Meet Jeff, our Warehouse Manager! Jeff is responsible for accepting donations, and overseeing the work we do in the Ulster County Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Most of our staff have hidden talents. We’d love to hear yours. Would you mind sharing with us?
I can wake up without using an alarm clock. My internal clock wakes me at 5:00 a.m., though I don’t know if that’s a talent or a curse.
Can you tell us about your background? When did you start working with Ulster County Habitat for Humanity ReStore?
I went to Art School in Brooklyn, and I worked as an Art Mover for a number of different companies. I drove a truck, delivered, and installed art for various art galleries, and museums. I worked in a warehouse where we made custom crates and packed shipping containers for art shows overseas. After moving to the Hudson Valley, I worked as a house painter, a carpenter, and a stay-at-home dad. When I heard that the ReStore was looking for a truck driver or donation ambassador, I thought that was a job I could be good at. I’ve been working here since May 2023, first as a driver / mover, then in September 2024 I started working as the Warehouse Manager.
How have your prior experiences helped you working for Ulster Habitat?
There is a lot more than loading and unloading trucks going on at the ReStore. There are volunteers who specialize in different areas that come in and make the ReStore a vital place to work. There are people…
- …working in the woodshop assembling cabinets and fixing furniture
- …unpacking, cleaning, and putting out housewares, and glassware
- …organizing records, CDs, and DVDs in the media section
- …reviewing, pricing, and displaying jewelry in the display cases
- …putting ceramics on the floor in the boutique
- …testing lamps, appliances, and electronic devices
- …installing artwork.
There is always something that needs to be done at the ReStore, and donations from the donation door need to be sorted and processed.
I read an interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger recently. He said to have a happy life it comes down to four words: “Stay busy, be helpful.” I think he is right. The ReStore is a great place to do that and with my prior experience as an art mover and warehouse worker, I fit right in.
What is some advice you would give people about donating items?
We depend on donations so I try to make donating furniture, or housewares a positive experience. With that said, please make sure that any and all items brought to the donation door are in good condition. I have to refuse heavily damaged items, and I don’t want to disappoint people if we can’t take something because its broken.
Is there anything great that sticks out in your mind about your experience working here?
The best part of my day is working with the volunteers. I find it rewarding if I can help them doing their job. Also, when a customer comes to pick up a big piece of furniture they have purchased in a small car, and I can make it fit, that is very satisfying too!