Every once in a while, I get a clear reminder of the incredible network of local small businesses it takes to keep mine running. The list is long—ranging from one-person operations to larger teams across multiple locations. But no matter their size, they are all right here in our community and always ready to step up on short notice.
I’ve praised the team at Stetson & Pinkham before for dropping everything to troubleshoot my outboard motor problems, even when they’re up to their ears in work. Then there are the folks you might not immediately think of, like my doctors and their office staff. Beyond keeping me healthy, they handle the endless medical reporting for my commercial driver and Coast Guard passenger licenses, while the local hospital keeps my required drug testing on track. Pam comes to my office every other week to do the bookkeeping. There is nothing to match the feeling of getting an update on my phone that she has done something important to keep it all running and legal.
Yesterday gave me a stark reminder of just how much those relationships matter.
While backing down the Thomaston Boat Launch, the brakes on my 4Runner completely failed. For about 30 seconds, things got a lot more exciting than I wanted! After a little figuring and easing all the wat down to the water I managed to safely launch the boat (and retrieve it at the end of the morning trip), but I was left with a loud brake alarm blaring and a big problem to solve.
I eased my way over to the ferry terminal to meet my afternoon party and deliver the bad news: I couldn't safely tow us to the lake, so I had to cancel our trip at the last minute.
From there, I limped over to Eastern Tire. I was greeted with an immediate "can-do" attitude: "We'll take a look right now, and if it's a simple fix, we'll get you back on the road ASAP. Either way, you can borrow a truck to get your boat home today."
Since my afternoon was already open, I decided to wait for it. Sure enough, they had me fully repaired and back home by late afternoon, completely ready for the this morning's trip.
A massive thank you to Eastern Tire and all the local folks who keep the gears turning behind the scenes!
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