There’s a metaphor about buffalo and cows that says both species can sense when a storm is coming. A cow’s instinct is to run in the opposite direction of the storm. Buffalo, however, run directly at it.
When running away from the storm, cows eventually tire, which allows the severe weather to catch up with them. Regardless, they keep moving in that same direction, prolonging their length of suffering. Buffalo meet the challenge head-on and run directly toward and through the commotion, and as such, they exit the turmoil much faster.
I don’t need to spell out what animal I relate those in this industry to. Disaster recovery is composed of individuals who literally travel headfirst toward storms in an effort to shorten the hardships of entire communities.
SERVICE FOR ALL
In this issue, you’ll learn about a special group of people who embrace this exact philosophy: Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jake Wood. It’s a nationwide organization dedicated to serving before, during and after disasters. Understanding strength in numbers, the herd that makes Team Rubicon has grown over the years to more than 160,000 volunteers. Their mission is always to deploy where needed, with no disaster too big nor too small.
A quote found on their website which reminded me of the mentioned parable says, “We call on the bold, the tenacious, the relentless to look failure in the face and forge ahead, unflinchingly.”
Their mission and the buffalo metaphor apply beyond the direct comparison to charging storms. The courage to take on challenges applies to a lot of things in life, including starting a new business, or selling part of a company to expand on a different career avenue like John Ritter does in this issue’s Powered By column.
MAKING THE TEAM
Another statement on Team Rubicon’s website says, “We are better together, period. And when we play to each other’s strengths, we are a force to be reckoned with.” This is something that I believe rings true of the entire industry.
I’ve heard a few times now in my talks with contractors that they aren’t sure if their business is big enough to feature in the magazine because they have only done a few disaster recovery projects, or that their primary business isn’t disaster-focused and recovery jobs are only done as needed.
No matter the frequency of cleanups or size of your crew, you add to the entire effort and solution, and we want to learn about it. Like Team Rubicon says, “We are better together, period.” So no matter what your role is, please reach out and share it with us.
This industry is built on challenging scenarios, but thanks to all the buffalo charging them head-on, there is always light at the other end of the storm for cities, townships, businesses and homeowners. Enjoy the issue.
