From the Desk of Hazzem Koudsi, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
As a CEO, there is no greater source of pride than supporting and watching your team grow and succeed. It is one thing to have a vision and strategy, but it is another entirely to see them come to life through the dedication, hard work, and passion of the people who make up Habitat PEH. Success is not simply about numbers, profits, or expansion – it is about the collective effort that drives a company forward and the individuals who bring their best selves to the table every single day – even on the days when they aren’t at their best.
When a company experiences growth, it is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. No CEO can achieve greatness alone. It takes a team – one that is aligned with a shared mandate, committed to excellence, and willing to push past challenges. Observing employees develop new skills, take on new leadership roles, and contribute innovative ideas fills me with great satisfaction and happiness. It is a reminder that culture eats strategy for breakfast and how we are doing amazing work to support our community at Habitat PEH.
Our team has had successful fundraising events that support our home build projects. From our Rock Solid Housing Bonspiel in November to our recent Raise the Roof event at St. Louis Bar & Grill, we have risen to the challenge to raise much needed funds in support of our mandate. We also opened a new ReStore location in Trenton at 266 Dundas Street East, through the hard work of our team and newly hired managers and staff at that location. This is in addition to our current ReStore location at 365 Bell Boulevard in Belleville. You will see nothing but smiles, collegial support and positive attitudes when you visit either of our two locations. As a result, you will witness firsthand what a positive shopping environment they have created as you look for the product of your dreams! Those smiles and helpful nature are a testament to the camaraderie and happiness the management, staff, and volunteers share on a daily basis. Seeing individuals gain confidence and grow into their potential is also very satisfying. Again, culture eats strategy for breakfast.
Our success in the ReStore’s translates into success within the community. We have completed four builds in the last four years, which helps four families achieve strength, stability and self-reliance. That means better outcomes for the children in those families and less reliance on social systems and charities that are overburdened and stretched to their limits. We have five builds planned for this year alone, which is proof that we are truly performing at a high level and serving our community to the best of our abilities.
Success also comes with moments of reflection. Every achievement is built on a foundation of hard work, some late nights, and challenges that we overcome together. The road to growth and success is never easy, and it is in those moments of struggle where the true character of a team shines. The ability to navigate obstacles with resilience, learn from failures, and emerge stronger is what makes success so meaningful.
I am very grateful and proud of my team here at Habitat PEH and share in the joy of success when we can, so that they know just how valued they are. I sleep well knowing this is a strong group of people who rise to every challenge and support one another in the process. Culture eats strategy for breakfast.