Friday, December 2, 2016
When the historic location of Farmer’s & Merchant’s (F&M) Bank on Pine Avenue in Long Beach, California was ready to share their holiday spirit, they called upon Kaplan Construction to help them kick off the season. Their challenge – getting an enormous 15 foot Christmas tree weighing more than two hundred pounds into the building’s lobby.
As you can imagine, moving a Christmas tree of this size is not as simple as “strapping it to the top of the ole car and then dragging it through the front door”. Moving this majestic giant called for planning and help – and a lot of it. Which is why F&M Bank CEO and Chairman of the Board Daniel Walker recommended the bank contact Bob Kaplan. F&M Bank’s relationship with Kaplan Construction dates back to 2000 when the general contracting company orchestrated the historic restoration of the circa 1922 Pine Avenue building.
Photo: F&M Bank on Pine Avenue in Long Beach, California
Always willing to help, Kaplan agreed to move the tree on December 2nd. Knowing he would need additional hands – and strong backs – to safely bring the tree inside the building, Kaplan called on volunteers from the California State University Long Beach (CSULB) Rugby team to assist. A former CSULB rugby alumni himself, Kaplan has been a volunteer coach for the university since 1989.
On the big day (no pun intended), Kaplan and his crew assembled scaffolding in order to safely hoist the tree up and over the teller cages while bank staff watched in fascination. His crew and the “Beach” rugby team then carried the behemoth to a display platform located at the center of the banking floor.
“Kaplan Construction is always up for a challenge and helping with small handyman services like this is just one of the things we do to go the extra mile for our clients,” says Kaplan. Over the years, Kaplan Construction has been called upon to help aging clients dispose of their Christmas trees, replace light bulbs on high ceilings, hang holiday lighting and even secure a partially downed tree to protect a house from damage. Kaplan continues, “While not a part of our typical construction services, our relationship with our clients goes far deeper than just a home remodel. We consider our clients family.”
Photo: Kaplan Construction and the CSULB Rugby Team
In lieu of payment for services, Kaplan suggested F&M Bank make a donation in support of CSULB Rugby, which they graciously did -- donating $1,000 to the program.
Be sure to check out the Christmas tree at F&M Bank on 3rd Street and Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach. And if this is the type of personal, caring construction service you want from your general contractor be sure to contact Bob at Kaplan Construction.
Happy holidays!
Happy Holidays from Kaplan Construction!
