For the Hays family, work ethic has always been something learned by example.
Phillip Hays saw it first growing up on a farm, working alongside his father and brothers. Years later, he carried those lessons into construction, sheet metal work and eventually his role as construction coordinator at FMOL Health | St. Francis. Along the way, he passed the same values to his three sons, including his youngest, Luke Hays, who now works at St. Francis as a patient transporter.
“My dad taught me, when you do something, you do it right,” Phillip says. “Yes, I’m picky. My guys didn’t like me at first because I’d make them do things over. But they got to where they think, ‘OK, we’re going to do it right the first time now.’”
That same standard has shaped the way Phillip raised his sons.
“All my kids, they got the same work ethics that I do,” he says. “I instilled that in them, just like my dad instilled that in me.”
Luke sees that influence every day, both as Phillip’s son and as his coworker.
“My dad definitely has a strong work ethic,” Luke says. “You could ask just about anybody in that hospital about my dad and they’d tell you the same thing. He definitely instilled that in me from a young age.”
For Phillip, the greatest reward is not the projects he completes or the buildings he helps improve. It is watching his children grow into successful adults who carry those same values forward.
“I’m proud of all my kids,” he says. “They’re all good.”
Finding a Home at St. Francis
Phillip’s journey to St. Francis began as a contractor.
In 2010, he was working on construction projects at the hospital while employed by another company. Phillip later decided he was ready for a change from constant travel as a contractor, and he joined St. Francis full time in maintenance. Now, he leads in-house projects across the hospital campus.
His goal has always been simple.
“My goal is to minimize the need for external contractors whenever possible to help save the hospital money,” he says. “I try to take on any projects that I know my team can handle.”
Today, Phillip still finds satisfaction in seeing a project through from beginning to end.
“I love what I do, and I love looking at the finished product,” he says. “It’s a good feeling.”
That same sense of purpose and pride is something he has passed down to Luke, who found his own path at St. Francis.
A Stepping Stone Toward the Future
At 19 years old, Luke Hays is already making an impact as a patient transporter.
His role takes him throughout the hospital, helping patients get to scans, procedures and appointments. Along the way, he has discovered what he enjoys most about healthcare.
“I enjoy working with the patients the most,” Luke says. “It’s the relationship that you get to build with the patients while they’re there.”
Luke joined St. Francis shortly after turning 18. What started as an opportunity to gain experience has become a chance to explore future career possibilities.
“It’s a good department to work for because you get to see what kind of goes on in the hospital,” Luke says. “You work with the nurses and kind of get that firsthand experience without actually having to commit to a certain career.”
Those experiences have sparked an interest in radiology and possibly working as a rad tech after finishing his education. No matter what path Luke takes, Phillip said he is proud to see his son thrive in his current role with the hospital
“He loves what he does,” Phillip says. “People love him. He’s got a good personality. He talks to the patients and makes them feel good. He’s good at what he does.”
More Than Coworkers
While father and son work in different departments, sharing the same workplace has created opportunities for connection that both cherish.
Whether it is crossing paths in a hallway, sharing lunch in the cafeteria or grabbing food from a visiting food truck, those moments have become meaningful parts of the workday.
“It’s honestly amazing,” Luke says. “I guess it would be a blessing for anybody to be able to see their dad while they’re working.”
For Phillip, seeing Luke during the day never gets old.
“Sometimes it makes my day just when I see him walking down the hall,” he says. “It’s nice.”
Their time together continues long after the workday ends.
The pair share a passion for trucks and spend many weekends working side by side on Luke’s 1994 GMC Yukon. They attend car shows together and tackle ambitious custom projects that blend Phillip’s experience with Luke’s creativity.
“We’re working on a build right now,” Phillip says. “We’ve been working on it for like three months.”
Luke values those projects for more than the finished product.
“I like being able to come together, using both of our knowledge together,” he says. “He’s good at some stuff and I’m good at other stuff. He helps me and I help him, and we’re just a good team.”
The Importance of Family
Both Phillip and Luke reflect on what family means to them.
For Phillip, family has always been at the center of his life. He speaks proudly about all three of his sons and the paths they have chosen. He looks forward to the rare occasions when everyone can gather together.
“Just seeing all my kids grown and successful, it’s a good feeling,” he says. “It doesn’t make any difference how old they get. I’m there for them. Whatever problems they have, they can talk to me. I’m just trying to be the best dad I can.”
Luke recognizes how fortunate he is to have that kind of relationship.
“My relationship with my dad is great,” he says. “I’m blessed to be able to have as good a relationship with him as I do.”
Working in the same hospital has strengthened that bond even further. For Phillip, seeing his son thrive at St. Francis is a source of pride. For Luke, having his dad nearby is a reminder of the values that continue to guide him.
“I can’t stress what it feels like to have him working at St. Francis,” Phillip says. “It just makes my day to know that I get to see him as much as I do.”
