Steve Lewis is associate director of Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County, a Christian-based nonprofit that impacts affordable housing in Williamson County.  Habitat for Humanity has built and sold over 100 homes for hard working families who want to live and work in Williamson County.  Lewis moved to Williamson County in 1983 with Southwestern/Great American Inc.  In 2006 he joined Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County.

Teresa Miller interviewed Lewis for this column.

Company Profile Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County  Company Address: 7115 Bakers Bridge Avenue, Brentwood, TN  37027 Phone: 615-690-8098 Year Founded:  1993  Website:  www.habitatwilliamson.org Steve Lewis

Give me a brief explanation of how Habitat for Humanity provides homes to those in need in our county?

We work with businesses and the faith community to establish sponsorships.  These sponsorships provide volunteers and cash to pay for the materials to build the house.  The house is then sold to the homeowner who pays the mortgage, taxes and insurance.  The only difference is that a Habitat home has no interest charged.  A homeowner must qualify through income earned, need and willingness to partner with us.  Each homeowner puts in 500 hours of “sweat equity”.  This includes working on another family’s home, attending financial classes and other expectations that are part of this partnership.

How did Habitat for Humanity initially position itself in the marketplace?

Up until 2007 we built homes that had a very plain design.  They were fine homes but we learned through a feasibility study that members of the community preferred a craftsman style look that we have since adopted.  With the help of The Jones Company we are now building a home that has more curb appeal than in the past.

Was there a key change in positioning that led to your current success?

The feasibility study provided us with opinions from 90 civic, business and religious leaders in Williamson County.  This study led to a fund raising campaign where we received commitments from over 30 entities that have supported our affordable housing initiative since 2007.  Many made four year commitments that allowed us to flourish even when the economy was in disarray.

Tell me about your women’s initiative?

In the early 1990s, a Habitat affiliate in Charlotte, N.C., embarked upon the first “Women Build.”  Since that time, over 1600 homes have been constructed across the country in a “women only” initiative.  Since 70% of the heads of household we build for are women, this is a great opportunity for women to help women.  It is an empowering project that enables women volunteers to learn building principles while impacting a local family through the building process.  We seek 120 women to help us raise the sponsorship money and to assist with the build during the eight week process.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Never compare yourself to others; you will become either vain or bitter.  Do everything you can to improve, seeking the help and strength of God.  Always remember, our success, possessions and family are gifts from God given to us to be stewards of, not owners of.

What is the greatest business challenge you have faced? How did you handle it?

Working with over 200 different sales men and women with Southwestern/Great American Inc. provided many challenges from motivation to human resource issues.  These were handled by following the teachings of the Bible, working closely with other managers, reading books on leadership and attending seminars on leadership.  You make mistakes but you use those mistakes to establish wisdom and a foundation of experience to call upon as similar situations occur.

What one business tip would you give to a Brentwood business entrepreneur?

In our society most people do not exhibit patience for a longer term reward. Too much emphasis is placed on “get it now” versus an attitude of self denial today that will lead to a healthy and prosperous tomorrow.  Trying to get ahead quickly can lead to questionable and sometimes corrupt decisions.  Love your work and treat it with respect but don’t let it define who you are as a person.