Meet Zachary Hensley | Manager Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton ReStores

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zachary Hensley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zachary, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
One of the biggest misconceptions of Habitat for Humanity in general is that we’re giving away homes. That is actually the furthest thing from the truth. In fact, Habitat for Humanity operates more as a bank and provides No interest mortgages to those who may not be able to attain one via a bank.

While some of the builds are paid for via Grants and Donations, a majority of them are not. That’s where the ReStore comes into play. Every year, each store raises enough funds to pay for one to two homes. That’s one to two families that have the opportunity to be provided with a safe and decent place to live.

The ReStore’s funds and donations are also utilized by our Critical Repair program. This is a program that goes into underserved areas and does basic to complex maintenance on homes throughout the Miami Valley. this can be anything from a simple bathroom remodel to replacing a roof or repairing structural damage to a home.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My unofficial job description is “Other Duties as Assigned.” I have never been a stand back and watch kind of person. In fact, I believe in leading from the front.

My staff and I are always ready to do what we must do to get things done. My day can vary between dealing with corporate donors, interviewing, running a register, working a fundraiser, and then taking a truck to a scrap yard to recycle our unusable metal.

The way up the ladder was not easy. The old adage of blood, sweat, and tears does really apply to my time at Habitat. It’s a sacrifice that I feel is worth it. To start out with a new Partner Family and watch them obtain the dream of having their own home is a feeling that I really can’t describe. You become integrated in someone’s dreams. It really is a blessing.

The biggest lesson is this: one step at a time.

Everything takes time. Every step is important. If you take the time, you’ll be less likely to be placed in a situation where you have to backtrack and start over.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton does so much for the community we’re in. We revitalize neighborhoods through our Rock the Block Campaign. We provide Safe and Secure homes for those who need them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The First stop is almost always the Barrel House at 417 E 3rd St, Dayton. If it’s Wednesday, it’s Wu Tang time. If it’s Sunday, I’m bringing an LP to sit on their couches and just vibe for a couple of hours. The Barrel House is the perfect safe space for anyone.

A good cheap burger? That’s Blind Bobs at 430 E 5th St, Dayton. The punk bar I grew up with has aged with me. They have events almost every night of the week. It’s also a great place to get a cheap PBR.

Brunch time? It’s Lilly’s at 329 E 5th St, Dayton. Every so often you can find me there on a Sunday morning with my face buried in a Hangover Bowel.

Best Brewery? Bar none, that’s gotta be Branch and Bone at 905 Wayne Ave, Dayton. Every single one of their beers is possibly the best you will find in this area. It’s small, cozy, and no one is a stranger there!

Silent disco or outdoor show? I’m hitting Yellow Cab at 700 East 4th street, Dayton. From Drag brunch to poetry slams, they’ve got a ton of things for everyone.

Everyone is all about the Air Force Museum, but, I feel that Woodlawn Cemetery is where the real history is.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten so many. Almost every place in this area is amazing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We love our Residential Donors, Customers, and Volunteers. It would be impossible to do the things that we do without them. Our Corporate Donors, Lowes, Home Depot, WinSupply, Bethany Village, Children’s Medical, and others, allow us to bring new reasonably priced items to the General Public.

Lastly, my staff is amazing. Ginger, Dennis, Asha, and Bryan are all irreplaceable. I can not imagine doing what I do without their support and ideas.

Website: https://daytonhabitat.org/restore.html

Instagram: neorapzacattack

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-hensley-85bab5171/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaytonReStore/