But sometimes we do get involved and one particular project actually brought tears to my eyes. Now I think of plaques in a whole new and rewarding way.
It was my birthday dinner last year. My boyfriend had surprised me with reservations to a restaurant I had been dying to go to. Normally, I try not to talk about work outside of work. Honestly, I am pretty sure he doesn’t listen.
But for some reason, after I finished my customary birthday martini, I felt compelled to tell him a touching “work” story about a custom plaque with the hope that he would listen.
It all started with a phone call- a woman called and told me that she was really interested in the idea of buying a plaque for her mentor. She described him as, “being green before it was trendy”. Basically, he had started a business installing solar panels back in the seventies. He had dedicated himself to the idea of self-sustainability and was clearly a pioneer in the industry. It seemed that he had not only spent his entire career dedicated to making the world a better place but he had clearly inspired this woman with continuing his message.
So over the course of a few weeks we worked together on different layouts, adding pictures, and getting the customized plate just right. In the end, we created a beautiful plaque that was truly unique.
Cut back to dinner last year. I am sitting across from my boyfriend and telling him this story. To my surprise, not only had he been listening but he remarked, “Are those tears?”. To which I sarcastically responded, “No, of course not.” But while my lips were saying “no” my expression clearly said “yes.”
This woman (who was a stranger to me) and I had worked together to create a piece that commemorated this person’s entire career. I was sincerely touched by her passion. Of course, by now, I was choked up so at that point we both started laughing and we moved on to other topics. Still, that moment stayed with me.
I realize now that I am doing more than producing plaques. I am helping someone celebrate a great news moment in their life or the life of some special. And this is special to me, and, on occasion, worthy of a tear.
Do you have a special moment that you want to preserve? My colleagues and I would love to assist you and we offer a free online plaque preview to get you started. Just click the link, below.
What are some great moments in press that you have experienced? Please share below.