Agent Success Story: Bob Baudo
Be Inspired – Bob Baudo with RE/MAX Realty 100 in Milwaukee, WI received the Community Citizenship award at the RE/MAX Awards Dinner this March for his volunteer work with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Several relief trips were planned. Bob has made five trips to New Orleans since the disasters struck the Gulf coast. He says getting involved has been truly inspiring.
“My church made an announcement after Hurricane Katrina that they were looking for men and women with skills to take a trip to New Orleans and help rehab homes. A church in the Orleans Parish has been rehabbed into a volunteers working camp complete with mess hall type food, and dormitory sleeping arrangements. And as a landlord I have picked up some electric, plumbing and dry wall trades over the years so I thought why not? On one of my trips I flew down with two bags, one with work clothes for New Orleans and one with dress clothes. I spent nine nights sleeping on a foam mattress bunk bed and working on rehab projects during the day. I then went to Las Vegas for the RE/MAX International Convention and went to sleeping on the 23rd floor of New York, New York. The dramatic change from one extreme to the next really struck me. I realized that some of the families working to reestablish their homes and lives may never have the chance to get it 100% back to normal, let alone be able to have it better than normal.”
Bob says in the five years he’s taken his annual trip to New Orleans his conviction to help has only become stronger. “Every little bit makes a difference in the life of one. If I see someone in need and think that I can do something, can take a skill or talent, and spend some time to help them, even just a little bit, I will. And I really think it’s the little things you do that go the farthest. If you don’t have money to donate get creative with your time and thoughts; we can all give something. But it’s tough to energize people; it has to come from the heart.”
While Bob’s heart continues to grow volunteering is not something he uses to grow his business. “I don’t publicize what I do. I’ve gotten some recognition but I never expected it. I have successfully collected donations; people say ‘Oh, I wish I could help.’ I tell them to put their money where their mouth is and have collected nearly $8,000 in Home Depot gift cards, which I give to families in New Orleans. The pay back is the sincere thank you that comes from those I’m helping.”
Bob’s heartfelt endeavors recently inspired another RE/MAX Realty 100 associate to do more – Matt Eisenhauer with the Hales Corners office just returned from his first trip to New Orleans. If you’re interested in joining the rehab effort, donating a gift card, or just learning more about Bob’s experience contact Bob at 262.784.9220 or findbob@wi.rr.com
You can also check out the website for the organization Bob works with: http://camprestore.org/.
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