When a site manager came to the help of a newly moved-in couple on one of his developments, little did he know that the kind gesture would go viral on social media!
Will Rudd, site manager at Persimmon Homes North West’s Ellesmere Park in Ellesmere Port, built a makeshift sofa for customers Hayleigh Brown and partner Keith Wardley when delivery of their new sofa was delayed.
“I saw Hayleigh in her garden and asked how she and her partner were doing during the lockdown. She said that because of the Covid-19 crisis they were having to sit on the floor in their new home, because the sofa they had ordered couldn’t be delivered for 20 weeks!
“As first-time buyers I really felt for them, so after checking with my construction director I made them a makeshift sofa using some stud work timber and ply board – and a good sand down to prevent splinters.”
Hayleigh takes up the story: “It was less than 12 hours since I’d told Will about our sofa delay and I was on a conference call for work when I looked out the window to see a forklift coming down the road with a sofa on it!”
What happened next took them all by surprise.
Will posted on LinkedIn a picture of the couple and their two dogs Chip and Sox sitting on the DIY sofa with the caption: “When we saw that one of our newly moved in customers were sitting on the floor due to their new sofa being on a 20 week delay we weren’t having that! Hand me my tools #lovewhatyoudo”
The post initially attracted a wave a love from the construction and housebuilding industry, but quickly spread far and wide. At last count it had received more than 250,000 views, more than 4,000 reactions and upwards of 250 comments!
Tony Higson, of ACS Stainless Steel Fixings, said ‘An amazing example of genuine customer service’; Debbie Gittins of Bellway Homes said ‘That’s such a nice thing to do’, while Leighton Clare of Countryside said ‘Well done Will, very commendable’.
But best of all, thanks to Gemma Schofield of Kerry Jane Interiors seeing the couple’s plight, the company loaned them a plush new sofa until theirs arrives.
Hayleigh and Keith are delighted with not only their temporary sofa, but also the ‘above and beyond’ service they received from Will.
Hayleigh said: “Every step of the way, Will has given me confidence in him and in Persimmon. He’s so helpful and supportive and has been absolutely brilliant.”
And she rounded off a social media post of her, Keith and the dogs with the caption: “I couldn’t recommend Persimmon highly enough. They have been outstanding every step and so supportive even after you move in. Will Rudd has been amazing. Very happy with my #persimmonhome ”
Modest Will, however, is simply thrilled that his customers are happy, and all the ‘virtual’ goodwill the lockdown has inspired: “It’s unreal what a small gesture can achieve,” he said.
His makeshift sofa meanwhile is providing outdoor seating on the decking area in Hayley and Keith’s garden!