Fabricators doing what matters

I smile when I read articles like this.

Kapco Inc., a Wisconsin metal fabricator and stamper, didn’t get noticed nationally because it expanded its metal fabrication capability during the past decade; because it continued to grow throughout the worst of the recession; or because the firm operates debt-free.

But it did get national attention--on NBC’s “Dateline”--when the company’s charity, Hometown Heroes, Family Edition, reached out to the community in a big way. According to the Biz Times, a Milwaukee-area business newspaper, the charity “helped coordinate more than 1,000 volunteers that renovated and expanded the home of a Grafton [Wis.] family. The family is headed by a single mother of three who was diagnosed with breast cancer; two of her children have cerebral palsy.”

Now, please excuse me while I get a tad schmaltzy. My 4-year-old daughter is going through the “why” phase. She’s already an expert in the “five whys.” Actually, she rarely stops at five: Why does red mean stop? Why is the sky blue? Why is there snow? Why do I have to go to bed? Why is it because you said so? Yes, she’s actually said that last one; she’ll probably be a lawyer one day.

The other day she came down with a fever, so I drove her home from preschool early. She took a nap, and I settled down in the home office and returned to writing. An hour later, the door opened and a conversation ensued. Tip: If you ever want to think deeply, try talking to a 4-year-old.

“Daddy, what are you doing?”

“I’m writing, honey.”

“Why?”

“It’s my job.”

“Why?”

“Well, because it makes me happy, and also because it helps us take care of you.”

“Why do you take care of me?”

OK, get ready for the schmaltz.

“Well, because Mommy and I love you. That’s why.”

The Beatles had a point. All you need is love. Well, that and money to pay bills and mortgages and stuff. Regardless, a fabricator that operates efficiently, provides great products and customer service, and takes care of its employees doesn’t usually make headlines. But when a shop like Kapco opens its doors to the community to lend a hand, people take notice. Such altruism showcases what’s really great about this industry, and it may do wonders to help manufacturing’s image problem.

Kapco’s actions show people care, and after so many “why” questions, you find out that it’s the caring that really matters.