A homeowner in Dayton watched me point a chimney for an hour and then asked if he could try a few tucks himself.
He got the mix too wet at first, but after showing him the 'butter' consistency, he laid three perfect joints and said it was the most satisfying thing he'd done all year, which made a long day feel a bit better.
Oh man, that's the best feeling. I had a guy once who was just fascinated watching me repoint his old garden wall. Letting him mix a small batch and try a few lines with the trowel totally changed his whole attitude. He went from just being a client to really understanding the work, and he still sends me a picture every year saying it's holding up great. Those little moments make the job worth it.
Wait, he still sends you a yearly photo? That's wild dedication. Most clients forget my name the second I drive away. You got him to actually care about mortar for years, that's next level. That's not just a happy client, you made a brickwork fan for life.