By Town Crier Report

Having only recently relocated their offices from Menlo Park to the Mountain View area, Harrell Remodeling was pleasantly surprised with the honor of being recognized in the category of Outstanding Business (Small/Medium Size). Judged on criterion including local impact, scope of contribution, timeliness and originality of contribution, among other aspects, Harrell Remodeling was chosen mainly for their work with local youth, including a “Ms. Fix-It” workshop for area Girl Scouts and for the community spirit of their company.

“It’s enough to just own and operate a business, and make it successful,” said Carol Olson, President and CEO for the Chamber of Commerce. “Then to take the time to volunteer and give back, particularly to youth, is really amazing. And for Iris [Harrell Remodeling CEO] to be a role model to young girls is a unique contribution and something our community needs to recognize.”

Harrell has one theory for this characteristic.

“I have a passion about people rising to their full potential,” she said. “Perhaps it’s the schoolteacher in me.”

“Additionally, the ethical practices of their company were a factor,” continues Olson. “When working on a house remodel, they send out flyers to the surrounding area residents saying they’ll be working in the neighborhood, and are looking forward to sharing the street, and will try to be good neighbors.- That goes above and beyond standard practice, by showing thinking and a thoughtfulness about the community. That’s what we were looking for.”

When asked about her company’s community involvement Harrell remains modest.

“We try our best to be a good neighbor and do our part to enhance the community in any way we can,” she said. “We really are a family here and want to share that spirit with those around us.”

This is not the first award for community contribution that Harrell Remodeling has received. An active member of the community, the company has also been recognized for their volunteer efforts with Habitat for Humanity by both the National Kitchen and Bath Association with the Humanitarian Award in 1999 and the Outstanding Team Award in 2001 from the Growth and Leadership Center.

Harrell Remodeling Inc. is an award-winning Design+Build company that is 17 years old and still managed by Iris Harrell, its founding owner. Harrell attributes the company’s success to a continual focus on never forgetting that the jobsite is still the client’s home. For more information, contact Angelita Menchaca at (503) 234-7710 or e-mail at angel@polaris-inc.com.