Construction, Security, and Community: A Hilti Leader's Experience with The Storehouse Community Center

Blake, Gary and Hilti team measuring the different areas of the new Storehouse Community Center using the Hilti PD 4 measuring tool.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on various projects, including rebranding all our North American Hilti stores, relocating our Dallas Distribution Center, and even managing the Tulsa Cafeteria operation. I am always excited about starting new projects and embracing new opportunities, and that’s exactly how I found myself getting involved with The Storehouse Community Center.

A New Project and Partnership: Joining Forces with The Storehouse Community Center

My story with The Storehouse Community Center began with a conversation I had with my Director, Elizabeth Cumby. She asked if I would be interested in helping the center with their newest project: opening and relocating to a new facility. Elizabeth explained that they had questions around renovating an existing building and needed help with security considerations. While I would be handling the construction-related aspects, Gary Handley would tackle the security questions. A new project and an opportunity to give back to the community? I did not hesitate to accept!

Let me take a moment to introduce Gary Handley, who plays a key role in this story. Gary is the Security Supervisor for Hilti North America. He has an extensive background in security and safety, combined with his experience as a former Law Enforcement Officer. Since Gary joined Hilti, he has revolutionized the way we monitor store security, integrating state-of-the-art equipment and creating new processes to ensure that all our locations and team members are safe. His expertise in security is invaluable, and I was excited to have him on board for this project.

Elizabeth, knowing Gary and I were on board, arranged for us to have a call with the team at Storehouse to learn more about their project and determine how we could be of assistance. After the meeting, I realized that I knew very little about The Storehouse Community Center. Who were they? What did they do? How could my experience in construction and facilities help them? I dove into some research.

Understanding the Mission: Hilti’s Partnership with The Storehouse Community Center

Through my research, I learned that The Storehouse Community Center is a non-profit organization located in Plano, Texas, dedicated to helping those in need. They provide food, clothing donations and offer educational classes that cover a wide range of life skills, language skills, and job training. I also learned that Hilti has been a partner with The Storehouse since the fall of 2023, working closely with them on workforce development initiatives such as the Apprentice Program and Project Catalyst. In fact, I met one of Storehouse's apprentices during the 2024 Hilti Annual Sales Meeting. He was a fantastic individual who eventually accepted a role with Hilti. It was inspiring to see how our partnership with Storehouse was making a tangible difference.

Having a better understanding of what Storehouse does, it was time to meet with their team to assess how we could assist them with their new facility. The call was led by Jeff Morton, Storehouse’s Chief Operating Officer. Jeff explained that their current space could not support the growing needs of the community. They had secured a much larger facility, and it needed significant work to accommodate their operations. Jeff outlined the condition of the building and the concerns that had arisen during their discussions with contractors. It was clear that they did not have a full understanding of what the construction and security aspects of the project would entail. That’s when Gary and I decided it was time to put boots on the ground and visited their new location in person.

Gary Handley explaining the importance of door hardware and its functionality to security to Jeff Morton, Storehouse’s Chief Operating Officer during the site visit earlier this year.

Assessing the New Facility: Challenges and Collaborative Solutions

Gary, Elizabeth, and I met the Storehouse team at their new facility to take a closer look. Before we even entered the building, Gary pointed out potential security concerns, such as the large trees that bordered the front of the property, which could obstruct security camera coverage. This was an important first impression for Jeff and his team, as it demonstrated we were thinking ahead and were aware of the challenges that would come up during the project, even after completion.

Once we entered the building, it became clear just how large the space was. This new facility had incredible potential, and it also posed several challenges. The layout of the building needed to be reworked to accommodate the various programs Storehouse runs for the community. In addition, there were concerns about how to secure such a large space and ensure that everything would function smoothly once the center began operating out of the new location.

We quickly realized that while the building itself was a fantastic asset, the renovation and security upgrades needed would require careful planning and collaboration. We began brainstorming ideas and finding solutions to ensure that the new facility would meet Storehouse’s needs while maintaining a high level of security and efficiency.

Jeff Morton, Storehouse’s Chief Operating Officer explaining his vision for the new Storehouse Community Center to the Hilti team during the site visit earlier this year.

Building a Brighter Future: The Ongoing Journey with The Storehouse Community Center

Gary and I, along with the Storehouse team, are still working through the details of the project, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of something that will have such a positive impact on the community. The challenges are real, and with the right collaboration and expertise, I am confident that this partnership will help create a space that will serve Storehouse and the community they assist for years to come.

Working on this project has been an eye-opening experience. Not only am I able to apply my expertise in construction and facilities management, but I am also able to contribute to an important cause that is making a difference in people’s lives. I look forward to seeing how this partnership develops and the lasting impact it will have on the Plano community.

At the end of the day, this project is about more than construction and security; it’s about helping a vital community resource thrive in a new space where they can continue their incredible work. The challenges we face are part of the journey, and with the support of Hilti’s team, Storehouse’s leadership, and a shared commitment to giving back, I am confident we can make this project a success. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work alongside The Storehouse Community Center and help bring their vision to life.

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