SERVPRO partners with Habitat to create restoration

by Brenda Palmisano Servpro is a Tennessee based company, operating out of Gallatin, TN with individually owned and operated franchises across the nation. Our local Servpro has been a part of the Bradley County community for more than 10 years, ranking in the top 25 as a Servpro disaster recovery team. Through the years, our local Servpro has grown to include three franchises total in Chattanooga and Cleveland.

In addition to their own restoration and recovery efforts, Servpro holds a national partnership with American Red Cross and also lends support to fire fighters and emergency responders by participating in Mutual Aid.

Servpro has partnered with Habitat for Humanity for over two years, offering maintenance classes for future Habitat homeowners. Through this relationship, Servpro has gone above and beyond to provide knowledge about the hazards that can come with owning a home, such as  fire, mold and water damage.

In partnership with Habitat, Servpro shares a passion for helping people achieve their home ownership dreams, while preparing them to protect their homes by investing resources, time and talent.

Through their many different avenues of outreach, Servpro strives to offer excellent service, fairness and mutual respect with hopes of being the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world.

“We not only restore damaged homes and businesses, we restore people back to their way of life,” said Jeff Gregory, sales and marketing manager for Servpro of Chattnooga and Bradley County.

Sponsor Spotlight: WACKER POLYSILICON North America

by Brenda Palmisano WACKER POLYSILICON North America donated $10,000 in support of the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland ReStores. The gift will be used to purchase a truck that will be used to collect donations from the community that are sold to fulfill Habitat’s mission in Bradley County.

“Habitat for Humanity works in many ways to support families in this community who are in need of a place to call home,” said Mary Beth Hudson, vice president and site manager of WACKER POLYSILICON North America. “We are proud to support the great work they do in Bradley County, and look forward to future opportunities to grow our partnership.”

The ReStore accepts gently-used donations in sellable condition and then sells them at up to 80% below retail value. The profits from the ReStores allow Habitat to fulfill the mission of building homes in Bradley County.

“We are so grateful and excited to partner with WACKER POLYSILICON,” said Chip Willis, Habitat for Humanity executive director. “Our current donation pick-up truck has over 225,000 miles on it, so this gift to purchase a truck was very much needed. Without a reliable truck, we cannot keep enough inventory in our stores to support the Habitat of Cleveland mission.”

Whirlpool donation of brand new appliances just for you!

by Brenda Palmisano The Restores have received a generous donation from Whirpool Corporation in Cleveland! Both ReStores have been supplied with over four hundred fully equipped electric stoves. The ReStores have double ovens and stove tops in various finishes. These brand new stoves are beautiful, high-quality appliances ready for you to take home today! The North and South ReStore addresses can be found to the left.

Staff Spotlight: Michelle Haas

By: Brenda Palmisano Michelle Haas has been manager of the ReStore since 2015, but her journey with Habitat for Humanity started much earlier during a difficult time in her life. Michelle visited the ReStore as a customer when it first opened and after finding out more about Habitat's mission, she was instantly captivated by the heart of the organization. “After I found out the story behind Habitat and what it did, it inspired me,” Michelle said. “Everyone has such a great work ethic and everyone is after one goal.”

After joining the ReStore team, Michelle continued to share Habitat’s passion for people, which has become her favorite aspect of working at the ReStore.“They really make it a lot of fun to work here and everybody works really well together,” Michelle said. “Working here was probably one of the smartest decisions I have made. I love the staff, and the volunteers; they are like a second family to me.”

Outside of work, Michelle has a secret hobby and skill: she is very skilled with DIY and craft projects. “Most people don’t really know how crafty and artsy I am. I’m kind of a DIY MacGyver; I enjoy creating and fixing things,” she said. In addition to her secret hobby, Michelle also likes to spend time with her kids, who she claims as her main hobby.

“One of the best things about Michelle is that she treats each of her employees with respect,” said JK Barrineau, South ReStore Floor Supervisor. “She values our ideas and opinions and makes us feel like we are each important members of  the team. She is a such a team player and  is always a pleasure to work with!”

Volunteer Spotlight: Danny Britt

Danny Britt has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland since 2003. Danny just happened to go on the construction site when the members of the Regular Construction Crew were building Habitat home number 37 on Oak Tree Lane. It was during that build that Don Rollens, Danny’s good friend and fellow volunteer, talked him into volunteering. “The instant I met Danny there was something about him that I loved,” said LaManda Bowers, Volunteer Services Manager. “Danny is such a pillar for our affiliate. His warm smile is met with compassion and dedicated hands. He is devoted to building homes, providing leadership, and using his wisdom and insight to better Habitat for Humanity. It's people like Danny, who put compassion into action, that make our world a little brighter.”

Danny is from Mississippi and worked for the USDA Forest Service for 36 years. With the USDA Forest Service, Danny has worked in California, Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana where he ended up retiring in 1998. He and his family lived in Cleveland for a short time in the 1980's, and then they decided to move to Cleveland permanently in 2002.

Danny said he loves volunteering because it provides him with the opportunity to work with old friends and new friends to accomplish something great. “And that great accomplishment is a house that you helped build that will benefit a local family,” said Danny.

When asked what his favorite project or memory was, Danny said there are many favorite projects and memories! However, Danny said the most memorable project he has been involved in was helping to build Habitat’s 100^th home in Century Village neighborhood. He said working on the build and being a part of the festivities that took place to celebrate the home was unforgettable.

Danny is an advocate for volunteering and invites anyone interested to join whether you have a background in construction or not! “You don't have to know carpentry to volunteer. You can learn on the job,” said Danny. “You will soon see results of your work, and I believe any volunteer would enjoy working with the regular volunteers."