Build to Give Back: A Remodeler's Guide to Generosity
·45 min·4 clips
A $30,000 remodeler project funds micro-loans that serve 1,200 families for a year through repayment cycles.
The episode begins with a sponsor shout-out to Builder Funnel, followed by casual banter about chapstick and a conference called Hutchmoot. Kyle Hunt introduces the episode's thesis on building generosity into business vision. Guest Matt Baer shares his background as a New Jersey native and father of four, leading into a discussion on parenting and family. Matt then details Homes for Hope, founded by builder Jeff Rutt after a failed aid effort in Ukraine taught him to avoid dependency. The organization uses micro-finance, with loans averaging $25 to serve a family for a year, and has a 98% repayment rate over five years. Matt explains how remodelers can identify projects, involve trades, and set goals to raise funds, with examples like a $30,000 project serving 1,200 families. Success stories include Faustin in Rwanda, who turned a $50 welding loan into a home-building business, and a woman who built a wedding chair rental business. The episode touches on the faith component and holistic development approach. Kyle and Matt discuss local charity examples, like a pay-what-you-can cafe and a bike shop for the homeless, emphasizing the greater impact of dollars in struggling countries. Kyle shares how his company, Remodelers on the Rise, allocates monthly funds for employee-led causes. Matt encourages listeners to choose a cause they're passionate about and lean in, without feeling overwhelmed by options. The episode concludes with information on how to connect with Homes for Hope via homes-for-hope.org/welcome.
