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Jimmy John Liautaud, founder of Jimmy John's, went to Columbus on Saturday to introduce delivery driver Zach Hillmer with a new car.
The visit came after The Columbus Telegram on Tuesday published an article on Hillmer that allegedly led Greg Holeman, a Columbus resident and veteran, to the hospital after his sister Lisa Nagengast called the restaurant by mistake. The story then became viral and was later reported by various state and national news outlets.
On Friday, Liautaud called the store and spoke with Hillmer on the phone. During their conversation, Liautaud learned that the car that Hillmer owned and drove for his deliveries was a 1991 Chevy Cavalier equipped with a radio and a broken radiator.
It was at this point that Liautaud told Hillmer that he was going to personally offer him a brand new Ford Escape as a thank you.
"That's what it's all about, that's what built America," Liautaud said of Hillmer's story: "It's about helping each other, helping each other to win. are we all a team, right? "It's beautiful, just beautiful.
Liautaud flew up to the Columbus Municipal Airport from Champaign, in Illinois, to present the car to Hillmer in front of a crowd made up of other employees of his shop.
"I was very surprised when he called. I've only seen pictures of him, TV interviews, things like that, "said Hillmer about Liautaud," so it's really cool to be able to meet him, I do not want to see him. " would never have thought that would happen. "
The delivery man said he greatly appreciated Liautaud's gift.
"I do not even have the words to really say, it was an amazing thing when Jimmy called me and told me what he was going to do," he said. Hillmer. "It's very moving for me."
Sam Nixon, a partner with Columbus's Jimmy John's, said the store was receiving calls all week from local veterans to pay tribute to the store and Hillmer.
"I see the different area codes and immediately goose bumps begin to rise on the back of the neck. And hearing what they have to say is incredible, "said Sam Nixon.
Jan Nixon, another Columbus franchisee, said Liautaud's visit to the store was the biggest event in their history since opening in Columbus in 2009. She was delighted that Zach had bought a new car.
"I was crying because I'm so happy for Zach. This car is beautiful and it deserves it so much, "said Jan Nixon.
After the meeting, Liautaud returned to the airport. And as for Hillmer, he said he would "continue driving for Jimmy John's and see what would follow".
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