Like me, you’ve probably had the experience where a custom ordered product had to be returned because it wasn’t what you ordered or someone measured incorrectly.
Have you ever wondered what happens to those products? Do they just get wasted?
My travels took me to a local business that has figured out that it makes a lot of sense to donate returned products to Habitat for Humanity.
Jantek
I met with Frank Giuseppini, Chief Operating Officer, of Jantek Industries to find out how he first got involved with Habitat.
Two years ago, Caitlin, Habitat’s Public Relations & Procurement Coordinator, dropped off some materials about Habitat at Jantek's office. At the time, Jantek was selling returned products on Craig’s List. Frank decided to follow up with Caitlin and was surprised to learn that anyone who receives a house from Habitat has to meet certain criteria, including working 500 hours for Habitat. He liked the idea that partner families have “skin in the game and no one is receiving a handout.”
Hometown Pop Quiz:
Jantek is located on Route 70 in Medford and you’ve probably passed by it hundreds of times, but let’s see how well you pay attention. What do they manufacture?
1. Indoor and outdoor light fixtures
2. Cabinets
3. Windows and patio doors
4. Backhoes
Congratulations if you are the observant type and knew that the answer is #3, windows and patio doors. Did you also know that if you are trying to fix up your house on a tight budget, you could buy Jantek windows at the Habitat ReStore? Last year Jantek donated about $42,000 worth of products for Habitat to use in the houses they build as well as to sell in the ReStore.
Good Business Sense:
Frank believes that when he gives to Habitat he gets something tangible back in return – free social media advertising. Habitat is a great brand and Jantek gets to be associated with it. He mentioned that although our mailboxes may be stuffed with advertisements, most people are researching products on the Internet. By connecting with a nonprofit organization like Habitat, Jantek benefits too! Last, but not least, we both agreed that it’s also a much greener way to advertise.
