Due to the nature of the work of a home inspection franchise, many HomeTeam Inspection Service owners quickly become ingrained into their communities. While HomeTeam has long encouraged local owners to increase their community involvement through charitable contributions, either in the form of volunteering, financial donations or in-kind donations, this year has been especially impactful, deemed The Year of Giving by the HomeTeam corporate team. As the concept celebrated its 30-year franchise anniversary this January, it encouraged the owners of its over 200 territories to contribute to local efforts in celebration of the ongoing support it has both received and given over the years.
“We just reached the 30-year mark of communities allowing us to do what we love, and we want to give back to them,” explained Matt Cook, Business Development and National Partnerships Manager. “Our organization endorses and aligns itself with multiple organizations for a range of purposes; including Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Keller Williams, local shelters and neighborhood beautification groups.”
HomeTeam inspectors work closely with real estate agents, and those agents have always been the central focus of the entire HomeTeam network. By better connecting with local agents and getting involved in their culture and businesses, HomeTeam inspectors create a relationship that benefits all. Inspectors strive to support agents and clients, and the corporate team encourages local owners to collaborate with agents and get involved with what they believe in.
“Our charitable efforts and ongoing support of local owners utilizing these opportunities is all predicated on the belief that giving your time, talents and service is incredibly important,” said Cook.
Corporately, HomeTeam endorses the Sunshine Kids Foundation, KW Cares and Red Day.
Keller Williams Red Day occurs on the second Thursday of every May. The company sets the day aside to Renew, Energize and Donate within the communities they serve. This year, the HomeTeam corporate team participated in its local Red Day, as did many local owners including a Florida franchise owner. Keller Williams also leads an organization called KW Cares, which provides financial support to Keller Williams associates and their qualifying family members in the case of hardship or sudden emergencies. Many HomeTeam owners donate to KW Cares and with this fund, Keller Williams (and supporting partners like HomeTeam owners) ensure all agents feel supported, safe and valued.
The most recent addition to HomeTeam’s charitable efforts is The Sunshine Kids Foundation, an organization that supports children going through cancer treatment with mental health care, enrichment programs and a sense of community support. The CEO of HomeServices of America & Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Gino Blefari, presented the idea of HomeTeam supporting the Sunshine Kids Foundation to the corporate team because their mission is something the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices family is passionate about.
“How can you not be excited about helping kids as they go through what is likely the most challenging fight of their lives?” added Cook. “That commitment is part of the culture that we’re immersed in already, so when Gino brought the idea to us, it just felt like the right thing to do.”
In addition to its focus on charity, HomeTeam sees agents give back throughout the community. Guilherme Fujisawa and Amanda Yamaguchi, the owners of HomeTeam of South Miami, are just one example of many. The pair has partnered with local organizations to provide warm meals, hygiene kits, holiday presents and basic clothing necessities for multiple years in a row.
“We endorse the three major charities corporately, but we also encourage owners to volunteer with local organizations and contribute to missions that they have a personal connection to,” said Cook. “Our owners understand that they need to involve themselves in their communities, not just from a sales perspective, but by becoming a part of the fabric and culture of the community.”
