Seth Willis has been involved with Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio for about a year and half. He works at Dupler Office as an Architectural Solutions Consultant, serving in a business development role, networking with industry partners including architects, contractors and interior designers to share about alternative building solutions at Dupler Office. Additionally, Seth participates in The Builders Exchange’s Young Professionals committee and AIA Columbus - The American Institute of Architects.
Seth’s first Habitat event was Habitat Young Professionals (HYP) Leader Lessons where he learned about Habitat’s mission to serve families. Seth shared, “I can get behind the mission. There are a lot of organizations out there to help people, but I like the way Habitat operates. The sweat equity part of it is crucial to help families.” With a background in banking, he also appreciates the affordable financing options offered to families. Since his first engagement with Habitat MidOhio, Seth has taken on several leadership roles, serving as the HYP Membership Chair and now as the HYP Events Co-Chair. He helps coordinate events including Putts and Pints, Leader Lessons and other social events. Seth has enlisted his employer, Dupler Office, to host and sponsor events. They have been supportive of his dedication to the success of HYP.
Seth enjoys working with his hands and being part of the Evening Crew that volunteers on build sites after work hours is a nice change of pace from his workday. Seth shares, “Being able to actually physically work on something and see tangible results was something I really like about it.” He has learned a lot of new things on the build sites like hanging siding, insulating and framing—skills that he can take back and use to work on his own house.
Through his participation with Habitat, Seth has learned just how difficult it is to obtain affordable housing.
“It’s becoming harder and harder for the average person to have homeownership. We have a long way to go and a lot of changes need to happen to make it more accessible to people…supporting Habitat is one step in the right direction!” Seth continued, “Having a safe home is a basic human need and we are here to help promote that. I also help promote the HYP to get out and do things to make a difference.”
He encourages young professionals to get involved, especially those who might be new homeowners or are renting as a way to learn new skills, network and help people while you’re doing it.
“You might be exposed to something you didn’t realize was a thing. Like the struggle to have affordable housing that people deal with every day. I have a completely different perspective...”
