As we work through a challenging time – each of us focusing on doing all the right things in the face of uncertainty – your extended Clarkson family is thinking of you.
Each evening, we hope to share a story of good things, Good Knights, as a way to remind each of us that, despite the realities of our challenging days, good things are still happening. We will look for short stories highlighting members of the Clarkson community demonstrating the values we all share – integrity, teamwork, humility and a commitment to making the world a better place.
Michael Rainville ID ’84 owns Maple Landmark, a wooden toy, game, gift, and decor manufacturer in Middlebury, VT. When Vermont governor Phil Scott mandated all non-essential businesses closed on March 25, Mike made the difficult decision to layoff all employees, 35 in total, except immediate family.
Along with son and fellow Clarkson alum Adam M&E ’14, son Andrew, and wife Jill, Mike worked beyond his normal activities over the next month and a half, ensuring that the company survived to re-employ the staff. This included returning to the workshop every day, a scene rarely witnessed in more recent times but necessary just the same. As restrictions begin to be lifted, Mike is in the office each Friday, calling back a few more woodworkers the following week.
Do you have a story of a Good Knight? Please be sure to send it to us so we can share it with our Clarkson community at: clarkson.imodules.com/goodknight
