Enlightened businesses have strived to “Do Well By Doing Good” ever since Benjamin Franklin is said to have coined the phrase. In this age of billion-dollar natural disasters, dozens of building material companies are fulfilling Franklin’s advice by supporting The Storehouse of World Vision With 75 years of experience, The Storehouse makes it easy for companies to donate products and assistance to U.S. communities devastated by disaster.
"There is still so much unused product out there—excess inventory, discontinued items, and returned merchandise—that could be repurposed to rebuild communities,” says Paul Hylbert, Chairman of Kodiak Building Partners. "Instead of sending them to a landfill, consider donating them to The Storehouse. It's a simple, cost-effective way to give back and support recovery efforts.”
Every year at the International Builders’ Show, Hylbert is part of a board that recognizes supporters of World Vision’s Storehouse with the Crystal Vision Awards. (This year’s awards breakfast is on Feb. 26. Register here.) Recently, Misura Group Co-Founder Michele Burger spoke with Hylbert and three other board members—Jim Inglis, President of Inglis Retailing; Dean Francola, Senior Director of OEM Sales at Niagara Conservation; and Ruth Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief of The Wholesaler Magazine—about why they support World Vision and The Storehouse, and how others can do the same.
Global Sourcing, Local Direction
Lots of government and aid organizations, from FEMA to World Vision, are on hand immediately after disaster strikes and initial cleanups begin. But once reporters and first-aid teams go away, the hard work of rebuilding doesn’t generate news coverage. That’s when The Storehouse matters, because its supplies of donated materials from corporate partners help rebuild homes and infrastructure, particularly for poor and underinsured families.
Inglis likes the organization’s localized approach to disaster recovery. "When local people are in charge, the aid is more likely to be sustainable, productive, and tailored to the specific needs of the community," he says.
For more than 20 years, he has seen the organization funnel donated building materials to support damaged and underserved communities, particularly in urban areas like Chicago. "World Vision was doing something I could really get behind: taking materials that would have gone to waste and putting them to work for communities in need," he says.
Mitchell’s faith and her belief in the power of giving back are central to her support. "The idea of helping communities through the work of World Vision is deeply meaningful to me," she says. "The organization’s commitment to supporting people globally, with an emphasis on self-sustainability and local leadership, is incredibly inspiring."
How Can Others Contribute or Get Involved?
Both Hylbert and Francola say one of the most important ways a company can contribute is by raising awareness of the opportunity to help. "At events like the annual Crystal Vision breakfast, we have the chance to network and educate others about how they can get involved," Francola says. "But the work doesn’t stop there. It's about finding ways to maintain those connections and keep the momentum going throughout the year."
The Crystal Vision Board notes that corporate engagement goes beyond simple product donation. "Companies can integrate charitable activities into their culture—whether it’s organizing teams to assemble emergency kits or encouraging employees to volunteer,” the board says. “There’s great value in these hands-on activities. They foster a culture of generosity and community within the workplace, which benefits everyone involved."
Mitchell adds that contributing doesn’t always require a large financial commitment. "Manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors all have opportunities to contribute, whether it’s donating products, providing logistical support, or helping to promote the cause," she says. "It’s about leveraging resources and connections to make a difference."
One Deed, Multiple Benefits
The partnership between the building materials industry and World Vision shows how businesses can go beyond traditional charity. By repurposing surplus products, companies can reduce waste, meet sustainability goals, and aid disaster recovery. But it’s not just about making donations—raising awareness, building connections, and fostering a culture of giving within the workplace are equally crucial.
"Every partnership, no matter how big or small, helps rebuild lives,” Inglis says. “It's about more than just giving; it's about creating lasting change."
"What excites me most,” Hylbert says, “is that these donations don't just sit in a warehouse. They are used directly to help rebuild homes and businesses after disasters. This connection between business and humanitarian efforts is powerful.”
Now is the time to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Whether through product donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, we all have the chance to contribute. World Vision and The Storehouse stand as powerful examples of collaboration and compassion. We support World Vision, and we urge you to back their mission and make a meaningful impact.
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Tony Misura
World Vision's Crystal Vision Awards Breakfast at KBIS and IBS 2025
WHEN: Wednesday, February 26, 7 - 9 am PST
WHERE: Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino Ballroom A/B
3000 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV 89109
Join Misura Group and World Vision for the 2025 Crystal Vision Awards Breakfast to honor partners who have made an impact on poverty in the U.S.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-visions-crystal-vision-awards-breakfast-at-kbis-and-ibs-tickets-1054964570429