Guns to Hammers: Change Maker Spotlight

by Yoga Digest | July 3, 2017 1:31 pm

Some people wish to be the change, and some people are the change.   We believe in actions, not words and that is why we had to share this inspiring message about someone who saw a problem and is coming up with a solution.   J.R. Smith, owner of H-Towne Remodelers, created Guns To Hammers, a nonprofit company that specializes in ADA compliant projects for wounded veterans. Recently, he and long time friend and fellow marine, Kevin Jackson did a country wide tour spreading the word, raising awareness and funds to help change the lives of   veterans in need.

YD:   How did Guns To Hammers come to life?

J.R. Smith:   After owning a construction company and working in the industry in Houston for over 20 years, we realized that we were getting more and more calls from wounded veterans and their families, needing us to provide them with estimates for handicapped accessible bathrooms, wheelchair ramps and to enlarge door openings to accommodate wheelchairs. These estimates were for the VA so that they could receive funding from them. More often than not, the funding never came through, so the Vets were left at home, putting this burden on the family members to deal with.  

YD:   How do you stay motivated and inspired to better yourself in your mission?

J.R.S.:   I was trained in the Marine Corps to never leave a man behind no matter what. These veterans have been left behind right here at home.  Knowing I have the ability to go back and help them is all the motivation I need. That’s our Mission, and our motto: “Tolle Necessitatum, ”  Latin for “Pick up those in need”.

YD:   Why is it important to have a mission and intention in business?

J.R.S.:   A mission gives you drive and it  is bigger than you.  In business it gives you something to shoot for, to reach and push yourself towards.  A mission will always help you stay focused on the reward.  The reward is the unbelievable satisfaction of accomplishing said mission.  

YD:   What are some of the biggest challenges with carrying out your mission?

J.R.S.: Raising money which means bringing people together who are all focused on our mission in front of us.   After running a business for many years, I had to learn how to inspire people to give us money. Selling a large home-improvement project has never been an issue for me, obviously the buyer is getting a beautiful project with a price attached to it.  However, raising money for a non profit means you have to sell the need to people, as well as the urgency. You have to be able to tug on their heartstrings as theythemselves will be getting nothing materialistic out of the contribution.

Source URL: https://yogadigest.com/guns-to-hammers/