAC: Managing Risk

Industry expert shares tips on how SMACNA contractors can avoid commercial HVAC contract risks.

Infinitely Memorable

Denver contractor Scherer Metals created a sculpture celebrating aluminum’s unlimited recycling ability for Ball Corp., an aluminum packaging supplier. It sits outside Denver’s Ball Arena.

Infrastructure Bill Update: Seizing Opportunities in 2024

It has been more than two years since Congress passed the bipartisan infrastructure deal (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). As predicted, the $1.2 trillion dollar investment into U.S. infrastructure has been slow to reach actual job sites and

Risk Forward to Become a Better Leader

Keynote speaker teaches performance arts tools contractors can use to improve communication.

SMACNA and Its Members Can Accomplish Great Things By Working Together

SMACNA always has a busy first quarter. We hold many committee meetings, labor relations meetings and educational programs.

SMACNA Speaker Profile: John Murdough

SMACNA educator receives CFMA’s Construction Executive of the Year award. John Murdough received the 2024 Wink Ames Memorial Award for Pioneer in Construction from the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA).

Taking Flight

Brandt shares its work on American Airlines new catering facility at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Technically Tailored, Creatively Executed

Skyline Heating and Cooling deployed a stealth team to problem-solve a complex, expansive residential project in Castle Pines, Colorado.

The Future is NOW

Partners in Progress Conference brings SMACNA and SMART members together to improve businesses and drive future growth.

The Hero Effect

Keynote speaker encourages Partners in Progress attendees to become everyday heroes to their customers.

The Partners in Progress Leadership Forum

Industry leaders share meaningful insights into current industry challenges and priorities.

The Technology Evolution

MEP Innovation Conference drives collaboration to help solve the industry’s challenges.

Welcome New SMACNA Members

New SMACNA Members