Although all of our companies are focused on their bottom lines, many of us also welcome opportunities to give back to our communities. TechWood had one such opportunity this year, when we partnered with Global Fireproof Solutions, Inc. to support the construction and renovation of a mortgage-free home for U.S. Army Veteran Patricia Golden in Eatonville, Florida. The initiative is part of a collaborative effort led by the Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA) in partnership with Building Homes for Heroes.
This project, which began last year, brings together GOBA members – including builders, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers – who are donating labor, materials, and expertise to restore and enhance Ms. Golden’s home after it sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ian. The effort reflects a unified commitment to providing veterans with safe, secure, and accessible housing. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
As the leading provider of advanced protective lumber treatment solutions serving the building and construction industry, TechWood is contributing its proprietary lumber treatment solutions designed to enhance durability, structural integrity, and long-term protection of wood building materials. Global Fireproof Solutions provides advanced passive fire protection solutions to enhance the safety and resilience of structures, partnering with builders, developers, and industry experts to deliver high-performance fire safety solutions for residential and commercial buildings. For this project, GFS is contributing the certified application to all of the structural wood, which includes the roof decking, trusses, and interior/exterior wall assemblies, to further enhance the safety and resilience of the home.
As stated by TechWood CEO Irv Minnaker, “We are honored to support this important project alongside GOBA and Building Homes for Heroes. At TechWood, protection is at the core of everything we do. Contributing our technology to help safeguard the home of a veteran who has served our country is both a responsibility and a privilege.”
Added Global Fireproof Solutions Inc. CEO Chris Birchfield, “This collaboration demonstrates what our industry can accomplish when we combine expertise with purpose. By incorporating advanced fire protection solutions into the build, we are helping create a home that offers not only comfort but also confidence and security for years to come.”
The project embodies the broader mission of Building Homes for Heroes, which is dedicated to constructing and renovating mortgage-free homes for injured veterans and their families. Through strong community collaboration, GOBA members and partners assist in providing stability and a renewed sense of independence for those who have sacrificed in service to the country.
As part of the build process, a “Wall of Honor” ceremony was held on February 10th, giving contributors the opportunity to sign the interior walls of the home before completion – symbolizing the collective commitment of the community to support Ms. Golden and honor her service.
“These projects are about more than construction,” said Andrew Dingman, Executive Vice President for TechWood. “They represent a fresh start and a tangible expression of gratitude for our veterans. The involvement of companies like TechWood and Global Fireproof Solutions demonstrates the strength of our industry and our community.”
The Eatonville home is expected to be completed in May 2026, but TechWood lumber treatment is available across the country through a nationwide network of licensed applicators.
To learn more about TechWood, you can find Technical Evaluation Reports, Safety Data Sheets, and UL Green Guard certifications for all TechWood products available for download from www.techwoodtreatments.com. To contact TechWood directly, call 1-833-TEKWOOD or email connect@techwoodtreatments.com.