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Business surprising co-worker with home makeover

Posted at 4:49 PM, Aug 28, 2015
and last updated 2015-08-28 16:49:12-04

JENISON, Mich.,--A local concrete company is teaming up to give their co-worker a surprise home makeover.

Friday morning, Kent Companies made their way to a house in Jenison to redo a man's home who has worked for them for 38 years.

The kicker? He doesn't even know.

(If you know him, please help keep this a surprise.)

Kent Companies is giving Herm Kent new landscaping, a deck, shed and driveway while he's on vacation in Kentucky.

"It kind of grew from 'hey, let's replace his driveway,' to 'hey, we're there and we've got the equipment, why don't we do some more,'" said Chris Fennema, a worker at Kent Companies.

Workers plan to finish the project in just one day, and say it's the least they can do for the man who has taught them how to give.

"It's not about pouring concrete everyday, it's about helping other people out," Fennema said.

FOX 17 was told helping others, is something Herm Kent does often.

"He's always that last person to ask for help from anyone, but he's always the first to help someone," said Herm's sister, Marti Johnson.

From volunteering his time to the Michigan home for veterans, to caring for his wife with Alzheimer's, he has little time to fix his home.

Kent Companies tells me the project will cost thousands of dollars, but say it's not about the price, but lending a helping hand.

"As his co-workers and friends, we've seen his struggles and are always looking for ways to help Herm out, as well as anyone in our company," Fennema said.

A deserving brother, husband and dad who will come home Monday to the surprise of his life.

"I know Herm. He’s going to be talking through the tears just saying 'this is so awesome,'" Fennama said.

Herm's family and friends have kept this secret for over two weeks.   If you know Herm please refrain from calling, texting or e-mailing him about this story because it's all a surprise.