How can I help with your next not so impossible project?

THIS IS A TRUE STORY:  One sunny Thursday afternoon, I was on a working vacation, walking along Ocean Drive in South Beach with my wife Bonnie and my dog BlueMoon.  Over the roaring surf from the beach I could barely make out the ring of my phone.  On the other end was Amy, a teacher in charge of a small group acting students that were putting on a play.  Amy was in a panic.  Due to a mix-up with their usual supplier, their small custom t-shirt order for the staff and actors had been cancelled and the show was just one week away.

“Dave, I’m desperate,” Amy pleaded. “Can you help us? We need these t-shirts in a week, or the kids will be very disappointed.”

Understanding the gravity of the situation, I reassured her, “Amy, I’ll do everything I can. Send me the design and specifications immediately.”

Within minutes, the design landed in my inbox—a vibrant, intricate pattern that celebrated the show.  I took a deep breath, knowing the task ahead was monumental but not impossible.

First, I called my team, explaining the urgent order and the tight deadline. Everyone understood the importance of the task and was eager to help.  I divided the work: some would make sure the shirts were ordered and sent to the local screen printer.  Another would contact the screen printer to fit our project into their schedule.  I would manage progress and delivery logistics.

My team worked like lightening.  We explained the urgency and requested expedited delivery of blank t-shirts. The screen printer, familiar with our reputation for reliability, agreed to prioritize our order.

By Tuesday, the blank t-shirts arrived to the screen printer, and the job was slotted in the production cycle for Thursday morning.

On Thursday afternoon, I personally drove the boxes to the school.  Amy greeted me with a mix of relief and gratitude. “Dave, I can’t thank you enough. You’ve saved us.”

Seeing the kids and staff wear the shirts with smiles on their faces filled me with immense pride.

How can I help with your next not so impossible project?