Can you tell when someone is genuine? Can you tell when they really care? Do you think a handful of employees can create a positive impression about the company that they work for? Do you think: When I think about this company, I think about a company that is trying to make a real difference for the people they serve.
A couple of weeks ago along with my wife Rosemary and her mom Mary, I had the privilege of witnessing a live ABC Action News broadcast. I was so consumed with the reason that we were there and the incredible talent of Deanna Marinello along with the support of her brother Miles and dad Victor, that I almost let a very important story slip by. But I didn't, thanks to Deiah Riley, Lissette Campos and Wendy Ryan.
A few days later we watched the ABC Action News special Taking Action Against Domestic Violence, hosted by Deiah, Lissette and Wendy. The grace, dignity and respect in which these three women handled the subject of domestic violence took my breath away. Rosemary had worked with Lissette in the past on behalf of the All Children's Hospital Tampa Guild and I got to meet Lissette that day in the studio. So I sent Lissette a note to tell her how I felt about their program. She mentioned that Joe was also involved. It was at this precise moment when the collective experience of ABC Action News exploded into a rainbow of meaning, understanding and hospitality!
Back to the story that began to unfold in the studio. The anchors that day were Dan Shaffer and Deiah Riley, the meteorologist was Stephanie Roberts, Lissette orchestrated Positively Tampa Bay, the cameraman was Tom Gagnier, the teleprompter was Jude Chaison, their boss Charlie Paul and floor director Joe Papadopoulos. Also in the studio watching the broadcast was a group of kids and their chaperone's from the Canella News Network.
Every single one of the folks from ABC made us feel welcome to be there. In between working the camera, Tom made sure the on air guests had water and was scrambling around for extra chairs. During commercials, Joe would talk to everyone (particularly the kids) and let us know what was going on. This was most impressive as Joe obviously had duties to perform during those commercials. Following the segment, the crew had a quick debriefing meeting amongst themselves and then held a Q & A session led by Charlie for the kids ( it was open to us as well). Dan, Deiah, Joe and Charlie graciously and with patience, fielded questions. The crew was clearly out of time but Charlie fielded one more question from an energetic little guy. Charlie's kind gesture broadcasted volumes about these folks and their culture.
During the course of events that afternoon in the studio, Miles Marinello leaned over to Rosemary and pointed toward floor director Joe. He said, "that guy right there is the star of the show!" I had actually come to the same conclusion on my own. And when Lissette told me how involved Joe was with the Domestive Violence show, it just all made sense.
But that's not all. Linda Hurtado and Jackie Calloway were guest judges for the Tampa Bay's Premier Iron Chef Challenge and I had the good fortune to not only meet them but watch them take care of a few business matters (a news report from the event).
Perhaps it is not fair to on air folks. We can sense that they care and are involved in their stories, but creepy little doubts of, oh they are just acting can whisper into our ears. I know that not only the on air folks but all of the folks I met from WFTS are genuine. I know they care. I know they are hospitable. And now because of them I have a most favorable and respectful opinion of WFTS ABC Action News in Tampa!
Do they make a difference to the people who they serve? They did to Rosemary, Mary, the Marinello's, to me, and they most certainly made a difference to the kids in the studio that day!
WFTS and the Rothacker's are all quite extraordinary people. Although I did not attend the event mentioned above, I have been at the studio on a prior occasion and was met with warmth and a genuine kindness from every single person. It is my children, Deanna and Miles, that Mr. Rothacker reports and they, too, felt and feel comfortable with the crew of WFTS and the Rothackers. When children are comfortable . . . it speaks VOLUMES about a person. My family was privileged enough to meet Jackie Calloway and Linda Hurtado at Rosemary's Iron Chef event. They were fabulously friendly and affectionate toward the cause.
Although the reason we've met everyone is not one I'd wish on anyone, it is ~ in fact ~ a blessing to our family. We enjoy each acquaintance, cherish each friendship, and are eager to have the opportunity to aid All Children's Hospital.
Thank you to you all ~ for absolutely everything!
Posted by: Lyn Marinello | April 29, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Thanks for sharing Lyn! After meeting and corresponding with you I have come to this conclusion: you were there that day in WFTS' studio! Miles and Deanna might as well as have been wearing a big neon sign: we're Lyn's kids.
By the way, I realize that this can be written off to semantics, but Miles and Deanna are not children, (although they always WILL be Mom's children).
From an outsider's perspective, their personal journeys graduated them from the moniker of children a long time ago.
Posted by: dave | April 30, 2009 at 07:42 AM