Industry Professional
Meet the Director of Happiness
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Oct 06, 2020
It is true that a picture is worth a thousand
words. A nice, feel-good story is an
escape from the mundane world of work.
The director of happiness is priceless.
Is this story about security? Well, sort
of. It is a story about someone in the security
industry reaching out and helping fulfill
the needs of another person, Yes, I guess it is
about security in the kindest means possible.
The story goes something like this.
Shane Geringer is the president and CEO
of Security Door Controls (SDC) and over
the course of his life, he and his family developed
a strong friendship with Brandon
Hodges, and his family. Addyson Eva Hodges,
22, has Downs Syndrome. Her life is filled
with loving people, and being stimulated with
social interactions. She is a happy young lady.
“I’ve known this family for the past 25
years,” Geringer said. “Addy is a beautiful
spirit, and brings joy wherever she goes.
When it came time for employment, I felt like
there is something the SDC family could do.”
Let me introduce you to the Director of
Happiness.
Addyson, better known as Addy, is
Hodges oldest child. She is described as full
of life, a bit of a social butterfly and someone
who has a positive outlook on life. When she
had completed her requirements to graduate
from high school, it was time for a job.
Addy would hang out at the Geringer
household, and their son, Wade took a job
as a trainer and exercise coach. They would
ride bikes and exercise, and hang out. A
bond between both families was strengthened
day by day.
As Wade was preparing for college, Addy
was hanging out at the family home. Geringer
had an idea that would add more meaning
to her life. One day as Addy was visiting the
Geringer family, a proposal of work made its
way into the conversation. Addy was hired to
work at Security Door Controls. It was her
first job and a way to share her zest for life.
She was hired to help prepare Christmas
cards, stuff the envelopes and get them ready
for SDC customers. Addy took to the job,
and SDC employees took to her. As Christmas
came and went, Geringer felt as though
Addy could be a more permanent fixture
among the ranks of SDC employees.
Her dad, said in preparation for work,
Addy put on her finest dress and high heels. It
was one of many, of here finest hours in life.
A new cubicle was added to the landscape,
and it became Addy’s. She also was
named Director of Happiness. Part of her
duties: Pass out employee paycheck on a Friday.
Addy brought joy to each employee, as
well as a paycheck, but moreover, she would
stop and talk to employees bringing purpose
and meaning, and of course, happiness.
This article originally appeared in the October 2020 issue of Security Today.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is editor-in-chief of Security Today magazine.