White Christmas

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– A Christmas Story written by Mike Spreckelmeier

Robert was dreaming of a white Christmas. He didn’t know his dream would come true and that this year’s white Christmas would change the way he sees the world for the rest of his life.

Robert and his family had little to give or share this Christmas, but they had each other. As early light spilled through their old Florida home on Christmas morning, screams of joy could be heard. It may have only been a couple of small presents under the tree, but true joy and laughter filled their home. After eating a hot oatmeal breakfast, Robert’s family decided to go for a walk on the beach, which was only a few blocks away.

The beach was still and quiet, with very few people to be seen. The anxious family ran in the soft sand towards the water and chased the seagulls to the edge of the waves lapping up on the shoreline. The sky was a bright blue and the clouds looked like large, cotton balls. The water was very cold in the Gulf of Mexico and Robert’s toes stung as he walked along the waters edge. Then, he saw it…. a beautiful olive seashell that appeared to have a life of it’s own, rolling in the light surf.

He had played on the same beach for months before but never before had he seen such a beautiful shell. He was proud of his new found treasure. He ran to show it to his family. It was absolutely beautiful! He placed it in his pocket and continued to run and play with his siblings.

Soon, the beach became more crowded with people. A family that was vacationing from Michigan walked up to them and started talking. Their children had never seen the beach before. Their children were also of similar ages as Robert and his siblings. They enjoyed playing with each other immediately.

Steve was the oldest brother in the family from Michigan. He shared how excited he was to find “real seashells.” In that instant, and beaming with pride, he showed Robert his collection of a few pale and broken shells. As the morning went on, Steve’s family had to leave. As they were leaving, Robert ran up to Steve. He asked him to hold out his hand. Robert pulled out his beautiful Olive shell and gave it to Steve. Everyone stared at this beautiful shell that was stunning, shinny, colorful and perfect. Steve smiled from ear to ear as he received the gift. The families said their goodbyes and they started walking towards their hotel.

As Robert walked back towards his mother, the boy realized that he had a white Christmas indeed. The sand was white as snow, the clouds were bright white against the deep blue sky. As he continued to walk, he couldn’t believe it, but there it was… It was another beautiful Olive shell.

Two in one day? How can that be? Robert put the shell in his pocket and he walked away. When he showed his Mother she said, “I thought you gave that beautiful shell to Steve.” He replied, “I did.” He went on to say, “The shell wasn’t mine to begin with, mom, so I gave it to Steve.” His mother asked, “Where did you get the second shell?” Robert replied, “God gave me that one!”

By Progressive Design/Build|2023-12-15T08:59:57+00:00December 14th, 2016|Categories: Internal News|0 Comments

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It was such a pleasure working with the team at Progressive Design Build on our recent renovation project in Fort Myers. We especially thank Greg Brown for his special attention to detail and the entire team for their excellent “long distance communication” skills. We were thrilled that we could handle everything from our home in Virginia and that our project was completed not only on time, but ahead of schedule! We would highly recommend Progressive Design Build to everyone!

Geoffrey & Magda G., Fort Myers, FL

We were entirely satisfied with everything and everybody. Nice people!

Dr. John A., Fort Myers, FL

We had 2 doors replaced. The project required major changes to the door openings. Michael Spreckelmeier was very easy to work with and he was involved with all phases of the project. The project was completed on time and on budget. We are pleased with the outcome and will use Progressive Design Build in the future.

Jack and Maryanne P., Bonita Springs, FL

Tom and I can’t wait for the “winter season” when we will enjoy the new addition every day! You have been a wonderful team to work with!

Tom & Michale C., Bonita Springs, FL

Both Tom and I would highly recommend Progressive Design Build, Inc. for any job. The quality of the workmanship along with on time completion made it an enjoyable experience.

Tom & Mary D., Captiva Island, FL

Progressive has performed three projects for us over three years — (1) an outdoor kitchen in January 2011; (2) Kitchen remodel and wet bar construction in Fall 2012; and (3) outer wall repair/reconstruction in January 2014. All the projects were very well done — we respect Progressive’s professionalism, dependency and integrity, and would highly recommend them to anyone, and have done so. We worked with another contractor on a project during the last three years — there was no comparison regarding — the experience with Progressive was MUCH better. My impression is that Progressive may not be the cheapest service provider, work is performed on schedule and at the highest quality level. I will happily pay a bit more to receive the quality of the service they provide. I trust Mike and will definitely use him again if a need arises.

Tom and Kathy S., Bonita Springs, FL

Having moved in, we are delighted with the entire renovation and thrilled by the compliments from many new neighbors on how pleasant, courteous and helpful the various contractors had been at all times. Progressive gets five stars from us. Thanks for a job well done.

Bryan & Ann M., Estero, FL

We hired Mike Spreckelmeier at Progressive Design Build to remodel our condo in Bonita Bay. We wanted to completely redo the kitchen as well as eliminate the sliders from the kitchen and family room leading to the lanai. Progressive completed the remodel while we were back at home in Illinois. We were thrilled to return to an outstanding result. Not only was all the furniture back in place, but everything was very clean and neat. We even found a new filter in the air-conditioning unit! Outstanding job, would highly recommend Mike and Progressive.

Dick and Judy G., Bonita Springs, FL

We have used Progressive Design Build twice in three years, both times on home improvement projects including adding walls on different second homes while we were out of state and unable to observe the work. Both times we returned to the projects that were done to perfection, as well as the clean-up. We are now full time Florida residents and are using Progressive again for a much larger project. We would unequivocally recommend Progressive Design Build.

Arthur and Cindy P., Bonita Springs, FL

Progressive has performed three projects for us over the last three years. most recently January 2014. All the projects were very well done — I respect Progressive’s professionalism, dependency, and integrity. I would highly recommend them to anyone, and have done so. I worked with another contractor on a project during the last three years — there was no comparison regarding Progressive’s performance and the performance of the other contractor — the experience with Progressive was MUCH better than the other service provider. My impression is that Progressive may not be the cheapest service provider, but work is performed on schedule and at the highest quality level. I will happily pay a bit more to receive the quality of the service they provide. I trust Mike and will definitely use him again if a need arises.

Tom S., Bonita Springs, FL

Progressive completed a major remodeling project for us on time and on budget. Our project included new bedrooms above our garage, expanding existing bedrooms, expanding our lanai with a new outdoor kitchen, a new roof, upgraded landscaping including a new irrigation system – all coordinated and managed by Progressive. The owner, Michael Spreckelmeier, is a man of his word, communicates extremely well, and will always do what is best for the customer.

Duke and Kathleen D., Bonita Springs, FL

Thank you for all the wonderful things you did to make our job turnout so well. It was such a pleasure to return to our “new home” during the holidays. We weren’t here so you had to make many choices for us. You always did the best thing, not the easiest. The quality of the work was most important to us but the fact that you gave us a time schedule and stuck to it was important. We love everything!

Barbara & Larry W., Bonita Springs, FL

Progressive Design Build did a significant project for us: new kitchen, family room, new ceramic tile throughout the house, moved a wall in a bedroom, new paint in most of our rooms and a total new paint job on the exterior of the house. They covered all the details of the job before we left for the summer. They kept us informed weekly with emails, photos and phone calls when necessary, and finished the job two before we came back in the fall. They did an excellent, outstanding job and the punch list took less than six to complete. I will use them again for our next remodel project. Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!

John and Barb F., Bonita Springs, FL

Progressive Design Build helped us design and build a new family room/kitchen in the summer of 2013. We selected them after extensive bids based on the quality of their vision for the project and sterling recommendations from friends and neighbors. All work was done while we were away for the summer. We could not be more pleased with the results. Not only did Progressive owner Mike Spreckelmeier do a first-rate job managing the flow and costs of the project (which was exactly on-budget), but also the finished product had the shortest punch list of any of the five major renovations we have done on various properties with other builders during the past two decades. And, our home was cleaner when we returned than when we left before construction. We unconditionally recommend Progressive Design Build.

Roy and Patty B., Bonita Springs, FL

Progressive did a room addition, new outdoor grilling kitchen, some plumbing and painting work. Their attention to detail was impeccable. They stayed on task and on their time line. They are very respectful of the client’s property, and very thorough when planning and preparing for the project. They follow up at each stage of the project to ensure all phases are to the client’s satisfaction.

Dave and Noreen T., Bonita Springs, FL

I think during negotiations with Mike Spreckelmeier that he was very honest. This gave me a great sense of trust. I felt I was entrusting my home to a friend!

Linda Z., Fort Myers, FL