At TEAL, one of our core values is to “Lift Up” our fellow teammates, both in the workplace and in one another’s personal goals. The TEAL Team always strives to elevate, empower, and inspire one another, as well as make a positive impact in our communities. One way that our team has participated in and accomplished this is through home ownership and investing in the communities in which we live. This concept inspired TEAL’s First-Time Homebuyer Program which provides a $500 housewarming gift to support and congratulate members of our team that have achieved the milestone of investing in their first home.

This program was started in the early days of TEAL to support our team members who become first-time homeowners with the expenses that are associated with this exciting transition. We recognize that for many, homeownership represents an important step in participating in the American dream, and we are proud to be able to help our team members make this step.

Recently, we were honored to present the First Time Homebuyer Program reward to Robert Angel, Fabricator at TEAL. Robert recently underwent the process of purchasing a new home, as he and his family had outgrown the house they were previously residing in. In addition to searching for a home that fit their spatial needs, the Angel family desired to be in a neighborhood that was more tranquil and peaceful than their previous community. The Angel family’s new home is a two-story, new construction, and includes five bedrooms (each with its own walk-in closet), providing ample space for each family member, as well as for potential guests that come to visit. The Angel family celebrated moving into their new home with three housewarming parties — one for each side of the family, as well as one for friends. Additionally, Robert and his family look forward to celebrating the Christmas holidays this season by hosting at their house this year.

When Robert was presented with the First Time Homebuyer Program gift, he was taken by complete surprise — he said it was both unexpected and greatly appreciated!

Robert’s supervisor, Vice President of Operations, Dale Holloway, gave him a card that was hand-signed by every member of the TEAL Team; each signature was paired with a unique, personal note congratulating Robert on his homeownership. Robert was then told that there was a $500 gift card inside to assist with expenses that can occur during this exciting and transitional time. Robert was incredibly grateful and excited to use the gift card on something meaningful for his new home; he stated that the gift was particularly helpful at this time, as the market is currently a “seller’s market” and, therefore, challenging for the buyers, so unexpected expenses and difficulties were incurred during the process. Robert and his family decided to use the First Time Homebuyer Program reward to purchase a new lawnmower and weed eater for the house, starting their collection of lawn care necessities.

The TEAL Team would like to congratulate Robert on this great accomplishment! We are happy to be able to provide this program for employees that are purchasing their first home, and look forward to supporting and congratulating more TEAL first-time homebuyers in years to come.