For three close friends, who grew up in Anne Arundel County, the Chesapeake Bay has always been an important part of Maryland life. It was just a few years ago, however, that Shane Stringfellow, Josue Moreno, and David Ward made a bold decision to leave their previous careers and embark on a new adventure to start their own contracting company.
“I remember the three of us sitting down at my kitchen table, and we all agreed that one of the most important things for us to focus on was to have a net-positive impact on the world,” said Shane, co-founder and owner at Odyssey Remodeling.
Pictured from left: Shane Stringfellow (owner), David Ward (owner), Nick Flo (project manager), and Josue Moreno (owner)
Odyssey Remodeling provides customized contracting services, including roofing and siding replacements, windows, doors, gutters, and more. The team takes pride in listening to the needs of community members, helping them visualize possibilities, and making those possibilities a reality.
Over time, the co-owners recognized the true importance of the Chesapeake Bay. Shane mentions, “The reality is that residential construction can have a negative impact on the environment.” Effects include air, noise, and landfill pollution, as well as potential water contamination, habitat loss, and ecosystem disruption. To support their goals of community-oriented sustainability, Odyssey decided to dedicate time—and money—to help offset these potential effects.
“If you are a business owner, you understand that your business is not simply a tool to generate money. Your business is your way of life. It is a reflection of your aspirations, your creativity, your morals, and your ethics,” said Shane.
To help protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways, Odyssey Remodeling has committed to donating a percentage of their profits every quarter to the Chesapeake Bay Trust. These funds help the Trust empower hundreds of community-based organizations to restore nature, including projects like youth environmental education, stormwater management solutions, or watershed restoration.
“We chose the Chesapeake Bay Trust because we trust them to use their funds efficiently,” Shane said. “I love reading the annual report every year knowing that we helped make all these great projects possible. I hope the health of the Bay continues to improve for years to come.”
For other businesses interested in giving back, Shane recommends starting by researching organizations that are doing important work in their area. He stresses the importance of choosing a cause you’re passionate about to make the partnership more authentic and impactful.
“You’ll likely find that the benefits far outweigh the effort, strengthening both your brand and the community around you,” Shane said.
When you partner with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, you’re not only helping sustain the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and its communities; you’re gaining exposure that can help your business flourish. We collaborate with our partners to understand what their needs are and how we can help support these gaps through shared marketing, communications, and networking events.
To learn more about Odyssey Remodeling, contact them today about their services or schedule a free consultation by visiting www.odyssey-remodeling.com.
Looking to make a meaningful impact on the future of the Bay and our local waterways while enhancing your brand to reach more potential clients? Consider partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Trust. You can help achieve lasting results, providing support for environmental education, community outreach, habitat conservation, and local watershed restoration. Email Suzanne at sarmstrong@cbtrust.org to learn more!
