Interview by Nicole Carter

How long have you been in Charlotte?
[My wife and I] moved about four months ago. It was the end of August. We always knew we were going to come here. This was a destination in our scope. For quite some time we were tied to where we were living before, which was the Wilmington, Delaware area. That’s actually where I was born. Interestingly enough my last job moved me back there. We moved all around and lived in so many places. My job did circle me back around to my home where my aging father was. It was wonderful to be there to help my older brother care for him. My dad did pass away at age 93, and he was no longer in need of my care. I lost my position at the company I was with, and our doorbell rang and somebody wanted to buy our house. That’s when we made the move.

You mentioned that you visited Charlotte a lot before moving here. What brought you to the area initially? Did you vacation here or do you have family here?
Our oldest daughter, son-in-law and two of our grandsons have all lived here. They have lived here for probably 14 years. In fact, my son-in-law is very involved with Habitat. He was on the board for Habitat for Humanity here. It was because of him that I started volunteering for the ReStore up in Delaware before I moved. I just had a fabulous time up there. It was a small store; very, very different from Charlotte. When we first moved down here I was so intimidated by this fabulous, beautiful Charlotte ReStore that I thought there’s no way I can match the enjoyment I got out of the ReStore up there because it was so different. Well, that didn’t last very long.

How often do you volunteer at the ReStore?
Three days a week. I’m there Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Those days are good because the store’s not open on Monday. And, because I’m retired I figured my wife and I would want to have long weekends to do things.

What was one of the biggest differences you noticed between the Charlotte and Delaware ReStores?
First of all - size. The store in Delaware is very small. Up there you wore every hat. You were the cashier, you were on the truck, you were helping the customers on the floor, you were moving things around, and you were taking donations. You did a little bit of everything. Down here they’re so organized and they have such great concepts of how to do things.

What are some of your biggest impressions about the Charlotte ReStore?
If everybody could come and see how this store operates, I’m sure they could take ideas to their store. It’s hard not to be real inspired. Everybody that works there is helpful, and we just have a great time. It’s been a good experience and I love it. The success of the Charlotte store is a story in and of itself. I love the whole ReStore concept. I’m all about recycling. My wife and I do a lot of recycling, and I remember the struggle that I had buying my first house. I love the fact that Habitat makes that available to deserving families that are working hard trying to make that happen, raising their families or whatever their stories are. Their stories are fabulous. When I was volunteering in Delaware…I didn’t feel connected. We didn’t have the homeowners coming in and volunteering at the store. I missed that part, but that’s what I really enjoy about being down here in Charlotte.

I talk to a lot of people about retirement. A lot of people can’t imagine it. They can’t imagine not doing anything. I think what they’re having a problem with is valuing their time. I keep telling them that when you work for compensation, your paycheck is a measure of the value of your work. But when you’re working for a cause, you feel that your time is valued. I have the same work ethic, dedication and commitment just because of the cause. What I love about Charlotte [Restore] is they put measurement on the value of the volunteer. What I share with other baby boomers out there is there is so much opportunity out there for you to share your experience and abilities and everything else.

What is something your fellow volunteers at the ReStore would be surprised to know about you?
People are usually surprised to learn my age and that I’m retired and have grandkids. I’ve been blessed, I guess, with the fact that I don’t look or act my age. People that usually meet me know that I enjoy exercise. I like biking and going to the gym. Another thing they would be surprised to know about me is that if I weren’t volunteering at Habitat, I’d probably be a beach bum. We grew up on the east coast. We were close to the shores of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. We’ve always spent vacation time at the beach. If I weren’t doing anything at all I would probably kick back at the beach.

What would you say to help persuade someone to volunteer their time or money to the Habitat ReStore?
I would certainly encourage them to try it because there’s a diverse need and activity at the ReStore. A lot of people think Habitat for Humanity and they think they’re outside wielding a hammer or a saw, and [they think] it’s real difficult and that they couldn’t do it. There certainly are physical elements to the ReStore, if you’re able. But we have a lot of people that work at Julia’s, at the cash register, out on the sales floor, and helping customers find things. There’s just so much diversity to a person’s abilities and skills not to be the least bit intimidated or fearful. When we first moved down here I was kind of intimidated by it, but there’s a lot of opportunity. The people are just wonderful. They are helpful and I guess maybe it’s because we’re all there for a common cause, but it does attract a certain kind of person. They’re so giving and helpful and thoughtful and we have fun. Camaraderie, diversity, opportunity and just a feeling of worth - those are the words I would use to encourage someone.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
The one thing that I’ve always wanted to say is everybody at Habitat is so appreciative of the volunteers. I get all kinds of thank you, thank you, thank you. But I just want to turn it back around and say thank you Habitat and ReStore for what they’ve given me. I am loving retirement and enjoying it, and I give a big, big credit to the Habitat ReStore for making me a happy man in my retirement. 

Read more volunteer spotlights here