CLEARWATER, Fla. — Ten years ago, John Zoda retired from a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
And now, the 72-year-old from Clearwater has helped build more than 300 houses for people in need.
"I really had no experience with this," he said with a smile. "But I had some very good supervisors who were extremely patient while I was learning things."
Zoda is one of the "Weekday Warriors" — retirees who volunteer to help Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties.
The major requirements to help the nonprofit? Time and a lot of heart.
"It makes you humble," he said. "It makes you realize how fortunate you are and that there are a lot of people out there not as fortunate."
Habitat for Humanity says make no mistake: Weekday Warriors are absolutely essential to the mission of building more than 80 houses a year.
"Weekday Warriors are the heart of Habitat," said Xavier Oliver, director of programs. "We would not be able to do it without these dedicated volunteers."
For more on the Weekday Warriors program, go here.
