My grandfather Aaron, a true American patriot, was born in 1921, in Chicago, Illinois. As the thirteenth and last child of the Hollander family, Aaron grew up in the shadow of the nation’s Great Depression years. Faced with the extreme difficulties of the time, he was forced to leave school at a young age to go to work with his father and older brother in their plumbing trade. Although a difficult task, Aaron recognized that it taught him valuable lessons and values which would stay with him throughout his entire life.As the nation’s economic troubles continued, Aaron took a job with the Federal government’s forestry conservation program. This program was one of several created by the Roosevelt administration for the purpose of providing citizens with a job and a paycheck during the severe economic struggles of the time. The experience reaffirmed Aaron’s patriotism and love for the country, and positioned him for the desire to make an even greater contribution to this land he so loved. That opportunity came for him when the United States entered World War 2, where Aaron decided to enlist in the Navy, where he served as a member of the 102nd Construction Battalion.He was deployed in the South Pacific, to the Philippine Islands, where he and his group were engaged in the building of a crucially needed submarine base. Construction of the base proceeded under great difficulty, as they lacked adequate personnel, materials and equipment. For their extraordinary efforts, Aaron and his battalion later received a personal commendation from Navy Rear Admiral James Fife. Aaron served his country honorably through the end of the war.Upon his discharge from the Navy, Aaron returned to his home town, where he re-started his family plumbing business. He enjoyed many successful years in his trade, up to his retirement at age 64.My grandfather’s fascinating life story has served as an inspiration for my own life. His strong work ethic, integrity, responsibility, dedication, critical thinking, and problem-solving have all been passed down to me. I am truly grateful to have a family connection to such a great man. I am Gome, a fourth-generation construction and handiwork professional, and I’m honored to continue my grandfather’s heritage and legacy through my family business.When you trust Hollander Group with your home improvement needs, you can be assured that my grandfather’s values, his dedication, his love for his profession, and for his clients, will be built into your job, as well. That is my promise to you.