Precision with a Purpose: The Man Who Fixes Everything
Excellence lives in those who care
From the book Healing Stories of Hope
“Don't procrastinate.”
— Cola
You may not always see him, but you will always feel his impact. His name is Cola, and if there is one word that defines him, it's precision. The first time we truly noticed him was when he came to hang plaques in the office. He didn't just hammer nails—he orchestrated an arrangement with a ruler and an artist's eye.
Born on Long Island to a teacher mother and an electrician father—his hero—Cola learned early that the world is full of things worth fixing. He spent 17 years at Home Depot, learning, building, and giving back—helping construct homes for veterans.
Cola joined Environmental Services at the hospital and eventually transitioned to the Engineering department, where he became our behind-the-scenes guardian. A leaking pipe, a faulty outlet, a cracked ceiling tile—Cola shows up, assesses, repairs, and leaves without fanfare.
His Native American roots—a blend of Cherokee and Choctaw—ground him in values of courage, integrity, and community. Excellence isn't always loud. Cola shows us that precision, pride in craftsmanship, and dependability are quiet superpowers.
Takeaway: Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.
Stories are shared with consent and carefully de-identified. Names, dates, places, and clinical details are changed to protect privacy; some stories are composites.
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