Hardware to Hose: Lowe’s Associate Doubles as Firefighter

When Merchandising Service Manager Steve Ramesar first interviewed Bob Hay for a position on the merchandising service team (MST) he said he couldn't wait for the interview to be over. The meeting went so well that he wanted to hurry up and offer Bob the position before his phone rang and another company offered him a job.

"He was so articulate and intelligent. I knew he'd be perfect for the position. I also knew we were forming a new live nursery merchandising service team, and I would need a team lead and that he was my guy," Steve said. "It was a hire for today, but I could see tomorrow as well."

Fast forward to today, Bob is the merchandising service manager at Lowe's #3248 in Norwalk, Connecticut. He's been at the store for just shy of two years, but his career with Lowe's started more than a decade ago. His job at store #709 in Chesapeake, Virginia, was his first post-military service.

"In 1999, I joined the Navy. I was in for 14 years as a sonar technician. I went on five full ship deployments and did a boots-on-ground in Afghanistan," Bob said. "When I came back, I needed to find a new position for myself."

At Lowe's, Bob found his home as a plumbing specialist, hardware manager and now live goods MST team lead. It didn't take his fellow associates long to learn what Steve learned in his initial interview: Bob is driven to do what he can to help people.

"Whether it's helping a teammate with an order or helping a customer load their car, he is a self-starter, and he's going to keep going to achieve whatever needs to be achieved," Steve explained.

That drive to serve others was deeply rooted in Bob from a young age. His great-grandfather was one of the first paid firefighters at the town's station 100 years ago, followed by his grandfather and father. Unsurprisingly, Bob followed suit just one year after graduating high school. Today, when he leaves his job at Lowe's, he heads to the firehouse for his second shift in service of the community.

"My father was a fire captain when I was five years old. I learned that there's a bigger picture out there, and people need help. You may not be able to help them fully, but you can be there to get them through the worst time of their lives," Bob said.

His family's deeply rooted commitment to service still drives him today. This year, Bob has logged more than 900 volunteer hours - one of the most of any field associate at Lowe's.

His commitment to fighting fires doesn't hinder his service to Lowe's customers or his team. Steve said one would think all the volunteering would affect his energy at work, but it doesn't.

"Whether he was up all night at a call or whether he had a good night's rest, he was the same. He might tell you he was tired, but you could never tell," Steve said. "Bob sets a great example because he's always selfless. He never gets upset; he finds solutions to problems. He sets the tone for everybody else."

Though volunteering is draining mentally and physically, the work is rewarding. The opportunity to serve others and the camaraderie he has found - both as a firefighter and at Lowe's - keep him going, even after a big fire keeps him up all night.

"Knowing that I make a difference is an adrenaline boost that some people get from skydiving or other extreme sports. Service is a whole other ballgame that is even more fulfilling; it really is," he said.

According to Bob, service is all about leading by example. He never expects more of others than he does of himself. He says that kind of leadership builds trust and respect. He does everything he can to let his team know he's not just there to manage them; he is a team member, and being part of the team is what it's all about. One thing he hopes his fellow associates learn from his many hours of service is to find the time to give back as well.

"Everybody needs help at some point. Some people need to talk; some people need advice; others need help with a project they're struggling with. You can always spare some time. There's not a day that you don't have an extra 15 or 20 minutes to help out. Even if you're there for an hour, that's an hour of help. Everyone has some spare time, so why not give it back so you can help somebody in need?"

October is First Responders Month. To thank first responders for helping keep communities safe, eligible first responders can now verify to receive a MyLowe's Rewards loyalty program tier status upgrade to Silver Key Status all year long. Silver Key Status holders earn points faster towards MyLowe's Money and receive free standard shipping on eligible items. Active or retired firefighters, EMT/paramedics, police officers, 9-1-1 dispatchers, and active nurses and physicians are eligible. Annual verification is required through ID.me. Exclusions, restrictions, and more terms apply.

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