GTB’s 2024 Summer Hiatus runs from June 28 to August 9. We used to call this our summer break or summer vacation, but as the kids really are more than alright, and wicked smart in their terminology, we’ve started calling this what it truly is: a pause in our process.
Why do we pause? Simple: it’s hot out there! Pausing operations during North Carolina’s intense summer heat and humidity is one of our most important safety measures. We run a single crew and there is no option for staggered downtimes. After several summers of someone, usually Jake, ending up in the hospital for heat-related emergencies, we decided that our physical and mental health had to take priority over profit.
The short of it is that working intensely in the heat, even when well hydrated, can quickly lead to cognitive dysfunction. Not a good pairing with high risk activities like running a chainsaw or climbing a tree. As the Associated Press News reported recently in their article How Does Heat Kill?, extreme heat also overworks your heart, can lead to organ failure, and even to death.
Given this, in addition to our summer hiatus, we also limit the length of our work days during extreme heat, or even reschedule, as we would for heavy rain or other inclimate weather. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s heat and air index forecast is a great tool for tracking this aspect of weather.
Why else do we pause? Because we value the gift of time. Time to sit down and patch our bones. Time to reflect. Time to dream. Time to go fishing with the kids and mellow slow. Time to be.
May you each find respite this summer. And may we all return renewed, refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to keep on keeping on.
Love,
Jake Pressley & Jennifer Socey
GTB Co-Owners
