A conversation with Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International CEO, and Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation
Jonathan: Tell me about the history of Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity.
Marc: From the founding of Whirlpool Corporation in 1911, we have lived by our vision to improve life at home. We work to develop innovative products that improve consumers’ lives and also support our communities. We believe that sound corporate citizenship is simply good business which is why corporate social responsibility (CSR) is deeply embedded in our vision and values.
Our relationship with Habitat began in 1999 as a very traditional sponsorship model focused on individual home builds. Over the course of the last 27 years, we’ve grown together and now have a very strategic partnership, prioritizing initiatives that directly intersect with our core business strengths, allowing us to drive more sustainable and scalable impact. With Habitat’s 50th anniversary this year, our relationship spans more than half of that time. Like Habitat, we recognize the need for housing around the world, and together we have a greater ability to make an impact than either of us do individually.
Jonathan: Why is Habitat for Humanity a perfect match for Whirlpool Corporation?
Marc: The relationship is a perfect match because Whirlpool is a company “in the kitchen and laundry room,” and Habitat’s core work is building homes. When you think about nonprofit organizations, there is no better match than Whirlpool and Habitat. This alignment is a key reason why we’ve worked and grown together for the last 27 years.
Jonathan: How does the relationship with Habitat for Humanity align with Whirlpool Corporation’s corporate values?
Marc: We are a company of communities, and we strongly believe in healthy and prosperous local communities. Housing, by definition, happens in these communities. Habitat addresses the real needs of affordable housing, which directly supports our belief in strong communities.
Jonathan: What core concept of Habitat for Humanity is particularly appealing to you?
Marc: I know there is a common misconception that Habitat “gives away homes,” but we know that is not the case at all. People who work with Habitat engage, work, and put in “sweat equity” to become homeowners. This path to homeownership is the ultimate way to achieve a better living and a better outcome for many families.
Jonathan: Can you share some of the key impact metrics from Whirlpool’s 27-year relationship with Habitat?
Marc: Over the 27 years of our relationship, Whirlpool has contributed $160 million. We have donated 260,000 appliances and have impacted more than 1.1 million people. And with the work we’re planning for this year and the future, this impact will continue to grow.
And in recent years, we’ve worked with Habitat to create a program called BuildBetter with Whirlpool designed to support the construction of climate-resilient, energy-efficient, net-zero ready homes, and to scale and implement best practices across the U.S. This program is aligned with our own sustainability work and expands upon Habitat’s efforts to help homeowners mitigate the impact of climate change with more energy-efficient and climate-resilient homes. By reducing operating costs for homeowners for the long term, we’re helping them save for other household expenses or generating savings for the future. This is just one example of a program we created together that aligns with the priorities of both organizations.
Jonathan: Why did you personally decide to join the Habitat for Humanity International board of directors?
Marc: I joined the board because I was asked, and I have been a big fan and supporter of Habitat for many years. I see the impact Habitat has made and will continue to make and am incredibly proud to be a part of it professionally and personally. And personally, I believe I should be doing more than just giving funds; I should also be giving time, which is why I serve on boards and am excited to join Habitat’s board.
Jonathan: Why is it important for your employees to get involved and volunteer for a Habitat build, rather than just donating money?
Marc: Habitat makes it easy for individuals to get involved regardless of their skill level. Spending time on a build is rewarding because you see the families putting in their “sweat equity” and get to see and hear about the difference a home will make. Our employees hear about the work we do and support we provide for Habitat, but the value and impact of our relationship becomes crystal clear once they’ve participated in a build. And witnessing the key to a home being handed to a new homeowner is a very emotional, rewarding and memorable moment for volunteers.
Jonathan: One last question. What advice would you give organizations seeking the right non-profit to support?
Marc: We’ve learned much through our relationship with Habitat over the past 27 years. Here’s the advice I would give:
- Find an organization whose vision and values align with your own. When organizational vision and values align, the work to be done, how to do it and the potential impact become very clear.
- Think about the long-term. While you may enter into an agreement for a year or two, you should be thinking about the fit for your organization in 5, 10 or even 20 years from now.
- Find an organization who “invites you to the table.” Anyone can write a check. But to have a deep, meaningful relationship that brings value to both parties, you must be at the table together and growing together to maximize the collective impact.
