VISTA, Calif. — Thanksgiving is an opportunity to show gratitude and share with others. In this Zevely Zone, I met the owners of 'The Roof Masters'.
A North County husband and wife feel every family should have a roof over their heads and plenty to eat on Thanksgiving. 200 families in need will enjoy a table full of food this Thanksgiving, thanks to the Vista roofing company, The Roof Masters.
"This started in our garage," said Rudy Verdugo. From humble beginnings, Rudy and his wife Rosa say their company has grown to 120 employees who install 500 roofs a month.
"Living is about giving, it really is and that's been our model," said Rosa. "It's pretty much what God wants you to do he wants you to give right? God gives you help, you got to help others," said Rudy.
Rudy and Rosa grew up poor but now want to share the wealth. This year they are treating their staff to a trip to Hawaii. It's a five-day trip to paradise.
"We are going to Oahu, we are actually going to the Disney Resort Aulani, ha, so the beautiful thing about this is we are taking roofers, we are taking their children, we are taking their spouses and more than half of them have never flown in their lives," said Rosa.
"We are doing the luaus; we are doing we are doing tours." Even if a family has eight kids, they are all welcome. "Yep, they are all coming. It's not a family if you are missing your kids," said Rudy and Rosa.
"They never hesitate to do anything for us, "said Claudia Maciel who calls Rudy and Rosa the best bosses in the world. "I don't think any other company would ever gift you and your family a trip to Hawaii," said Claudia. Rosa told us, "Roofing is hard work, it is hard labor and it's a way for us to show them that thank you for everything that you do for us."
We asked a few employees what they are looking forward to the most.
"Drinking lots of Pina Coladas," said one employee.
"I'm trying to do scuba diving," said an employee.
"Snorkeling with turtles," said one worker.
"Relaxing by the poolside and beach," said another.
As much as this happy story makes you feel like doing a Turkey Trot, we couldn't help but see the spring in another person's step.
"This means a lot," said a recipient of the Turkey Dinner giveaway. Marisela Sanchez was brought to tears by this act of generosity. "This is going to be a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you so much," she said.
"That has been part of our success is growing and giving at the same time," said Rosa. She and Rudy say they'd feel like a couple of turkeys if they pocketed all of the profits.
"It doesn't matter what car you drive or how big your house is," said Rosa. Instead, Thanksgiving is about gigantic servings of a kindness. "Sometimes it's not about the money, it's about the ride in life," said Rudy.
"Aloha!!" yelled The Roof Masters' staff. For more information about The Roof Masters story click here.