Pay it Forward: A Year in Review and A Look Ahead

2022 was a big year for Forward Design Build Remodel, full of dramatic home transformations and satisfied clients. But we might be most grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to touch the lives of others and give back through our Pay it Forward initiative. 

In 2022 we added a new goal to our community donations and volunteering. “Beyond our normal giving, in 2022 we created a new initiative, dedicated to helping local Ann Arbor Veterans that are in need of home repair,” explains General Manager Monica Hough-Forward. One project in particular that we worked on in 2022 stood out to us.

Helping a Local Veteran Live More Safely and Comfortably

Bob Kurtz is a fixture in Ann Arbor’s Veteran support circles. A 20-year Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Bob is a down-to-earth, kindly figure who has been recognized within the military for his service to Veterans after his retirement. Because of his dedication and years of service, Forward wanted to help do something to help Bob and thank him for all that he continues to do within our community. 

At first, the plan was to replace a broken sink that had been keeping Bob from enjoying his home. But upon assessing the problem, we uncovered much more serious issues in Bob’s bathroom. The home’s sewer wasn’t working properly and sewer gas was leaking into Bob’s home. We quickly assembled a team of local trade partners who all chipped in to help rectify this health and safety concern. 

Once Bob’s sewer issues had been resolved, the bathroom sink was repaired, a safe stair runner and new flooring were installed. We also added lighting to create a peaceful and inviting space. While we were at his property we also noticed some other areas that needed our immediate attention: A set of unsafe exterior stairs were replaced, we also replaced his roof and installed a new window to provide him more sunlight.  “I just really appreciate everything that you’ve done,” Bob said with a smile. “It’s been excellent. The bathroom looks terrific.”

Thanks to Our Ann Arbor Partners

We couldn’t have completed this project so quickly without the help of our trade partners who didn’t hesitate to help a local Veteran. Those generous local businesses include Chelsea Plumbing, who provided plumbing work and fixtures, Koby Craftsmen, who supplied and installed underlayment, Nelson Floor Covering, who donated flooring and Aardvark Manufacturing Home Service & Supply, who contributed both materials and labor. 

Continuing to Pay it Forward

Our team looks forward to providing other deserving local families in need with home repairs that can improve both their quality of life and the enjoyment of their home. Our business is guided by a set of values, one of which is “Being Good Citizens,” and that means being generous with our time and resources to contribute and give back to the Ann Arbor community. 

“It’s important for us to give back to our community because they give so much to us,” explains President and Creative Director, Jef Forward. “We’ve been very fortunate to be successful in Ann Arbor and it’s important for us to give back and nourish other people who need help.” 

If you’d like to help us in our mission to make a difference in Ann Arbor, please consider donating to our GoFundMe Campaign which covers a wide range of grassroots community causes, such as our current garage conversion to create a space for a family’s grandfather to reunite with his family after being diagnosed with ALS. 

We thank you in advance for your generosity. Your contributions will be put to good use creating healthier, more functional living spaces for worthy individuals and organizations across our area!

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