Working on commission can be stressful. Sure, you get a base salary, but more often than not, you rely on hitting your numbers to pay your rent or mortgage and maybe even throw a couple of extra bucks into your savings account or get your kids a new pair of shoes. So when one man gave up his commission to help a needy customer, it warmed a few hearts.
Why a Man Wanted to Help an Elderly Customer in Need
In Season 1 of Undercover Boss, Roto-Rooter president and COO Rick Arquilla went undercover to get to know his employees and see how he could improve the plumbing company from the ground up. One of the five employees he shadowed for the episode was a field technician named Henry.
Arquilla followed Henry to one house call in New Orleans, where an elderly woman had roots growing underneath her house and backing up her pipes. After scoping out the situation, Henry explained the job would be about $1,200.
RELATED: Employee Reveals to Undercover Boss He Lost $240,000 in a Bad Business Deal - What Happens Next Is Unbelievable
The woman looked visibly upset and started talking about how she was undergoing all these expensive medical tests. “I understand,” Henry told her. Separately, he told the cameras that this woman had affected him.
“When you meet people like that, it just does something to you,” he said. “I’m going to do all I can here to make sure she’s okay.”
What One Selfless Employee Did for an Elderly Customer
Henry looked at the woman and told her he would get someone out the next day if she could afford $500 for the repair. Rick looked on in shock, at first wondering why one of his employees would give such a steep discount to a customer. Then it dawned on him.
“Henry works on commission, so he was really taking money out of his own pocket,” Rick explained to the cameras.
After the call, Henry told Rick he had to get going because he had basketball practice. As it turned out, Henry also coached the local kids four nights a week. He and his wife would pick them up and take them to practice, teaching them teamwork and keeping them from getting up to bad things on the street.
“I watched Henry give and give and give all day,” Rick said.
By the end of the episode, Henry had certainly made an impression on Rick. Rick revealed his true identity and sat Henry down for a heart-to-heart conversation.
“You’re the most selfless person I know,” Rick said. “I’m not happy about the way you and your wife have to go back and forth to transport those kids.” He then surprised Henry with the keys to a 15-person van, which the couple could use to get all the kids to practice at once. Henry teared up in gratitude — help for the kids was more than enough for him. But Rick wasn’t done.
The boss then gave Henry a promotion, naming him the new Field Supervisor and giving him a raise. “I’m overwhelmed,” Henry told the cameras. “This is what I love. It’s for the kids. You work hard, you do the right thing, it pays off, I guess.”
How One Boss Proved the Importance of Giving Back
Henry’s story is so touching because he gave back selflessly, trying to do right by his community without expecting anything in return. So when his boss promoted him and donated a van to the kids, it was extra special and heartwarming to watch.
But Henry’s story also highlights how important it is for community members to come together and be there for one another through all of the highs and lows.
RELATED: Undercover Boss Learns Elderly Employee Is Responsible For Her Entire Family - What He Says Next Shocks Her
Offering to drive kids to practice or picking them up when their parents are working late is just one example of helping out. Sacrificing time out of your day or financial earnings to show up for a neighbor in need is another.
Being a better community member can be as simple as opening your doors to the kids in the neighborhood and giving them a safe space to hang out. Or it can mean volunteering your time coaching or at a local organization. However you contribute, the bottom line is that if we all pitch in, our world will become a better place.
KEEP READING:
Undercover Boss Finds the Truth About His Employee’s Past - What He Does Next Brings Her to Tears
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.