KEN BANKS’BLOG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
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It’s great to be back at my desk, in my office, in my home after 14 months in temporary housing as we recover from Hurricane Helene. As I’ve mentioned in my messages during that period, it’s been a challenge both mentally and physically to meet the challenges that we were dealing with on almost a daily basis. However, there were numerous instances where we were encouraged and influenced by the relationships that we built with a variety of sources with whom we joined forces to get back to some normalcy.
Those relationships included the support from our solid network of friends, many of whom were scattered around the country, and others who jumped in to lend a helping hand with the cleanup process. Beyond that support, our family was really responsible helping us through the challenges that often seemed insurmountable. Our kids and grandkids jumped in immediately to help us though this disaster. This included our daughter, Michelle, immediately taking control of all the immediate decisions and contacts that had to be made. As our “COO”, she made the daily contacts to get our insurance claims submitted, to find temporary housing, to setting up numerous meetings with contractors who we could trust and who could get the job done while eliminating many of the headaches of rebuilding our home. Michelle also assumed the role of “CFO” by providing the spread sheets and the voluminous claim materials that accelerated our approvals from the insurance companies and FEMA (who, by the way, handled our case efficiently and effectively). She was joined by her husband, Jeff, who provided much need construction expertise as well as helpful staff who were invaluable. She also built relationships with our banking partners which limited the financial stress that can make or break you. Finally, our faith that God doesn’t allow us to be more challenged than we could handle and who answered our many, many prayers when the going got tough.
This event also provided a good lesson in branding. We relied on time after time with the purchasing of replacements for everything from appliances to toilets to mattresses. These retailers backed their competitive pricing with programs that made the spending less stressful and eliminated the worries of not always making the right purchase decisions. Here are three companies that we relied on every step of the way:
AMAZON. The company continues to amaze me by the having just what you need and helping with easy-to-find information on almost everything you need. The online experience is second to none when it comes to finding what you need, comparing options, and returning something that just isn’t right. Their communications on delivery status, return progress, and refund processing is amazing. In the couple instances when we needed to talk with a human, they were friendly, compassionate and dedicated to resolving the problem. No wonder why this is one of top brands in the world and why there are so many gray trucks on our damaged streets every day.
HOME DEPOT. During the rebuilding process, it seemed like Home Depot warranted a trip by us every day. Sure they always seemed to have just what we needed and to always be helpful to personally help you find just what we were looking for. We had an experience with an appliance salesperson here who went above and beyond by talking with us to determine our needs and budget and then finding one that met our requirements. I have been a fan of Home Depot branding and now am more loyal than ever.
LOWE’S. With the high marks given to Home Depot above, you might wonder how Lowe’s would also get our business during the rebuilding. Lowe’s has developed a loyal customer base with an expertise in appliances, home décor, and service. Many times, we were looking for something that we wanted but couldn’t find. In every case, we found an employee who would walk us to right spot even if it wasn’t in their area of responsibility. Our contractors also found Lowe’s to be a trusted, economical choice for many major purchases.
Of course, there were many more companies that we did business with and most showed sincere empathy for our situation. However, these three brands built a relationship that we feel right at home with.
Have a Happy Holiday!
Thanks, Ken
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