When Greer, S.C.-based Upstate Flooring Designs Owner Kristopher Jeter saw the devastation North Carolina suffered from Hurricane Helene, he felt compelled to help its victims.
Jeter had experienced the hurricane’s destruction in South Carolina, and once he saw the damage it had caused in North Carolina, he began making calls to see how he could help.
“It was the first time I saw damage like that from a hurricane,” Jeter told WFB. “I knew I had to do something.”
Jeter got connected with the Carolina Emergency Response Team, which was delivering emergency supplies to victims across western North Carolina.
As part of the volunteer response team, Jeter helped locate stranded victims through social media and communicated with his team members to find those stranded and get them the supplies they needed.
Along with the response team, Jeter and other volunteers assembled over 30 helicopters to deliver the supplies.
Jeter attributed his success on the response team to his wood floor contracting experience. He said his organizational skills and social media knowledge gained from running his business proved effective in running an emergency response mission.
“I’ve been doing wood floors for eight years, so I know a thing or two about logistics and finding supplies I need,” he said.
The connections he’s made in the industry also provided valuable assistance to the situation, as Jeter said many companies and fellow pros donated money to buy supplies for victims.
“I want to thank all the companies that supported the victims,” Jeter said. “I hope everyone keeps helping their neighbors.”
Jeter told WFB he plans to continuing working with the Carolina Emergency Response Team to help Carolinians when emergency strikes. His experience after the hurricane convinced him to join its volunteer team as an active member and begin learning how to operate helicopters for future missions.
Courtesy of Kristopher Jeter.
