Five Cities, One Shared Mission
It was a tremendous impact felt across Carolina Handling’s territory. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, nearly 70 associates from departments across the organization rolled up their sleeves and came together for a Habitat for Humanity Build Day that spanned five cities. Our associates painted, put up siding, built decks, and more, supporting our communities with hands-on help.
Carolina Handling partnered with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham and Habitat for Humanity DeKalb.
These on-the-ground projects brought our yearlong philanthropic focus called "Raise the Roof" to life in a powerful, visible way. The goal of "Raise the Roof" is to support the homeless population and people in need. On the Build Day, Carolina Handling associates proudly worked side by side to help build safe, stable housing.
“This was an opportunity to really reach out in the community and help those in need,” said David Horak, Carolina Handling’s Vice President of Operations, who participated in the Build Day in Greenville, SC, (above) in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. “When we can make time to really show how much we care for the community and how much we care about the teamwork opportunity, and really being able to bring that out in the community, it makes all the difference," Horak said.
Teamwork and Purpose on the Job Site
(Above: Carolina Handling associates participate in the Build Day in Pleasant Grove, Alabama, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham.)
“We had a blast. We were asked to complete a large deck and luckily we all had experience with that so we knocked most of it out,” said Jeremiah Davis, Parts Sales Manager, who participated in the Build Day in Stone Mountain, Georgia, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity DeKalb (above).
(Above: Carolina Handling associates participate in the Build Day in Raleigh, NC in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County.)
(Above: Carolina Handling associates participate in the Build Day in Charlotte, NC in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region.)
(Above: Carolina Handling associates participate in the Build Day in Charlotte, NC in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region.)
(Above: Carolina Handling associates participate in the Build Day in Stone Mountain, Georgia, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity DeKalb.)
For Carolina Handling Inventory Control Associate Jose Barron, who participated in the Build Day in Greenville, SC, the hands-on experience was both meaningful and eye-opening. “I’m very proud. It just feels good to me and to my team that’s out here helping to make a difference in the community,” Barron said. “Working with everybody and getting to know more people, and getting my hands dirty and learning some new things too.”
A Partnership That Builds More Than Homes
Habitat for Humanity leaders emphasized the importance of partnerships like this one.
“We need companies like Carolina Handling to be able to build this,” said Chris Henry, Construction Site Superintendent with Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. “It’s a great opportunity for you guys and a great opportunity for us. We really enjoy that you come out and help out. It’s a big part of what we do, and we can’t do this without you.”
“Because of you, a family will soon open the front door to a home of their own. This is a place to gather, to grow and to build a more stable future,” said Chase Inman, Vice President of Resource Development for Habitat for Humanity of Wake County.
The Foundation of "Raise The Roof"
In our new fiscal year that began April 1, Carolina Handling turned its philanthropic focus to supporting the homeless population and people in need with a yearlong campaign entitled “Raise The Roof." The commitment to “Raise The Roof” began with REDFEST, our annual fiscal year kickoff. At each REDFEST celebration, Carolina Handling associates enjoyed games that encouraged teamwork and raised $5,000 for five Habitat for Humanity locations across our territory. Those contributions laid the foundation for what continues to be a year of impactful service.
“Serving each other, our customers and our community has been an intentional part of our day and an integral part of the Carolina Handling culture since our founding in 1966,” said Brent Hillabrand, Carolina Handling’s President and CEO. “We believe in giving back in meaningful ways, and we demonstrate that by looking for opportunities to work alongside those in need and those who work every day to assist them."
Service That Extends Beyond the Job
Looking ahead, all Carolina Handling associates have been encouraged to find additional ways to serve our communities this fall and throughout the holiday season. This commitment to service is more than a campaign, it's a reflection of who we are.
“It extends far beyond the walls of our offices or the vehicles we drive. It’s how we interact with our customers, our families and everyone we work with every single day," David Horak said.
