LISTEN to this story in our podcast, told by The Good News Guru (the GNN Founder) on Friday’s radio broadcast with Ellen K on KOST-103.5 — Or, READ the story below… (Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes – or for Androids, on Podbean)
The Jimmy John’s delivery driver who went above and beyond the call of duty to help a fellow veteran in need has been rewarded for his kindness by the restaurant chain’s CEO whom he’s never met.
Jimmy John Liautaud, the founder of the sandwich empire, flew from Chicago to Columbus, Nebraska, so he could personally deliver a thank-you gift to Zach Hillmer after a wrong number—dialed out of desperation—became the perfectly right number.
Hillmer made international headlines last week after a woman accidentally dialed Jimmy John’s in a frantic attempt to call her brother’s case worker. Not knowing she had dialed the sandwich restaurant, the desperate woman went on to say that her brother was very sick and couldn’t afford an ambulance or taxi. Without hesitating, Hillmer volunteered to bring the ailing veteran to the hospital.
After being successfully treated for his ailments, his sister made a Facebook post praising Hillmer for his compassion during their time of need. As the story was picked up by news outlets in the aftermath of the incident, Hillmer mentioned that he drives a 27-year-old Chevrolet Cavalier in need of repairs.
CHECK OUT: Dad Confronts Bully by Treating Him Like a Son – Now the Homeless Boy Has Money and Friendship
As a means of rewarding Hillmer for his good deed, Liautaud presented the 38-year-old employee with a brand new Ford Escape.
The new automobile was decorated with Jimmy John’s decals, which Hillmer was free to remove, but the delighted driver says he’ll definitely be keeping them on.
“I don’t even have the words to say really,” Hillmer told the Columbus Telegram. “It was an amazing thing when Jimmy called and told me what he was going to do. It’s pretty emotional for me—I’ve only ever seen pictures of him, interviews on TV.”
LOOK: Guy Hitchhikes for the First Time Only to Get a Ride From Chris Hemsworth in a Helicopter
It hasn’t only been emotional for Hillmer. Employees at the company’s corporate headquarters say they’ve been moved almost to tears from all the phone calls from veterans across the country praising Zach and his manager, Jason Voss, for making that very special delivery.
Thank you Zach Hillmer and the Columbus, NE JJ team for going above and beyond the job description. Always putting others first, helping each other out, that's what America is all about. Today is about you. We're lucky to have you on the JJ team. Thank you & God bless! pic.twitter.com/DxUxoohoiY
— Jimmy John's (@jimmyjohns) October 27, 2018
Deliver This Inspirational Story To Your Friends By Sharing It To Social Media – Photo by Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John Liautaud is a terrible person who trophy hunts endangered animals. Why did you have to make him the center of the story, instead of the delivery driver? You could have told this story just fine without mentioning Mr Liautaud’s name.
Yes, we have learned from all 587,000 of our Facebook fans about his trophy hunting. But this was a followup to the original story which didn’t mention the CEO. Since the man gave him a car, we had to say who he was.
You made the right call! I believe that all good deeds should be appreciated and acknowledged. Linda
Thank you, Linda!