As the Co-Founder, Manager, Bookkeeper, and President of the Board at Hunter Hospitality House, Jeff Willard may be the hardest working person we know. A retired teacher, he devotes his time, talent, and boundless energy to the organization from early in the morning until late at night. We’re blessed to have such a dedicated employee, and thought you’d like to get to know him a bit better!
Can you tell us a bit about your role at HHH and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Plans for each workday include contacting volunteers to update them on needs at the houses, processing donations & paying bills, registrations for guests as well as checkouts, shopping for guests' groceries, and repairs/upkeep/laundry at houses. Each day's plans are often altered by calls for un-planned guest registrations or more serious house concerns (such as clogged drains, guest locked out of room, etc.)
What inspired you to work at HHH?
It's something Tracy and I wanted to do since soon after Hunter passed away. Though I never dreamed it would become a full-time job, working for HHH has been a dream come true.
What do you enjoy most about working at HHH?
The same thing that can be frustrating, the interruptions of my plans for a workday, is the thing I enjoy the most. There's a variety of work to be done, some of which is labor and some of which is human interaction. That variety that includes both outdoor and indoor work is nice. The best feeling is leaving a guest registration when they didn't know what they would have done if HHH hadn't been available.
What are some of the key projects or initiatives you've been involved in during your time here?
There are too many projects to name, but being there for the opening of the first house is the biggest.
What do you find most challenging about your role, and how do you overcome those challenges?
When things get busy, I have to prioritize and accept that some things have to be left undone, either for another day or to be delegated.
Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced while working at HHH?
As previously mentioned, the gratefulness of guests is the most rewarding. A specific memory was soon after opening the house by Lake Huron Medical Center, which was Mercy Hospital at that time. A guest who was a single mom, struggling to get by, was losing her dad. When he passed away, she gave the $88 dollars he had in his pocket as a donation to HHH when she left. It was the present-day example of the biblical "Widow's Mite." I reflect on that in being thoughtful about every dollar HHH spends.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally in your role?
There are opportunities for growth through online and in-person training. Although I was a math teacher for 29 years, accounting work is another animal that needs continued training, for sure!
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Hunting, fishing, chess, time with family.
What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours?
Be sure you love the mission, because if you're not all in, you won't love it...it's more work than it appears from the outside.
How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
Not too well. Since my wife Tracy is the Executive Director, it's very easy for work to become all enveloping. We are both learning to make a conscious effort to have times when we don't discuss work. It's a challenge!
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
Met my wife in middle school when we both played alto saxophone.
What professional goals or aspirations do you hope to achieve in the future?
My goal is to keep my physical body in good enough shape to continue working for HHH as long as I'd like.
How do you contribute to HHH's culture and values?
As President of the Board of Directors, it's my job to guide HHH in a positive direction.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about yourself or your experience working at HHH?
We live in a wonderful community. I didn't realize growing up here just how generous it is. We have seen God do amazing things at HHH and I look forward to what the future holds!
Can you tell us a bit about your role at HHH and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Plans for each workday include contacting volunteers to update them on needs at the houses, processing donations & paying bills, registrations for guests as well as checkouts, shopping for guests' groceries, and repairs/upkeep/laundry at houses. Each day's plans are often altered by calls for un-planned guest registrations or more serious house concerns (such as clogged drains, guest locked out of room, etc.)
What inspired you to work at HHH?
It's something Tracy and I wanted to do since soon after Hunter passed away. Though I never dreamed it would become a full-time job, working for HHH has been a dream come true.
What do you enjoy most about working at HHH?
The same thing that can be frustrating, the interruptions of my plans for a workday, is the thing I enjoy the most. There's a variety of work to be done, some of which is labor and some of which is human interaction. That variety that includes both outdoor and indoor work is nice. The best feeling is leaving a guest registration when they didn't know what they would have done if HHH hadn't been available.
What are some of the key projects or initiatives you've been involved in during your time here?
There are too many projects to name, but being there for the opening of the first house is the biggest.
What do you find most challenging about your role, and how do you overcome those challenges?
When things get busy, I have to prioritize and accept that some things have to be left undone, either for another day or to be delegated.
Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced while working at HHH?
As previously mentioned, the gratefulness of guests is the most rewarding. A specific memory was soon after opening the house by Lake Huron Medical Center, which was Mercy Hospital at that time. A guest who was a single mom, struggling to get by, was losing her dad. When he passed away, she gave the $88 dollars he had in his pocket as a donation to HHH when she left. It was the present-day example of the biblical "Widow's Mite." I reflect on that in being thoughtful about every dollar HHH spends.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally in your role?
There are opportunities for growth through online and in-person training. Although I was a math teacher for 29 years, accounting work is another animal that needs continued training, for sure!
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Hunting, fishing, chess, time with family.
What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours?
Be sure you love the mission, because if you're not all in, you won't love it...it's more work than it appears from the outside.
How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
Not too well. Since my wife Tracy is the Executive Director, it's very easy for work to become all enveloping. We are both learning to make a conscious effort to have times when we don't discuss work. It's a challenge!
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
Met my wife in middle school when we both played alto saxophone.
What professional goals or aspirations do you hope to achieve in the future?
My goal is to keep my physical body in good enough shape to continue working for HHH as long as I'd like.
How do you contribute to HHH's culture and values?
As President of the Board of Directors, it's my job to guide HHH in a positive direction.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about yourself or your experience working at HHH?
We live in a wonderful community. I didn't realize growing up here just how generous it is. We have seen God do amazing things at HHH and I look forward to what the future holds!
