Connor Stephanoff, a dedicated pizza delivery driver for Rock Star Pizza in Brownsburg, Ind., has found himself at the center of a viral story highlighting an amazing work ethic and the kindness of strangers.
It all started with his journey through a snowstorm to deliver a pizza for a mere $2 tip. That was when Officer Richard Craig spotted Stephanoff trudging through snowdrifts in nothing but sweats and sneakers. In a video posted to TikTok, Craig marveled at the young man’s determination. “Look at this man. This man walked through hell and high water to deliver a pizza,” Craig said.
When Craig asked if the effort had at least earned Stephanoff a good tip, he was stunned to learn the answer: just $2. Craig responded in disbelief, saying, “Absolutely insane. Do better folks.” Determined to turn the situation around, Craig started a GoFundMe campaign with an initial goal of $500, urging his 160,000 TikTok followers to contribute.
Connor Stephanoff preps a pizza for an order. Photo by WRTV
He praised Stephanoff’s dedication, writing, “I witnessed firsthand, the work ethic, dedication, and determination by this young man while I was on the scene of a crash, during Friday’s snowstorm here in Indiana. He received just a $2 tip — from a home in a very affluent neighborhood.”
Craig’s efforts paid off in a big way. Within days, donations have poured in and has now raised nearly $30,000 for the dedicated worker. Stephanoff, who described himself as “still in disbelief,” expressed his gratitude to those who supported him.
I still don’t believe it’s real, but it is,” Stephanoff said.
Ron Mathews, manager at Rock Star Pizza, was quick to praise Stephanoff’s commitment. “He wasn’t here in the restaurant; he had no idea people were watching him. But he got out, walked it to the house, and came back without any expectations,” Mathews said. He also noted that Stephanoff’s decision to work that day was entirely voluntary. “I told my employees they didn’t have to deliver food that day, but he wanted to work.”
Connor Stephanoff made each delivery during a massive snow storm that hit Indiana recently. Photo by WRTV
Stephanoff’s dedication, he said, stems from his upbringing, which wasn’t always easy. Stephanoff said that he was taken in by Child Protective Services as a child and later lived with other family members. Now, he lives with his grandmother, helping her with bills and household expenses.
“Any condition, anytime, anywhere. You will get your pizza,” Stephanoff said. His boss had this simple message for everyone hearing this story. “Everyone is going through it tough. Everyone has it. It could be you. It could be the delivery driver. But at the end of the day, we’re all people. Just be nice to the next person.”
