Rocco Lagana received a call asking him to appear in the office of Tom Watson, President of IBM.

When Rocco arrived at the campus that surrounded the headquarters for which he had been doing the landscaping work. He was ushered into Mr. Watson’s empty office. Rocco was concerned that something was wrong with the services his company had been providing for many years. He feared being fired. 

Mr. Watson entered the office, told Rocco to sit down and said, “I asked you here for two reasons. First, Rocco, your company has done an outstanding landscaping job for us for many years.” 

“But more importantly, I wanted to compliment you on your people. They are the most sensitive workers I’ve ever seen.  Whenever any of my people come near your workers, they shut down their equipment and say, “Good morning” or “Hello.” That courtesy means so much to me and my business. I wanted you to know and to thank you personally. I look forward to many more years of your very professional services to us.” 

Rocco and his people continued to service IBM for many years after that meeting. 

Rocco has continued to instill the qualities of quality service and courtesy to his people in all years since then.  It is a Greenway Property Services core value. 

Thomas John Watson Sr. was an American businessman. He served as the chairman and CEO of International Business Machines . He oversaw the company’s growth into an international force from 1914 to 1956.