American Residential Services (ARS) sponsored the April 8, 2016, Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club’s (LPBC) Signature Breakfast, featuring champion golf legend and World Golf Hall of Famer, Lee Trevino.
Established in 2005, the mission of the LPBC is to be a force for good by “bringing together businesses to lift up the community and break down silos,” according to Jeremy Park, LPBC President.
As a charter sponsor of LPBC, ARS demonstrates firm belief in the good that communities and businesses can collectively accomplish.
Chris Mellon, ARS CMO and SVP, said, “You probably don’t think about the services we perform, plumbing and HVAC, but if you woke up this morning and your shower wasn’t hot, then all of a sudden our brand becomes very important to you. We take care of what you take for granted. That’s what we do at ARS.”
He continued, “However, who we are is different. We believe our mission is to make a difference in all the communities we serve. Here in Memphis we sponsor over 20 organizations including St. Jude, Habitat for Humanity, LeBonheur and the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, just to name a few.”
Of charitable giving, Trevino said that we should give “not because we have to, but because we want to. You give out of the goodness of your heart.”
For more than 40 years, Trevino has been a dedicated supporter of Memphis-based St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, donating his time, money and fame to bring awareness to the organization. In return, St. Jude unveiled the first-ever Lee Trevino Award, which will be presented each year to someone who “exemplifies a true humanitarian spirit,” said Richard Shadyac, Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude.
Trevino shared the story of being struck by lightning in 1975 in Chicago at the 13th hole. The previous week he had held up his one-iron at the start of a storm proclaiming he wouldn’t leave the green. He would be safe from lightning because “even God can’t hit a one-iron.”
“The next week, He zapped me,” laughed Trevino.
That experience, combined with his humble beginnings, shaped his life and drove his accomplishments, while illustrating the power of persistence, faith, and charity.
“I had a skill. I took advantage of it. I don’t let one day pass where I don’t appreciate it,” he reflected.
Trevino, now 77, said he hits the ground running every morning.
“We can all take inspiration from Trevino and LPBC in our personal, professional and charitable contributions,” said Jim McMahon, ARS CFO. “ARS isn’t simply in business for itself. We exist to serve our customers and our communities. We are dedicated to doing the right thing.”
