‘Inc.’: A Chief Executive Inspires Generosity

Many entrepreneurs make a point of doing good works, notes Inc. magazine (February), but few “come close to John Wheeler’s outsized predilection for charitable causes, most of which combine fun with community service.” Mr. Wheeler, founder of Rockford Construction, in Belmont, Mich., estimates that he spends a third of his time leading his staff members, their families, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients in volunteer activities, the magazine says. During the past 10 years, the company has spent $3-million on efforts to benefit children, the hungry, and the homeless, and has organized some 60 to 70 projects. For instance, the company founded an annual Harley Race for Hunger, which raised $54,000 last year for God’s Kitchen, a Grand Rapids food pantry.

Mr. Wheeler says one way to make sure employees don’t get burned out by all the volunteering is to pay the people who manage the good-works projects. He also appointed a board of six employees to determine what charitable requests to fulfill.

The article is available at http://www.inc.com.