08/31/2026
Story time.
(Video of the project in the comments because apparently Facebook won’t let me post photos and video at the same time.)
What we thought would be another whole-house flooring project, including the basement, turned into one of the most memorable jobs we’ve had. Not because of the materials we installed or the work we performed, but because of the homeowner we had the privilege of working for.
Capt. William “Hawk” Albracht.
We started the job like we do any other: walking through the game plan and figuring out where to begin. We decided to tackle the basement first so we could get it put back together and give Bill and his wife a functioning space while we worked through the rest of the house.
As we started bringing materials downstairs, I couldn’t help but notice the walls.
They were covered with framed photographs, shadow boxes filled with medals and awards, book covers, and documentaries. Naturally, I started looking closer.
Photo by photo, I began learning the story of what Bill had experienced in Vietnam at a place called Firebase Kate. Among the medals displayed were three Purple Hearts, three Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, and numerous other medals and ribbons that, as someone who never served in the military, I can’t begin to fully appreciate.
I eventually asked Bill about what I’d seen throughout his home. He’s incredibly proud of his service and was gracious enough to share some of his story with me.
One of the framed pieces was the cover of a book he co-wrote about his firsthand experience. "Abandoned in Hell: The fight for Vietnams Fire Base Kate". I looked it up and discovered there was a copy sitting on the shelf at Books-A-Million five minutes away.
So I went and bought it.
I brought it back and asked Bill if he’d do me the honor of signing it. He lit up and told me it would be his pleasure. I haven’t read it yet, but I will soon. He’s already working on another book about the third time he was wounded during his service.
Over the course of the project, we got to know Bill and his wife beyond simply being our customers. We talked about his career, my career, rugby-a sport near and dear to me, and pretty much anything else that came up.
Somewhere along the way, I realized I hadn’t just gained a customer. I’d made a friend.
As we were nearing the finish line, Bill approached me and asked if I was familiar with the military tradition of the challenge coin. He explained a little about what they represent, then reached out to shake my hand.
When he pulled his hand away, one of his personal challenge coins was sitting in mine.
That moment hit me harder than I expected.
As a business owner, I never expect a tip for work I’m already being paid to do. But that coin means more to me than any monetary tip ever could. To receive that gesture from a man with a lifetime of accomplishments and service behind him, and to know that in some small way, I had earned his respect-was an incredible honor.
Small gesture. Big meaning.
Bill is an inspiring man, and I’m grateful our work gave me the opportunity to cross paths with him. I sincerely hope it’s not the last time.
Bill gave me permission to share a little of his story along with some photos from the project. I’m proud of how the job turned out, but I’ll remember the people and conversations from this one far longer than I’ll remember the flooring.
And finally, a huge thank you to my crew. They put in long hours, handled the bulk of the dirty work, and worked their asses off alongside me to make this project a success. 💪
Some jobs are about more than the work. This was one of them.
