Penguin Chopper Puts On Some Miles Throughout
Alabama, Tennessee & Florida

As told by Dryvit Field Service Manager (and Penguin Chopper lover)
David O’Neal

Tuesday, March 24 – The Chopper arrived at Birmingham Children’s Hospital at 10:30am and was set up on the front walk at the main entrance to the hospital.  The hospital staff had sent flyers throughout the hospital to notify patients and families that the Chopper would be there; and we enjoyed a steady stream of people during the next two hours.  It was pretty neat to watch the kids come out. 

The first came rolling his IV stand with him, and one came out in a wagon sporting a neck brace.  He had been stomped by a bull the week before - he was one tough kid.  We challenged the kids to count the penguins they could find on the Chopper, and one little girl concluded there were 17.  I delivered penguin beanie babies the next day to all the kids.  One of the local radio stations picked up on the Chopper’s visit and broadcasted the message to all who was listening.

The next stop for the Chopper was the offices of Dryvit’s Alabama distributor, Masters and Associates.  Personnel could finally see the Chopper they’d been hearing so much about. 

Next on the Alabama road show was CMH Architects.  Allen McCollough and about 15 of his colleagues came out to get a close look.  William Hatcher, one of the principles of the firm, spent about 20 – 30 minutes looking over the Chopper. A few more quick stops at smaller firms around the area rounded out the day.

Wednesday, March 25 – A lunch reception at Simpson Plastering started the day for the Chopper.  It was pouring down rain, but a good Bar-B-Q dinner and conversation with several general contractors made for a good time.  Simpson had arranged a display of Dryvit Premium Products to show off to the visitors.  It was a very successful event.

Thursday, March 26 – The Chopper started its day with a visit to Chuck Lee of Lee Exterior Coatings and some of his customers.  It was then on to Nashville to meet and greet Masters & Associates’ Nashville customers.  Those that came were very enthusiastic and were glad they didn’t miss the Chopper.

Sunday evening, March 29 – Darlene and Dave O’Neal hosted a reception at their house for people from church and the neighborhood so everyone could see the Chopper.  Dave teaches the high school kids in Sunday school, and they were dying to see the bike; the grown-ups were just as excited.  Close to 100 people came by to visit.

Monday, March 30 – The Chopper arrived in Pensacola, FL for a reception at Architectural Concepts, Dryvit’s distributor in the pan handle.  Jerrold Ware-Ehlers and his staff worked very hard to put on a real show.  Over 60 people showed up to gawk including applicators, general contractors and architects.  It was a great event with Premium Product displays and provisions for showing the Chopper DVD. 

Wednesday, April 1 –B.J. Millican, a producer at CBS 42 in Birmingham couldn’t make the reception Sunday evening at the O’Neal’s home.  So, Dave paid a special visit to the station, and B.J. set him up with a reporter and camera crew for an interview.  Once that segment airs, we’ll try to put it up on this site. 

Rounding out the day was a drive-by at Milam Construction.

It is now time to rest.  Great job Dave !!!