Leading in Central MA: Tim Firment, Exec. Director, HFH MetroWest

Monday, April 07, 2014

Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Tim Firment, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester

Tim Firment brings 30 years of progressive management history to Habitat for Humanity. He has had extensive financial and operations experience for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including Fortune 500 operations. He is the former CEO/CFO of Fruitlands Museum in Harvard.

A Conversation with Tim Firment

SW: Can you talk a little about Habitat for Humanities mission?

TF: Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Our mission is: “ Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”

SW: How do you meet that mission in Worcester?

TF: We have built 21 homes in Worcester for those families in need as well as an additional 3 remodels to help Veterans stay in their home. Through collaborating with donors, churches, foundations and the City we have been able to address the growing need for affordable housing in Worcester. 3 more units are in progress.

SW: You have a store to raise funds. What do you offer the public?

TF: Our ReStore on Gold Star Blvd across from Shaws is open to the public 5 days a week. We offer a massive assortment of quality home furnishings, building materials, lighting, appliances, cabinets and other household items. We are clearly the shop of choice for those looking to donate, shop or volunteer. We will come to your door for pickups and have an ever-changing assortment of bargain items at our store.

SW: What is on the drawing board for your organization in 2014?

TF: We are just completing a duplex on Plantation Street and are working on an additional 5 homes in Worcester. In addition we are building 4 units in Wayland and pursuing other projects in Central Mass. You will also see us complete 5 veteran projects this year and open a second ReStore in 2015.

SW: How can the community help?

TF: Donate, Shop and Volunteer. As a non-profit we depend on the community for donations of funds, construction materials and Items for ReStore. Your shopping at ReStore provides funds for our new builds and volunteers are always needed at ReStore and on our build sites. See www.habitatmwgw.org for details.

SW: What led you to this career path?

TF: I always felt the need to give back to others. After 30+ years in the corporate world, Habitat now provides me the fulfillment of helping others to transform their lives. Delivering on our mission is much more rewarding than any other path I may have chosen.

SW: Who or what has had the greatest influence on your life?

TF: Undoubtedly, my mother had the greatest influence on my life. Coming from a family of nine, she taught us the importance of helping others, living a Christian life and being the best at what we do.

SW: Your favorite quote?

TF: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” This speaks to our personal accountability to make positive change wherever we are and to commit to taking on the task at hand.

SW: What is the something that few p eo p le know about you?

TF: I attended the seminary for two years in high school. I told you my mother had a great influence on my life.

SW: How do you spend your free time?

TF: Golf, gardening and motorcycling. All provide me the escape I need to relax.

SW: How do you define success?

TF: Success to me is finding that sweet spot in life where you find a balance between family, work and self where you know you are doing your best to be happy in each.

SW: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

TF: Hopefully I can retire by then and relax on the beach with my grandchildren after playing a game of golf.

GoLocalWorcester presents Leading in Central Ma, a weekly profile of an outstanding community or business leader. Join us every Monday for an inspiring look at the careers and lifestyles of Central Massachusetts’s most influential citizens.

Susan D. Wagner is president of Susan Wagner PR, a boutique public relations firm invested in meeting client's goals with integrity and creativity.

If you have suggestions for a profile, please email [email protected].

Related Slideshow: The Most and Least Charitable Communities in Central MA

Below are the most—and least—charitable towns in Central Massachusetts. Towns were ranked by how much of local median discretionary income was donated to a charitable cause. The data is taken from the Chronicle for Philanthropy, using IRS records on charitable giving as reported on individual tax returns in 2008, the latest available year.

For each listed town, the total contributions are provided, along with the median contribution, the median discretionary income, and the percent donated. A state and national ranking is also included. State rankings are based on the percent of income donated, while national rankings are based on total contributions.

Note: No data was available for the towns of Tolland, Phillipstown, and Templeton.

Leading in Central MA: Tim Firment, Exec. Director, HFH MetroWest

A Conversation with Tim Firment

Related Slideshow: The Most and Least Charitable Communities in Central MA

#70

Hardwick

#69

Winchendon

#68

Townsend

#67

Webster

#66

Oxford

#65

Millville

#64

Shirley

#63

Athol

#62

Blackstone

#61

Gardner

#60

Rutland

#59

Ayer

#58

Brimfield

#57

Douglas

#56

Ware

#55

Bellingham

#54

Palmer

#53

Ashburnham

#52

Mendon

#51

Orange

#50

Sutton

#49

Leicester

#48

Hopedale

#47

Millbury

#46

Brookfield

#45

Upton

#44

Dudley

#43

West Brookfield

#42

Hubbardston

#41

Hudson

#40

Charlton

#39

Sturbridge

#38

Spencer

#37

Barre

#36

Auburn

#35

New Braintree

#34

Grafton

#33

Westminster

#32