24/03/2023
One week ago today the fititout team got the call to carry out our final project and it was the one none of us ever wanted to have to do.
This was a mammoth project, the likes of which none of us had encountered before.
The customer was a force of nature, uncompromising, unyielding and demanded nothing less than perfection.
Such was the scale of the project that both past and present members of the fititout team came together, lead by the newly appointed temporary boss - Jason Mc Dermott and his right hand man Damian Leonard.
Although the project had been on the cards for quite awhile the start date came swiftly and without warning. That didn’t deter Jason and Damian or the rest of the team who sprang into action at a moments notice and worked quietly and tirelessly for 4 days and nights.
The scale of the undertaking meant that many, many subcontractors were needed to help complete the project from catering, cleaning, traffic management, heavy lifting, entertainment, decor, labouring duties etc. We also had a huge supply chain on this job who supplied us with food, drink, burcos, flowers, marquees, tables, chairs, photos, jackets, to name a few. Both subbies and suppliers showed up in their droves to help without being asked and with no need for thanks. The contribution of the suppliers and subcontractors made the job run so smoothly and allowed the key stakeholders to focus on the most important thing - the client.
Focus on him we did - for 3 straight days and nights he was never left alone. He had great friends and family with him to laugh, cry, tell stories and slag him to the high heavens just as he wanted. But at all times we were conscious of the fact that he was the most important client we would ever work for and we couldn’t let him down.
The project culminated on day 4 - Monday the 20th of March and the finishing team lead by Lisa carried out their part. She picked prayers, readings, gifts and songs and enlisted the help of even more subcontractors to carry out her vision which they did perfectly. It was of paramount importance to Jason and Lisa that the project was unique and reflected the personality of the client.
The town stood still to view the project and pay respect to the client.
The project was closed out with a few words by the client’s 10 year old nephew who made everyone present laugh and cry in equal measure before friends and family came together to help Jason and the team close out the project in style by filling in the client’s final resting place shovel by shovel, a moving sight to all that were present.
With the project handed over the client had arranged for refreshments and a great time was had to celebrate our final project and especially to celebrate the best and most important client we ever had the privilege to work for.
James, we hope we did you proud.
We love you and will miss you forever.
Lisa, Jason, Damian and the fititout team 💜
