Willy’s Works Fireworks and the Heart of the Story by Lisa J. of Words on Tap Writing
Part III
If you have been following along, you have read the inspiring backstory of a man who had nothing, overcame his demons, and shoveled his way to become who he is today. A man, who’s stated purpose was to make people feel good whenever they walked up to his table, into his tent or opened the doors to his store. The story itself is one that many soon will not forget, however, the heart is one that will give you the feels and leave you smiling for days.
As I sat with Willy reminiscing about his life adventure, I was mesmerized by his infectious laugh, his ability to recall the smallest details and his incredible gratitude and optimism. I was drawn in by the stories and the energy he emitted, so not for a second would I have known he suffers from Parkinson’s or that just a couple years ago was in a terrible car accident. He never complained, never made a disparaging comment, but was insistent that I please make sure to mention all of the wonderful people who helped him along in his journey.
You see, Willy’s “Why” aligns exactly with the theme of this three part story – the People. The people who gave him a chance, who guided him, who made him feel useful, and who never gave up on him. Willy’s goal was to bring community and local business together, to make everyone around him feel good and walk away laughing. From what I have been told and what I have witnessed myself, he has accomplished just that, because while he won’t take any credit, he has spent much of his time trying to pay it forward.
You read about the games, the prizes, the firework displays, and the parties Willy would have to show 
customer appreciation, but what you didn’t read was that it ran so much deeper. This is the part of the story that revealed more about Willy than meets the eye, the part that I feel this world lacks at times. In a way only Willy can do, he found ways to inspire those around him, to prove just what his mother used to tell him, “that anything was possible.”
Willy has offered jobs to those who struggled specifically with demons similar to his own, he has talked positive, but real to those he saw potential, with one such talk resulting in a life change for a young man who became and is still an Airforce jet mechanic. He has brought motivational books and audio from the library into his store just to show that help, encouragement and information is there if you look for it. He was creative in his ways, not just for marketing purposes but for the people themselves. He would share a little laugh, a little joke, or even a little knowledge.
He, himself, loves to learn, and gains inspiration from all avenues, including motivational speakers like Jim Rohn. For example, one year, Willy was so fascinated after reading Wonder of America that after special permission, he enlarged the pages of the book and plastered them on the inside of his firework tent. People spent hours reading the unknown facts about our American history. Speaking of fun fact, did you know that Paul Revere was actually captured while evading the British? Also, do you know the young girl’s name who out-road Revere two years later through bad roads, roamed by outlaws to awaken Patriot troops to fight? If you would have been at Willy’s tent that year, you would have.
Willy has inspired through his acts of kindness, humor, and stories like the one that he told me about seeing famous author Jack Canfield in person or what exactly laughteryoga is (it’s a real thing). He has infused hope, and he will never know the impact these small acts have had on many. However, it is truly a testament when you can witness it every day with the kindness of his employees, the gifts and the visits from adults who remember that feel good moment when they were kids 30 years earlier, and the smiles walking out his doors.
The thing about Willy though is that he is humbly unaware of the light he brings and insists that if it weren’t for the good people who surround(ed) him, he would not be here today. While there are many, a few of those people he was adamant I mention in the story, including but certainly not limited to, the employees (old and new) who took care of him and his business when he was sick a few years back, Gards Laundromat, Westphal’s Heating & Cooling, Adam’s Landscaping, Roger Pace, Alex Kutanovski, Midnight Blue Towing, Paul & Claudia Carlson of the Lake County Fairgrounds, NWI Parkinson’s Group, the girlfriends and friends, and family who have stood by his side, and many, many more.
Willy has lived quite a colorful life, and while he has seen success with his firework store, now open year-round, he is well aware of the fact that he could not have done it alone. I was blessed to have met him and honored to have had the opportunity to speak with him. Before I left, he asked me my initials, I of course told him LMJ. He smiled and in response said, Likeable, Multi-talented and Joy, and he stole my heart. Thank you Tim of Hometown Happenings for the introduction, and thank You Willy for giving me a chance to get to know You! You are absolutely right, “Coincidence is God’s Way of Remaining Anonymous.”
If you have a moment, stop by Willy’s Works Fireworks located across from Taco Bell on Main Street, 
Crown Point. They are open for business 10-10 or until the last customer. They also carry CBD products for you or your pet, and if you happen to talk to his son, Ricochet, ask him to rap about it and you will see that passion runs in the family.
While you are there, and you see a smiling gentlemen with an eye patch and a contagious laugh, give him a chance like the one we all deserve. I guarantee (like Willy guarantees his fireworks) he will brighten your day, and maybe even have you memorize weally wacky ways to talk. Also, don’t forget to say Willy Works for your free pack of poppers!
Happy and Safe 4th of July Everyone – We weally hope you weally wuved Willy’s story!!