One of my closest friends lives in Rancho Bernardo . Four houses down from his place is a home nearing completion. The original house burned down in the Witch Creek fire  less than three months ago. The new one is bigger and better, like the linebacker whose construction company  built it.

Shawne Merriman  is known for — and maybe infamous for! — his "Lights Out" victory dance , which he executes after many of his behind-the-line-of-scrimmage sacks. Some sports fans out there may remember when New England Patriots players mimicked the dance on the Chargers home field after knocking Marty Schottenheimer's  14-2 San Diego team out of last year's playoffs.

Say what you will about Merriman, but even though he was unable to complete the house by his self-imposed deadline of December 25th, 2007, he has built a nice house for this family in lightning-quick time. It may not make it to "Extreme Home Makeover"  level, but it's not a bad effort.

There's a lesson behind Mr. Merriman's efforts. The "What's in it for him?" question can be asked, sans  the arch cynicism of our particular public moment. What's in it for him is the same thing that's in it for any company, who — when faced with disaster — decides that there is an opportunity to do the right thing. In Rancho Bernardo, a lot of folks will remember Mr. Merriman  more for this trick than his sack dance.

Communities are built one decent act at time. I like to think this is what Wells Fargo stands for as a company. Every time I go see a game and I see that logo, I am reminded that I am part of the Wells Fargo community.