Gene was born and raised in Ohio. He earned his engineering degree at theUniversity of Cincinnati, and spent his career as a sales engineer, eventuallyretiring from Motorola.In 1984, Gene heard about Habitat for Humanity coming to build in Atlanta.He was privileged to hammer some nails on the very first Habitat house. He worked side by side with a needy family and helped them build their newhome. Gene stated that "he learned then what the home meant to this family: self-esteem, motivation, a place for the children to study and stay off thestreets so they could get a good education."In 1992, Gene helped to start a Habitat affiliate in the North Fulton area ofGeorgia. He also participated as a Board member for many years. He was instrumental in the early stages of fundraising to get the organization off theground. Each year the affiliate expanded the number of homes built. He did countless presentations to local community and civic groups, as well as churches and schools. Gene was also instrumental in starting annual ecumenicalbuilds where local churches partner with one another to build homes.Gene also used his talents as a book author to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. He has written 4 books since 1992 and has donated all of the proceeds to Habitat. His four books are titled: A Christmas Housewarming, 1992; Home for the Holidays, 1995; Thanks, Mom, 1999; and A House for Wally andMe, 2009. His first three books have sold over 80,000 copies with over$100,000 in profits directly benefiting the Habitat organization. His fourth book is a children's book that emphasizes the importance of volunteerism andteaches children about home construction and the Habitat program.In November, Gene will be celebrating his 25th year as a volunteer for Habitatfor Humanity. Gene is an outstanding individual and an inspiration to everyonehe comes in contact with.
