An Auckland-based painting and decorating firm has found philanthropy is good for business and is now challenging other businesses to support local charity groups.
StepUp is a non-profit foundation that helps to educate and excite teenagers about the possibilities for their future in business and in life, by bringing high profile business, sporting and other leaders and teens together.
HDL directors Yvonne and Paul Holcombe were initially reluctant to support StepUp as their focus was firmly on running and growing their painting and decorating company.
“I nearly didn’t go to the first event but I was just blown away by what I got out of it – not only helping the teenagers but also tools I could use in the business,” Yvonne said.
Top business coach Michael Sheargold is involved in each StepUp event meaning volunteers receive his personal coaching as a group.
Volunteers also get to hear other high profile speakers on a range of topics including business planning, marketing, sales, operations, customer service, personnel/team, budgeting, wealth creation, goal setting, personal development, success modelling, leadership, achievement, health and well being.
After each speaker an exercise takes place where volunteers work with the teens on a business concept or on their own business or career initiatives.
Businesses of all sizes can become involved with StepUp by sponsoring events or coaching and the Warehouse recently announced StepUp Foundation as one of the charities they will support this year.
Yvonne thinks many small to medium business are becoming more involved in corporate responsibility and getting involved in community events:
“It is about being part of something that will shape everybody’s future. It is our responsibility as business owners to have a hand in developing the future leaders of the world – teenagers.”
Corporate Responsibility has become an important focus for Yvonne and Paul who also support a number of other charities through their business including World Vision, Plant a Tree and recycle all their empty paint tins through the Resene paint-wise program.
To add icing to the proverbial cake, the coaching and life experience the pair have received through their philanthropy has seen their business really begin to expand.
“I used to think we were just painters – now I realise how lucky I am to have my own business. StepUp has definitely made a big impact on both my life and business and I’d like to challenge more businesses to think about getting involved in helping their local communities and the future generation.”
