An Interview with Habitat for Humanity ReStore Manager, Frank Drahan

by | Aug 15, 2013

Right now we’re in the middle of our annual Tool Drive supporting the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity. Since our efforts started in 2010, we’ve found amazing support from our clients, partners, friends and community members.

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We talked with Frank Drahan with the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity to find out more about him, Habitat for Humanity and their ReStore. Here’s the conversation:

Q. What is your position at Habitat for Humanity?

A. I’m the ReStore Manager

Q. What is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore?

A. The ReStore is about the four Rs: Recycle! Reuse! Reduce! Rebuild!

Regarding “recycle,” the ReStore is operated by Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity as one of the largest reuse and recycle centers in Cuyahoga County.

For reuse, the ReStore recycles and resells salvaged and reclaimed building materials, fixtures and tools that are in good condition.

In order to reduce, the ReStore diverts thousands of tons of usable materials from local landfills.

And finally, rebuild: The community can purchase affordable home improvement items at a fraction of retail cost and proceeds from the ReStore support Habitat’s mission to eliminate poverty housing through home construction and rehabilitation.

Q. How long have you been there?

A. 9 years

Q. What are your responsibilities at Restore?

A. I schedule donations, do customer service, help and work with our great volunteers, coordinate projects around the store and much more that comes with the day-to-day operations at the ReStore.

Q. What’s your most memorable moment working for Habitat for Humanity?

A. It would have to be opening the new ReStore at the new facility, where it’s currently operating.

Q. What do people most commonly donate?

Cabinets in all shapes, sizes and finishes are the most common donation, but also needed

Cabinets are the most common donation but are also needed

A. Kitchen cabinets and appliances

Q. What’s the most unusual donation that you’ve seen come in?

A. The strangest item that has been donated was an embalming machine from a funeral home.

Q. What’s on the ReStore donation wish list?

A. We always have a wish list of items that people might or might not think to donate which includes: appliances, kitchen and bath cabinets, lighting fixtures, sinks, furniture, tubs and showers, architectural salvage items, tools hand/power/yard… any tools!

We also need lumber that’s six feet or longer so we can use it, landscaping equipment, flooring and so much more.

Q. What’s best about working for Habitat for Humanity?

A. Getting to know all of our wonderful volunteers. Also, working with our customers and donors.

Q. The Sonnhalter tagline is “Not Afraid to Get Our Hands Dirty.” What is your favorite way to get your hands dirty at Habitat for Humanity?

A. Picking up donations and meeting the donors around Cuyahoga County

Q. What’s your favorite way to get your hands dirty outside of work?

A. BBQing!

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A. Thank you so much for your awesome support for the ReStore.  We really appreciate everything you have done for us!

If you’re interested in participating in the Sonnhalter Tool Drive, visit sonnhalter.com/tooldrive or contact us to find out more.

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