Celebrating 30 Years: Bob Jacob, Water Treatment Service Technician

Like any anniversary, celebrating our 30^th year provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our past, contemplate the present and envision the future. One of the best parts of this turns out to be our focus on our most long-standing employees. We’re lucky that some of the state’s best water people joined and have stayed with us for decades.  Today, we continue this employee focus by highlighting water treatment service technician, Bob Jacob.

The Heart of a Veteran

Bob joined Secondwind in 2001, making him the employee with the fourth longest tenure at the company. Over the course of those eighteen years we’ve tended the fires here at work as Bob deployed twice with the reserves.  Prior to working with Secondwind, Bob was full time active duty in the Air Force, serving our country all over the world. This experience gives him the selfless heart of a veteran that comes through each and every day. We are proud of Bob’s military service and the sacrifices he’s made for our country.

Bob’s time in the Air Force provides the ground for his embodiment of its core values of ‘Integrity First’ and ‘Service Before Self.’ An Airman through and through, these values power everything he does.

Service Before Self

As an Air Force core value, service is not about the Air Force institution, it is about an enduring commitment and dedication of the individual Airman to the age-old military virtue of selfless dedication to duty, at all times and in all circumstances. This absolutely applies to Bob’s commitment to his work and team at Secondwind.

One of Bob’s strongest and most respected qualities is his dedication and commitment to those he works with. “I love the guy,” says Steven Savary, Installation Supervisor and Treatment Technician. “In a fraction of a second he’ll jump in and help out.  He’ll completely change his day if you’re in trouble – at work and at home. He’s there for you.”

Laura Hassum is Secondwind’s Customer Service Supervisor, managing a team of three other customer service representatives. She particularly appreciates Bob’s willingness to help the CSR’s whenever possible. “Sometimes we can’t figure out the problem when troubleshooting a system.  Bob helps whenever he can and even jumps on the phone to speak with the customer if he’s here in the office to help.”

Integrity First

Integrity is the willingness to do what is right even when no one else is looking. It is the “moral compass,” the inner voice, the voice of self-control, and the basis for the trust. In the Air Force, integrity is the single most important part of character. It makes Airmen who they are and what they stand for, and is part of their professional reputation.

Bob regularly receives glowing  compliments from our customers. People connect with him because of his integrity,

his happy personality and natural storytelling talent. Customers often share their own stories. “People just trust him and that is invaluable in his role,” says Christine Fletcher, Secondwind’s President.

“Bob doesn’t fluster easily,” comments Secondwind’s Operations Manager, Ernie Gauvin. “His calming personality makes handling any difficult situation look easy! He is always easy going and pleasant.” This steadiness, grounded in integrity, makes Bob a favorite with our customers.

Service Technician Experience And Knowledge

Bob’s eighteen years experience with Secondwind provide him with a depth of knowledge that benefits customers and employees alike. “He has trained so many technicians. He willingly shares his years of experience and passes on wisdom about water systems and people both,” reflects Fletcher. Bob knows all the iterations our different products have been through, which means he can help customers old and new and is there to support our newer technicians when they run into our older systems.

A Good Friend

All of Bob’s peers comment on his kindness, thoughtfulness and willingness to share tales of his fascinating and purposeful life. “Bob is a gentle soul, very peaceful and patient,” says Fletcher.

“I can still remember the first time I met Bob, and the many times riding and working with him.  Bob always, always has a story to share, from his time in the military or his work at Secondwind,” says Christopher Vaughn, Field Operations Manager.

But Ernie Gauvin sums everything you need or want to know about Bob up perfectly: “Working with Bob is like fishing with your best friend! Just fun and easy to do.”

Thank you Bob, for your selfless and heartfelt commitment to country, customers, and your company.  We are grateful beyond words.