Giving back reaps self-gratifying reward

By BOB ‘hot rod’ ROHR

contributing writer

There comes a time when we all consider how we can give back, or pay forward, some of the experience and knowledge we gain over the course of our careers.

A great first step would be to donate some time and energy to a school. If you have children in grade school this is an excellent format for sharing your knowledge and experience in a very willing setting. Young minds are like sponges; kids love to hear interesting stories and share ideas. I remember taking a bucket full of copper fittings and short pieces of copper tube to my son’s classroom so that the 2nd graders could “build” their initials. Bonus: Even if they roll their eyes, your kids really dig it when you come to their classes. Just come prepared with a fun activity.

I’ve been a bit nervous in front of crowds, but grade schools are an excellent place to make your first steps in the public speaking arena. The heckling potential is low to non existent and I guarantee you will have some great laughs over the comments and ideas.

Cub and Boy or Girl Scouting would be the next natural progression in the evolution with your children. There are plenty of fun and exciting projects that scouting can present to you and your family. Camping is a low cost way to see, learn and give back. A lot of what you know as a technician is applicable in a back-country setting.  

It’s easy to notch up the school classroom options -- all the way to the college level. In fact, students are always anxious to hear what lies ahead for them when they graduate. Green and alternative energy topics are very welcomed these days. If you have a way to present a small solar demo, for example, you will have a lot of attendees.

My sister is involved with a group called Intermountain Therapy Animals. She hauls her basset hounds across the state of Utah to spend time with folks in hospitals, nursing homes and other people in need of company. If you are a dog lover consider volunteering with a group like this.

Motorcycles turn you on? Every weekend presents a charity ride in my neck of the woods. Wear the company colors and write a hefty check for the associated charity.  You also can offer some mechanical tips and tricks to the less-mechanically inclined members of your group.

Trade associations are always searching for hands-on folks, contractors, installers and service technicians to provide educational opportunities for their members. Stay in touch with the planners at associations and let them know that you have a story to share or a demonstration that may be of service to the group.

Over the years I have been involved in a number of Habitat for Humanity projects. Currently, I am involved with a local home that is being planned and executed by college students from the Hammons School of Architecture from Drury University. They hope to be the first leeds Platinum Habitat project in Missouri and possibly the nation. This has been a fun project. On any given day, you’ll find kids of all ages -- from grade schoolers to retirees -- working on the homes in the subdivision. I get a kick out of seeing a soft-handed engineering student swinging a hammer. This kind of “real world” experience is going to have a powerful, positive impact on his career.  Generous manufacturers Watts Radiant, Caleffi, Heat Transfer products, Crete-Heat and Electro MN have stepped up to donate and be part of this unique project.  Contact reps and dealers you do business with to help you with a project from time to time.

There are a lot of wins in a project like this. You get to work with, and influence, young and old students and volunteers, and help shape their career options. This project has been built by a local college architectural class. I know some of the students will pursue job opportunities; I hope some look into an alternative energy career or any mechanical trade. I also believe the generous young people who have helped with this Habitat project will be lifetime do-gooders.

Next up for me...a radiantly heated, solar assisted animal shelter for the Southwest Missouri Humane Society.

What about you and your company? Ready to give back and pay it forward? Money is terrific but you also can give time, energy and your priceless knowledge.                   

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been knee-deep in plumbing, heating and solar work since he was a kid. He has learned a lot of simple ways to install, repair and update hydronic systems. Check out his new, downloadable “Cool Tips from Hot Rod” at www.showmeradiant.com.