December 31, 2024 • 23 mins
Tanya Strittmatter, a passionate advocate for the trades, shares her inspiring journey and the profound sense of community that binds the industry. Listen to Tanya as she recounts how her husband's legacy as a second-generation business owner shaped her path and fueled her mission to learn from past mistakes for collective success. We explore the role of organizations like Service Nation in fostering collaboration among contractors and celebrate the heartwarming support extended to Joseph Grove by the Joseph Groh Foundation after his life-altering accident. This episode is a testament to the trades industry's spirit of solidarity and generosity.
Discover how the Joseph Groh Foundation makes a tangible impact by providing grants to those in the home service industry facing disabilities or life-changing injuries. Learn about the foundation's simple, yet effective application process and the incredible work done by volunteers across 37 states. Tanya sheds light on the concept of luminary giving and the myriad ways business owners can weave charitable activities into their company culture, from participating in golf tournaments to making tax-deductible donations. Join us as we inspire listeners to engage with the foundation's mission and create meaningful community connections.
If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content.
Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com
Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form!
We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
What's up, lemonheads ?
Welcome to another episode ofFrom the Yellow Chair.
For those of you that arelistening today, I'm really
excited to have our guest withus as we talk a little bit about
giving back to the trades, howthe trades sticks together like
a family and one of one of themost awesome organizations that
Lemon Seed is lucky to be a partof and I know that this lady on
(00:23):
this call with us today isfeels lucky to be a part of, and
I know that this lady on thiscall with us today feels lucky
to be a part of as well.
So sit back, listen up as wetalk about how impactful the
trades industry really is.
So let's sip some lemonade, allright, tanya stridmatter,
(00:57):
friend, I know you are the lifeof the party.
Every time I go to it like I'mlooking for you and joe to see
what kind of craziness we canget into, especially if I have
lapita, the sales assistant,with us yeah, that's where
trouble always comes is when,when we all get into especially
if I have Lupita, the salesassistant with us.
Yeah, that's where troublealways comes, is when we all get
together.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Absolutely, absolutely.
We work hard to play hard.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Well, that's right.
That's right.
Well, one of the things Ialways start off with and I know
that we're going to talk todayabout the Joseph Crow Foundation
and things like that but Ialways like to ask everyone on
the podcast hey, tonya, tell mesomething about why people
should listen to what you haveto say.
I know you come from the trade,so I wanted to hear a little
backstory about you.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
As far as why they should listen, or a backstory,
because there's, I mean.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
Both, both.
I think they should know howdeep you are in the industry.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yes, no, I've not grown up in the trades, but my
husband grew up in the trades.
He's a second generationbusiness owner, so I was
alongside him for a good part ofthat time before I decided to
join him.
I feel like the whole point ofus learning how to do anything
(02:05):
is one to be able to dosomething good for ourselves,
but then to be able to give backand teach what we've learned to
other people.
We definitely did everythingthe wrong way the first time.
Help someone to maybe not haveto go through all of that
(02:29):
hardship to be able to findsomething that we've found out
that it worked for us, thenthat's what we want to do.
We want to be able to, not onlyabout a technician standpoint,
to be able to grow ourtechnicians, but then with other
business owners, even peoplethat were within our same market
, then you know, if we alignourselves together, then the
customers have an expectation of.
It's not one we're not.
(02:50):
We're not competing againsteach other on the, the, look,
the feel, the words, the,whatever we start to.
You know, look the same, soundthe same, where it's building an
expectation for our customerstoo.
I mean, obviously none of usare here without that.
So if we're able to help buildup other people and be able to
align together within ourindustry, then it's like the
(03:14):
sky's the limit for everyone.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Oh, I love that.
Yeah, and you know I will saythis.
You know I am a trade baby.
You know like I was born intothis industry and things like
that.
And you know I am a trade baby,you know I was born into this
industry and things like that.
And you know I give a lot ofcredit to organizations like
Service Nation and things likethat that really have been like
this centralizing hub forcontractors to come together,
visit with like minded people,people that are struggling with
(03:38):
the same things and trying toovercome the same things, but
also just the exposure that youget from being a part of those
groups to things like the JosephGrove Foundation and how it
encourages you to be a part ofit.
And I know I mean I feel like Ispeak the same for you.
I've actually seen the workthat Joseph Grove Foundation has
done.
They tend to highlight, like alot of their stories where you
(03:59):
actually see your dollars beingput to work, and so it's one of
Lemon Seed's favoriteorganizations we give every year
that we have our conference, wegive a donation to Joseph Crow
because it's important that wesupport the industry and we
support organizations that aresuch a big part of the trades
for sure.
So I know that you bring a lotto the table here.
(04:21):
I think you're a great additionas a board member.
So why don't you tell us alittle bit what is the mission
of the Joseph Grove Foundation?
Just tell us a little bit aboutthe foundation as a whole.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Okay, well, let's start with how everything got
started.
So Joseph Grove, he was born inthe trades.
He's well, he was the thirdgeneration in the trades his son
now and daughter both in thetrades, and they're grazing the
third generation in the tradeshis son now and daughter both in
the trades, and they're grazingthe fifth generation in the
trades.
They were on the vendor side ofthings, so they were in like on
the manufacturing side withequipment dealers.
(04:55):
And 2008, it was Father's Dayand Joe went out for just a
regular bike ride just afternoon.
Just, you know, get out of thehouse, do whatever.
Out for just a regular bikeride just afternoon.
Just you know, get out of thehouse, do whatever.
Hit a rock, went over thehandlebars and ended up being
paralyzed from his C7 vertebraedown, so pretty much from his,
(05:15):
from his shoulders down he wasparalyzed, so freak accident.
You know just something thatyou know.
I mean just regular day, andthen this is what happens.
So he had his community ofpeople within the trades.
You know his customers andpeople that he worked with as
far as contractors, but then therest of his community that he
(05:36):
worked with, they all kind ofpoured into him to be able to
help get him accessible withinhis home and make things
comfortable for him.
And he had this you know kind ofgroup around him where it was
the thought of like, wow, thisprobably happens all the time.
You know, people aren'tprepared, they're not prepared
for an injury or something thatends up having such an impact on
(06:00):
just your day-to-day life.
And that was kind of his youknow his kind of key moment of
aha, wow, this could besomething that we could do Again
, always being a part of thetrades, then it was always about
this family connection and howwe take care of each other.
And so, end of 2009, 2010, thenhe started the foundation.
(06:23):
So it is a 501c3 charitablefoundation.
And the main mission for us iseducation to people that have
either been through a disabilityor that have been disabled, for
them and for their caregivers.
So just resources ofinformation of what is what does
(06:46):
it look like now and what aresome key things that are
important for your day-to-day,just just health-wise.
If you end up not being able tobe mobile on your own and you
know you spend a lot of time,you know, probably laying in a
bed or in a chair or whateverthe case is then things that
things that are important foryou to do just for your own
health, but then financialassistance to be able to help
(07:11):
make things better for them.
So majority of the grants thatwe give are bathroom remodels,
ramps to be able to make theirhome accessible, vehicle
retrofitting to be able to getthem where they can get out of
the house and, you know, havethat independence.
(07:31):
But then there's also evenautomating your house.
You know, right now, I mean,technology is such a major part
of everything.
So being able you know, controllights with your phone, your
thermostat from your phone,being able to have things that
you know that make it where youstill feel like you have control
over certain things If youcan't just get up and and walk
(07:54):
over to take care of it.
And then the other major partis we partner with some vendors
on being able to provideshort-term and long-term
disability.
If business owners are notproviding that to their
technicians, then we work withsome people that we can connect
people with to have that as aresource, because what Joe Grow
(08:16):
always says is that people aremore prepared to die than they
are to have a disability.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
And oh yeah, that's true yeah, you know, like so
many people like you don't thinkabout it.
So, like my husband even haslike a walking um disability I
hate to use that word at thismoment but but still, like his
ability to navigate like uneven,even like uneven, uh, like
gradient in the ground orstepping over things or anything
(08:45):
like that, like he, he justdoesn't have that and it, it, it
, it really will change likejust your ability to live life,
what you would think would benormal, and so I completely
understand like this isdevastating to people that work
with their hands, with theirlegs, they get up and down
ladders, in and out of trucksand and push and pull all day
long.
And so you know that statement'svery true, like they're
(09:05):
probably much more prepared todie than they are to live in
that altered state.
And you know, I've seen, I'veseen a few of the stories as a
board member.
So right now you sit as a boardmember for him on his
organization, correct?
Yes, ma'am?
Okay, what are some of the likeimpactful stories?
Like do you have some specificexamples of a few times that you
(09:27):
guys have done a specificproject for a recipient?
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Well, I actually have a letter that I would love to
share from a recipient that wentthrough as a car accident, and
this is what he sent back to usafter we were able to help him
with a bathroom remodel.
He said Dear Joseph GroveFoundation, I want to take a
moment to express my deepestgratitude for your incredible
(09:51):
support.
The bathroom remodel has beennothing short of a miracle for
me, even amidst the challengeswe faced with the contractor.
That's a side note, we'll getinto later.
After my accident, I struggledto accept my new reality.
I hesitated to make any changesthat would remind me of my
disability, which only made lifeharder for my girlfriend, my
(10:11):
devoted caretaker.
But thanks to your foundation,I have found a renewed hope and
an outlook on life.
Being able to take a showerwhen I want to care for myself
in simple yet profound ways hasopened my eyes to what truly
matters.
I realize now that adapting myhome doesn't signify weakness.
It's a path to reclaiming myindependence and dignity.
You've given me more than justphysical accessibility.
(10:34):
You've given me my life back.
I will forever be grateful forthe light you've brought into my
world.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Oh gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh.
So it gets me, yeah.
Well, you know, so many of usare so blessed and so lucky to
not be faced with thosechallenges.
But, you know, at the end ofthe day, I think it's really
important that we acknowledgethat the Joseph Grove Foundation
is doing good things.
Our industry, home serviceindustry people are doing really
(11:03):
good things.
People are doing really goodthings.
You know, we're here to talkabout the importance of keeping
your inner circle.
Keeping, you know, not beingafraid to share content, like,
oh, if I share or if I get tooclose to people in the industry,
they might take from me and allthose things.
You can't live your life thatway, right?
And so when you build thisnetwork of people, you build
(11:23):
this network of support.
When things like that, you know, go down when things start
happening.
So how does Joseph Grow kind of, what is the foundational
pieces and I think you kind ofleaned into it here with that
contractor issue but how doesthe foundation itself ensure
that it reaches those in need,you know?
So what is their process?
Do they just listen for stories?
Is there an application process?
(11:45):
Like, how does that work?
They?
Speaker 2 (11:46):
just listen for stories.
Is there an application processLike how does that work?
So the grants are given toanyone that has a connection
with the home service industry.
So all of our you know HVAC,plumbing, electrical roofing,
pest control, garage doors,whatever the case is not only
for the person that is withinthe industry but even their
family, the person that iswithin the industry, but even
(12:09):
their family.
So we've had situations wherewe've helped the daughter or son
of a contractor that ended upgoing through something that
resulted in a disability orlife-altering injury, so anyone
that is connected to the trades.
Then the process is just that.
It's just an application.
You can do that straightthrough our website.
(12:31):
Those applications all still godirectly to Joseph Grow, so he
is the one that's going toreceive them.
He is then going to send thatout to the board and then we
decide what we can or can't door what suggestions we can make
if it's maybe not something wecan help with.
A lot of the equipment forrehabilitation for people is
(12:55):
very expensive.
It's really sad how expensivesome things are.
So we just we look to seewhat's the best fit on what we
can do to be able to help them,and then once, once we have that
process, you know we're helpingcontractors all over the United
States.
It's not Joe and myself, we're.
We live in North Texas.
(13:16):
It's not, you know, it's notjust something that happens to
someone around here, this isnationwide.
So we've started to be able tokind of build a bank of
contractors where if we end upin a city that's maybe close to
somewhere even I mean close tous, is within a couple hours of
maybe somewhere that we'vehelped someone previously then
(13:39):
we're reaching back out to thosecontractors.
You know, again, this is thetrade.
So when we're talking aboutbathroom remodels, you know,
again this is the trade.
So when we're talking aboutbathroom remodels, then a lot of
times those contractors aregoing to donate their time to be
able to help get get a bathroomretrofitted for for one of
these recipients.
So it's pretty cool to see justkind of full circle with that.
(14:00):
But we're trying to kind ofbuild a book of of people that
we can reach out to within, youknow, within the industry.
And then again, since we can'tbe there throughout the process,
then you know we're justrelying on the recipient to keep
us informed.
You know we want to kind ofhave progress pictures so that
we can share that story and thenbe able to see the final
(14:24):
product complete and everythingdone.
So then we can be able to sharethat with whoever has donated
and let them see that this iswhat your dollars are doing.
And then with the foundation,the board of directors is
completely volunteer.
It's not like we're over herepulling a know, pulling a salary
(14:45):
or something like that.
So you know, $9 of every $10stays with the foundation.
So there are expenses, you know, obviously, with any with any
organization.
But you know the money we werewe're keeping it to be able to
continue to help people.
And now we've.
We've helped.
We've helped people in 37states throughout the nation and
(15:09):
we just surpassed $1.4 millionin grants.
Oh my gosh, that's fantastic.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
I know Well how can other home service companies
really incorporate support forthe foundation into their own
business or even maybe theirmarketing efforts.
Is there anything that you'veseen be successful or have any
advice?
Speaker 2 (15:30):
Well, right now, that's the biggest part of what
we're trying to do is, you know,Service Station is our, you
know, one of our biggest,biggest supporters, and now
we're trying to be able tobranch out to get in front of
more people.
Right now, it's just being ableto educate people that the
foundation is even available,and it's just being able to
educate people that thefoundation is even available and
that it's out there.
And we have some opportunitiesthis year where we're going to
(15:55):
be at some more of the tradeshows and hopefully be able to
kind of broaden our audience,because it is hard to just be
like, hey, let me shout it fromevery rooftop that this is
available, in case this happens.
So, right now, anyone that isfamiliar with the foundation or
has had any interaction, then Iwould strongly encourage them to
(16:17):
like their Facebook page.
We've got a YouTube channel,we've got a LinkedIn, be able to
follow those and whenever yousee spotlights of grant
recipients, to maybe share thatand just be able to kind of, you
know, spread that across yournetwork of people where you know
.
again, if it's not somethingthat someone has ever heard of,
(16:39):
then maybe it might catch theireye and they can, you know, dig
in and kind of take a look andand see what it's about and, um,
you know.
The other thing is we have ourluminary drives.
Like, luminary giving isongoing giving, so just a
monthly give of whatever youwant it to be.
And so, uh, any business owners, then I encourage them to bring
(17:03):
the foundation to their team,encourage the foundation,
encourage the foundation,encourage the technicians to to
maybe look into being a luminarygiver so that you know they're,
you know, ten dollars a monthand be able to see what that can
do to someone within theirtrade family and how that can be
(17:23):
a very impactful gift forsomebody you know that's within
the home service industry.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
Yeah, I mean I love that.
I think that we all need to bepaying attention to how we can
go ahead and provide resourcesfor our teams to be able to give
back to organizations like theJoseph Grove Foundation and then
, as large companies like we canalways, you know, at the end of
the year, especially likepeople are looking for places to
make a donation.
The Joseph Grove Foundationwould be a wonderful place for
(17:53):
you to start.
It should be near and dear tomost of our hearts and I guess
be looking for you guys at someof the upcoming industry shows.
Speaker 2 (18:01):
Yeah, we're going to branch out a little bit.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
Yeah, doing some big things.
So yeah, well, is thereanything else you would like the
listeners to know about JosephGrove Foundation and then tell
us for sure?
How do we like officially reachout, what's the web address and
things like that?
Speaker 2 (18:17):
So web address is josephgrovefoundationorg and I
mean I just encourage you to go,click through it and kind of
familiar, familiarize yourselfwith what, what there is, what
we're doing and what we've done,be able to read some of the
stories, and then we one of ourother opportunities, if it
(18:41):
happens to be within your area,is that we have four golf
tournaments a year.
That's a, you know, a big, abig contribution for the
foundation.
So there's one in the Dallasarea, chicago, minneapolis, and
then with Service Nation attheir fall show in Vegas.
(19:02):
So if those are, if you're agolfer, then you know, maybe
check out the information on thewebsite to be able to see if
maybe that's near you and if youwant to be able to be a part of
that.
But otherwise it would be justto share it, just be able to
talk about it.
Again, if you're a businessowner, then talk about it with
(19:24):
your technicians and let themknow what's out there.
The biggest part of anythingwe're trying to do is just to
broaden our reach.
So if there's a if I mean I am,I've done a couple of team
meetings just via, like Zoom,where I'll come on and be able
to talk about the foundation andlet them, let the team know
(19:46):
what they can do to be able to,you know, help their fellow
contractors.
So, you know, it's just, it'sjust talking about it and
letting people know that it'seven available because, um, I
think that our, our circle hashas been small up till now and
being being able to, you know,to branch out and to look and
(20:10):
and see what other opportunitiesthere are out there.
Um, like you said, withbusiness owners, with it being
the end of the year, you know,all donations are a hundred
percent tax deductible.
So if someone's looking forthat you know last last ditch
effort for a little charitablecontribution on their tax return
, then we would love to be ableto help you with that.
(20:31):
Or then, you know, even withinyour organization, if you want
to do an event or you knowsomething where a portion of you
know a proceed or something isgoing to the foundation, then
we've seen things as far as youknow a lot of times.
You know, you see food drivesand people just want to be able
to just provide money for a fooddrive or you know something
(20:54):
like that.
Well, if you have an event orsomething that you're maybe
reaching out to your area andyour customers to be able to
support, then you know you havea customer that's a, you know,
fan for life of your businessand they love your technicians.
Then you know they maybethey're going to want to, you
(21:15):
know, support something that issupporting the people that are
taking care of their home.
So it's then you know, evenmore full circle.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
Absolutely, and you know again, I'm going to go back
to a couple of things that yousaid that I want to pick up on
Like, one of those things is youknow it has to be a part of
your culture to give back, andso when you, as a business owner
, when you make it a part ofyour company culture to give
back, then you start identifyingwhat organizations really
impact your team.
Joseph Grow is a greatrepresentation of that, but a
(21:47):
lot of your team might havegrown up in foster homes or the
Boys and Girls Clubs or whateverthe organizations are that
really impact them.
So it really should be a lot ofour core values that we are
implementing, of a goodpartnership with local
organizations, so that we cangive back.
So-, well, perfect Well.
Tonya, thank you so much forjoining us.
I know this one was short andsweet.
(22:08):
We just thought it would be agreat opportunity to talk about
the foundation.
I do know that Joseph Grow hasa unique spelling, so it's
Joseph, and then G-R-O-Hfoundation website.
Make sure you visit itjosephgrowfoundationorg.
And again, guys, whether it's adonation, a partnership for
those of you that can, or justsharing, like Tanya mentioned,
(22:29):
their social media, getting onthere, encouraging this luminary
giving that she mentioned.
There's so many opportunitiesfor you to be a part of
something greater and somethingthat's really making a
difference in the trade.
So, tanya, if people wanted tojust reach out to you for any
reason, how can they reach outto you?
Speaker 2 (22:47):
Email is fine, it's tanyastripmatter.
We'll need to maybe put thissomewhere, because along with
Joe's name and his spelling,then mine is unique.
But Tanya, t-a-w-n-y-a dotstrip matter
S-T-R-I-T-T-M-A-T-T-E-R atjosephgrowfoundationorg.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
So we will put that in the show notes.
Speaker 2 (23:11):
Yeah, or my cell phone.
You can call me.
If you need help or there'ssomething that you want you know
some clarification on, orsomething that you want to be
able to try and partner with,Then I call me up my phone
number 940-465-4581.
Speaker 1 (23:28):
Absolutely.
We'll get all that put in theshow notes for people to reach
out and then we'll be promotingit on our From the Yellow Chair
podcast socials.
So make sure you go follow it,Guys.
Thank you for listening toanother episode of From the
Yellow Chair.
We would love for you to giveus a share, a like, a comment, a
review, anything you can tohelp us spread the word about us
sharing tons of marketing andimportant culture information
(23:50):
here on From the Yellow Chairpodcast.
Limitsy Marketing is yourmarketing coaches for all things
marketing strategy and brandingand we will sip some lemonade
next time.
Talk to.
What's up, lemonheads ?
Welcome to another episode ofFrom the Yellow Chair.
For those of you that arelistening today, I'm really
excited to have our guest withus as we talk a little bit about
giving back to the trades, howthe trades sticks together like
a family and one of one of themost awesome organizations that
Lemon Seed is lucky to be a partof and I know that this lady on
(00:23):
this call with us today isfeels lucky to be a part of, and
I know that this lady on thiscall with us today feels lucky
to be a part of as well.
So sit back, listen up as wetalk about how impactful the
trades industry really is.
So let's sip some lemonade, allright, tanya stridmatter,
(00:57):
friend, I know you are the lifeof the party.
Every time I go to it like I'mlooking for you and joe to see
what kind of craziness we canget into, especially if I have
lapita, the sales assistant,with us yeah, that's where
trouble always comes is when,when we all get into especially
if I have Lupita, the salesassistant with us.
Yeah, that's where troublealways comes, is when we all get
together.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Absolutely, absolutely.
We work hard to play hard.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Well, that's right.
That's right.
Well, one of the things Ialways start off with and I know
that we're going to talk todayabout the Joseph Crow Foundation
and things like that but Ialways like to ask everyone on
the podcast hey, tonya, tell mesomething about why people
should listen to what you haveto say.
I know you come from the trade,so I wanted to hear a little
backstory about you.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
As far as why they should listen, or a backstory,
because there's, I mean.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
Both, both.
I think they should know howdeep you are in the industry.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yes, no, I've not grown up in the trades, but my
husband grew up in the trades.
He's a second generationbusiness owner, so I was
alongside him for a good part ofthat time before I decided to
join him.
I feel like the whole point ofus learning how to do anything
(02:05):
is one to be able to dosomething good for ourselves,
but then to be able to give backand teach what we've learned to
other people.
We definitely did everythingthe wrong way the first time.
Help someone to maybe not haveto go through all of that
(02:29):
hardship to be able to findsomething that we've found out
that it worked for us, thenthat's what we want to do.
We want to be able to, not onlyabout a technician standpoint,
to be able to grow ourtechnicians, but then with other
business owners, even peoplethat were within our same market
, then you know, if we alignourselves together, then the
customers have an expectation of.
It's not one we're not.
(02:50):
We're not competing againsteach other on the, the, look,
the feel, the words, the,whatever we start to.
You know, look the same, soundthe same, where it's building an
expectation for our customerstoo.
I mean, obviously none of usare here without that.
So if we're able to help buildup other people and be able to
align together within ourindustry, then it's like the
(03:14):
sky's the limit for everyone.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Oh, I love that.
Yeah, and you know I will saythis.
You know I am a trade baby.
You know like I was born intothis industry and things like
that.
And you know I am a trade baby,you know I was born into this
industry and things like that.
And you know I give a lot ofcredit to organizations like
Service Nation and things likethat that really have been like
this centralizing hub forcontractors to come together,
visit with like minded people,people that are struggling with
(03:38):
the same things and trying toovercome the same things, but
also just the exposure that youget from being a part of those
groups to things like the JosephGrove Foundation and how it
encourages you to be a part ofit.
And I know I mean I feel like Ispeak the same for you.
I've actually seen the workthat Joseph Grove Foundation has
done.
They tend to highlight, like alot of their stories where you
(03:59):
actually see your dollars beingput to work, and so it's one of
Lemon Seed's favoriteorganizations we give every year
that we have our conference, wegive a donation to Joseph Crow
because it's important that wesupport the industry and we
support organizations that aresuch a big part of the trades
for sure.
So I know that you bring a lotto the table here.
(04:21):
I think you're a great additionas a board member.
So why don't you tell us alittle bit what is the mission
of the Joseph Grove Foundation?
Just tell us a little bit aboutthe foundation as a whole.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Okay, well, let's start with how everything got
started.
So Joseph Grove, he was born inthe trades.
He's well, he was the thirdgeneration in the trades his son
now and daughter both in thetrades, and they're grazing the
third generation in the tradeshis son now and daughter both in
the trades, and they're grazingthe fifth generation in the
trades.
They were on the vendor side ofthings, so they were in like on
the manufacturing side withequipment dealers.
(04:55):
And 2008, it was Father's Dayand Joe went out for just a
regular bike ride just afternoon.
Just, you know, get out of thehouse, do whatever.
Out for just a regular bikeride just afternoon.
Just you know, get out of thehouse, do whatever.
Hit a rock, went over thehandlebars and ended up being
paralyzed from his C7 vertebraedown, so pretty much from his,
(05:15):
from his shoulders down he wasparalyzed, so freak accident.
You know just something thatyou know.
I mean just regular day, andthen this is what happens.
So he had his community ofpeople within the trades.
You know his customers andpeople that he worked with as
far as contractors, but then therest of his community that he
(05:36):
worked with, they all kind ofpoured into him to be able to
help get him accessible withinhis home and make things
comfortable for him.
And he had this you know kind ofgroup around him where it was
the thought of like, wow, thisprobably happens all the time.
You know, people aren'tprepared, they're not prepared
for an injury or something thatends up having such an impact on
(06:00):
just your day-to-day life.
And that was kind of his youknow his kind of key moment of
aha, wow, this could besomething that we could do Again
, always being a part of thetrades, then it was always about
this family connection and howwe take care of each other.
And so, end of 2009, 2010, thenhe started the foundation.
(06:23):
So it is a 501c3 charitablefoundation.
And the main mission for us iseducation to people that have
either been through a disabilityor that have been disabled, for
them and for their caregivers.
So just resources ofinformation of what is what does
(06:46):
it look like now and what aresome key things that are
important for your day-to-day,just just health-wise.
If you end up not being able tobe mobile on your own and you
know you spend a lot of time,you know, probably laying in a
bed or in a chair or whateverthe case is then things that
things that are important foryou to do just for your own
health, but then financialassistance to be able to help
(07:11):
make things better for them.
So majority of the grants thatwe give are bathroom remodels,
ramps to be able to make theirhome accessible, vehicle
retrofitting to be able to getthem where they can get out of
the house and, you know, havethat independence.
(07:31):
But then there's also evenautomating your house.
You know, right now, I mean,technology is such a major part
of everything.
So being able you know, controllights with your phone, your
thermostat from your phone,being able to have things that
you know that make it where youstill feel like you have control
over certain things If youcan't just get up and and walk
(07:54):
over to take care of it.
And then the other major partis we partner with some vendors
on being able to provideshort-term and long-term
disability.
If business owners are notproviding that to their
technicians, then we work withsome people that we can connect
people with to have that as aresource, because what Joe Grow
(08:16):
always says is that people aremore prepared to die than they
are to have a disability.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
And oh yeah, that's true yeah, you know, like so
many people like you don't thinkabout it.
So, like my husband even haslike a walking um disability I
hate to use that word at thismoment but but still, like his
ability to navigate like uneven,even like uneven, uh, like
gradient in the ground orstepping over things or anything
(08:45):
like that, like he, he justdoesn't have that and it, it, it
, it really will change likejust your ability to live life,
what you would think would benormal, and so I completely
understand like this isdevastating to people that work
with their hands, with theirlegs, they get up and down
ladders, in and out of trucksand and push and pull all day
long.
And so you know that statement'svery true, like they're
(09:05):
probably much more prepared todie than they are to live in
that altered state.
And you know, I've seen, I'veseen a few of the stories as a
board member.
So right now you sit as a boardmember for him on his
organization, correct?
Yes, ma'am?
Okay, what are some of the likeimpactful stories?
Like do you have some specificexamples of a few times that you
(09:27):
guys have done a specificproject for a recipient?
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Well, I actually have a letter that I would love to
share from a recipient that wentthrough as a car accident, and
this is what he sent back to usafter we were able to help him
with a bathroom remodel.
He said Dear Joseph GroveFoundation, I want to take a
moment to express my deepestgratitude for your incredible
(09:51):
support.
The bathroom remodel has beennothing short of a miracle for
me, even amidst the challengeswe faced with the contractor.
That's a side note, we'll getinto later.
After my accident, I struggledto accept my new reality.
I hesitated to make any changesthat would remind me of my
disability, which only made lifeharder for my girlfriend, my
(10:11):
devoted caretaker.
But thanks to your foundation,I have found a renewed hope and
an outlook on life.
Being able to take a showerwhen I want to care for myself
in simple yet profound ways hasopened my eyes to what truly
matters.
I realize now that adapting myhome doesn't signify weakness.
It's a path to reclaiming myindependence and dignity.
You've given me more than justphysical accessibility.
(10:34):
You've given me my life back.
I will forever be grateful forthe light you've brought into my
world.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Oh gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh.
So it gets me, yeah.
Well, you know, so many of usare so blessed and so lucky to
not be faced with thosechallenges.
But, you know, at the end ofthe day, I think it's really
important that we acknowledgethat the Joseph Grove Foundation
is doing good things.
Our industry, home serviceindustry people are doing really
(11:03):
good things.
People are doing really goodthings.
You know, we're here to talkabout the importance of keeping
your inner circle.
Keeping, you know, not beingafraid to share content, like,
oh, if I share or if I get tooclose to people in the industry,
they might take from me and allthose things.
You can't live your life thatway, right?
And so when you build thisnetwork of people, you build
(11:23):
this network of support.
When things like that, you know, go down when things start
happening.
So how does Joseph Grow kind of, what is the foundational
pieces and I think you kind ofleaned into it here with that
contractor issue but how doesthe foundation itself ensure
that it reaches those in need,you know?
So what is their process?
Do they just listen for stories?
Is there an application process?
(11:45):
Like, how does that work?
They?
Speaker 2 (11:46):
just listen for stories.
Is there an application processLike how does that work?
So the grants are given toanyone that has a connection
with the home service industry.
So all of our you know HVAC,plumbing, electrical roofing,
pest control, garage doors,whatever the case is not only
for the person that is withinthe industry but even their
family, the person that iswithin the industry, but even
(12:09):
their family.
So we've had situations wherewe've helped the daughter or son
of a contractor that ended upgoing through something that
resulted in a disability orlife-altering injury, so anyone
that is connected to the trades.
Then the process is just that.
It's just an application.
You can do that straightthrough our website.
(12:31):
Those applications all still godirectly to Joseph Grow, so he
is the one that's going toreceive them.
He is then going to send thatout to the board and then we
decide what we can or can't door what suggestions we can make
if it's maybe not something wecan help with.
A lot of the equipment forrehabilitation for people is
(12:55):
very expensive.
It's really sad how expensivesome things are.
So we just we look to seewhat's the best fit on what we
can do to be able to help them,and then once, once we have that
process, you know we're helpingcontractors all over the United
States.
It's not Joe and myself, we're.
We live in North Texas.
(13:16):
It's not, you know, it's notjust something that happens to
someone around here, this isnationwide.
So we've started to be able tokind of build a bank of
contractors where if we end upin a city that's maybe close to
somewhere even I mean close tous, is within a couple hours of
maybe somewhere that we'vehelped someone previously then
(13:39):
we're reaching back out to thosecontractors.
You know, again, this is thetrade.
So when we're talking aboutbathroom remodels, you know,
again this is the trade.
So when we're talking aboutbathroom remodels, then a lot of
times those contractors aregoing to donate their time to be
able to help get get a bathroomretrofitted for for one of
these recipients.
So it's pretty cool to see justkind of full circle with that.
(14:00):
But we're trying to kind ofbuild a book of of people that
we can reach out to within, youknow, within the industry.
And then again, since we can'tbe there throughout the process,
then you know we're justrelying on the recipient to keep
us informed.
You know we want to kind ofhave progress pictures so that
we can share that story and thenbe able to see the final
(14:24):
product complete and everythingdone.
So then we can be able to sharethat with whoever has donated
and let them see that this iswhat your dollars are doing.
And then with the foundation,the board of directors is
completely volunteer.
It's not like we're over herepulling a know, pulling a salary
(14:45):
or something like that.
So you know, $9 of every $10stays with the foundation.
So there are expenses, you know, obviously, with any with any
organization.
But you know the money we werewe're keeping it to be able to
continue to help people.
And now we've.
We've helped.
We've helped people in 37states throughout the nation and
(15:09):
we just surpassed $1.4 millionin grants.
Oh my gosh, that's fantastic.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
I know Well how can other home service companies
really incorporate support forthe foundation into their own
business or even maybe theirmarketing efforts.
Is there anything that you'veseen be successful or have any
advice?
Speaker 2 (15:30):
Well, right now, that's the biggest part of what
we're trying to do is, you know,Service Station is our, you
know, one of our biggest,biggest supporters, and now
we're trying to be able tobranch out to get in front of
more people.
Right now, it's just being ableto educate people that the
foundation is even available,and it's just being able to
educate people that thefoundation is even available and
that it's out there.
And we have some opportunitiesthis year where we're going to
(15:55):
be at some more of the tradeshows and hopefully be able to
kind of broaden our audience,because it is hard to just be
like, hey, let me shout it fromevery rooftop that this is
available, in case this happens.
So, right now, anyone that isfamiliar with the foundation or
has had any interaction, then Iwould strongly encourage them to
(16:17):
like their Facebook page.
We've got a YouTube channel,we've got a LinkedIn, be able to
follow those and whenever yousee spotlights of grant
recipients, to maybe share thatand just be able to kind of, you
know, spread that across yournetwork of people where you know
.
again, if it's not somethingthat someone has ever heard of,
(16:39):
then maybe it might catch theireye and they can, you know, dig
in and kind of take a look andand see what it's about and, um,
you know.
The other thing is we have ourluminary drives.
Like, luminary giving isongoing giving, so just a
monthly give of whatever youwant it to be.
And so, uh, any business owners, then I encourage them to bring
(17:03):
the foundation to their team,encourage the foundation,
encourage the foundation,encourage the technicians to to
maybe look into being a luminarygiver so that you know they're,
you know, ten dollars a monthand be able to see what that can
do to someone within theirtrade family and how that can be
(17:23):
a very impactful gift forsomebody you know that's within
the home service industry.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
Yeah, I mean I love that.
I think that we all need to bepaying attention to how we can
go ahead and provide resourcesfor our teams to be able to give
back to organizations like theJoseph Grove Foundation and then
, as large companies like we canalways, you know, at the end of
the year, especially likepeople are looking for places to
make a donation.
The Joseph Grove Foundationwould be a wonderful place for
(17:53):
you to start.
It should be near and dear tomost of our hearts and I guess
be looking for you guys at someof the upcoming industry shows.
Speaker 2 (18:01):
Yeah, we're going to branch out a little bit.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
Yeah, doing some big things.
So yeah, well, is thereanything else you would like the
listeners to know about JosephGrove Foundation and then tell
us for sure?
How do we like officially reachout, what's the web address and
things like that?
Speaker 2 (18:17):
So web address is josephgrovefoundationorg and I
mean I just encourage you to go,click through it and kind of
familiar, familiarize yourselfwith what, what there is, what
we're doing and what we've done,be able to read some of the
stories, and then we one of ourother opportunities, if it
(18:41):
happens to be within your area,is that we have four golf
tournaments a year.
That's a, you know, a big, abig contribution for the
foundation.
So there's one in the Dallasarea, chicago, minneapolis, and
then with Service Nation attheir fall show in Vegas.
(19:02):
So if those are, if you're agolfer, then you know, maybe
check out the information on thewebsite to be able to see if
maybe that's near you and if youwant to be able to be a part of
that.
But otherwise it would be justto share it, just be able to
talk about it.
Again, if you're a businessowner, then talk about it with
(19:24):
your technicians and let themknow what's out there.
The biggest part of anythingwe're trying to do is just to
broaden our reach.
So if there's a if I mean I am,I've done a couple of team
meetings just via, like Zoom,where I'll come on and be able
to talk about the foundation andlet them, let the team know
(19:46):
what they can do to be able to,you know, help their fellow
contractors.
So, you know, it's just, it'sjust talking about it and
letting people know that it'seven available because, um, I
think that our, our circle hashas been small up till now and
being being able to, you know,to branch out and to look and
(20:10):
and see what other opportunitiesthere are out there.
Um, like you said, withbusiness owners, with it being
the end of the year, you know,all donations are a hundred
percent tax deductible.
So if someone's looking forthat you know last last ditch
effort for a little charitablecontribution on their tax return
, then we would love to be ableto help you with that.
(20:31):
Or then, you know, even withinyour organization, if you want
to do an event or you knowsomething where a portion of you
know a proceed or something isgoing to the foundation, then
we've seen things as far as youknow a lot of times.
You know, you see food drivesand people just want to be able
to just provide money for a fooddrive or you know something
(20:54):
like that.
Well, if you have an event orsomething that you're maybe
reaching out to your area andyour customers to be able to
support, then you know you havea customer that's a, you know,
fan for life of your businessand they love your technicians.
Then you know they maybethey're going to want to, you
(21:15):
know, support something that issupporting the people that are
taking care of their home.
So it's then you know, evenmore full circle.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
Absolutely, and you know again, I'm going to go back
to a couple of things that yousaid that I want to pick up on
Like, one of those things is youknow it has to be a part of
your culture to give back, andso when you, as a business owner
, when you make it a part ofyour company culture to give
back, then you start identifyingwhat organizations really
impact your team.
Joseph Grow is a greatrepresentation of that, but a
(21:47):
lot of your team might havegrown up in foster homes or the
Boys and Girls Clubs or whateverthe organizations are that
really impact them.
So it really should be a lot ofour core values that we are
implementing, of a goodpartnership with local
organizations, so that we cangive back.
So-, well, perfect Well.
Tonya, thank you so much forjoining us.
I know this one was short andsweet.
(22:08):
We just thought it would be agreat opportunity to talk about
the foundation.
I do know that Joseph Grow hasa unique spelling, so it's
Joseph, and then G-R-O-Hfoundation website.
Make sure you visit itjosephgrowfoundationorg.
And again, guys, whether it's adonation, a partnership for
those of you that can, or justsharing, like Tanya mentioned,
(22:29):
their social media, getting onthere, encouraging this luminary
giving that she mentioned.
There's so many opportunitiesfor you to be a part of
something greater and somethingthat's really making a
difference in the trade.
So, tanya, if people wanted tojust reach out to you for any
reason, how can they reach outto you?
Speaker 2 (22:47):
Email is fine, it's tanyastripmatter.
We'll need to maybe put thissomewhere, because along with
Joe's name and his spelling,then mine is unique.
But Tanya, t-a-w-n-y-a dotstrip matter
S-T-R-I-T-T-M-A-T-T-E-R atjosephgrowfoundationorg.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
So we will put that in the show notes.
Speaker 2 (23:11):
Yeah, or my cell phone.
You can call me.
If you need help or there'ssomething that you want you know
some clarification on, orsomething that you want to be
able to try and partner with,Then I call me up my phone
number 940-465-4581.
Speaker 1 (23:28):
Absolutely.
We'll get all that put in theshow notes for people to reach
out and then we'll be promotingit on our From the Yellow Chair
podcast socials.
So make sure you go follow it,Guys.
Thank you for listening toanother episode of From the
Yellow Chair.
We would love for you to giveus a share, a like, a comment, a
review, anything you can tohelp us spread the word about us
sharing tons of marketing andimportant culture information
(23:50):
here on From the Yellow Chairpodcast.
Limitsy Marketing is yourmarketing coaches for all things
marketing strategy and brandingand we will sip some lemonade
next time.
Talk to.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!