North America’s oldest retail worker celebrates big birthday at Home Depot

Video footage captured the heartwarming moment TikToker surprised America’s oldest worker with $1,000 as he revealed the key to a meaningful life.

Popular TikToker Zachery Dereniowskiknown for his viral videos about helping those in need, approached David Frank, a 100-year-old Home Depot employee, who coincidentally pretended to need help purchasing materials – because he seemingly had no idea about his incredible backstory.

The centenarian worker did not hesitate to offer support.

Touched by Frank’s willingness to help, the TikToker revealed his true intentions and rewarded Frank $1,000 for his incredible selfless act of kindness.

He soon learned he was speaking to America’s oldest employee, David Frank, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

When asked about his secret to a long and meaningful life, Frank responded with just six powerful words: “Treat the world like your family,” he said.

Continuing with his simple but inspiring message, Frank added: ‘Be kind to them, be sensible – that’s all.’

Born in Montreal in 1924, Frank has lived through a century of change. He worked in manufacturing during World War II and owned several businesses before finding his calling at Home Depot 23 years ago, as reported in a local news article in Windsor star.

Frank told the store that he enjoys working in retail because he gets to connect with people and help solve their problems – which he demonstrated in the video.

“You meet the customers yourself,” Frank told the Star. ‘You hear their problems and you can help solve them.’

He said that not only can he work, but he also enjoys it.

“It keeps me busy and informed,” Frank said. “The hours are good, the people are good and the checks don’t bounce.”

Store manager Gloria Mattia describes Frank – affectionately known as ‘Davie’ – as an “amazing person” who truly loves people.

“He is a wonderful person,” Mattia told the Star. “He really loves people and I think that’s what has kept him here so long. He loves what he does and he does it because he loves it.

“Not everyone lives to be 100… it’s a huge milestone.”

The store even has an entire aisle dedicated in his honor, called the “David Frank Aisle” or “Davie Frank Lane.”

Earlier this month they celebrated his 100th birthday. Frank was surrounded by friends, family, colleagues and even special guests like Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“It was nice to see something good happen,” Frank said. “I don’t want the attention, but if it’s something good and people feel good about it, then something has to be done.”

Mayor Dilkens called it an ‘honor’ to celebrate Frank’s milestone 100th birthday.

Frank attributes his longevity to good genes. He said most of his relatives lived to be over 100.

“It’s nothing special, it’s just genes,” Frank said. “We’re not putting our lives in danger, you know? We do not tempt the end. And that’s it.’

Despite being 100 years old, Frank shows no signs of slowing down.

‘What would I do? Sit at home and end up with blisters on my bottom?’ he said to the outlet. ‘No way. I would never want to (spend it) that way.

‘I can get around very well and can do a lot of work that many people this age wouldn’t do. I want to stay active.’

The heartwarming TikTok video has since gone viral, with nearly 2 million views and thousands of comments from users in awe of Frank’s incredible spirit and vibrancy.

“Guys 100 and still working?! God bless him,” one user wrote.

‘He’s 100??? He’s more alert and feisty than me!’ another added. “He looks great for 100!”

“I work at the same Home Depot as Davie. He’s a great man. It’s important to note that he doesn’t work because he has to, but because he genuinely enjoys helping people,” chimed in a third user.