Extollo International

Extollo President, Keith Cobell, and US Operations Manager, Alicia Vega-Portela, were honored to attend the 25th annual Tilt-Up Convention and Expo in Pheonix, Arizona. This premier industry event brings together professionals from around the world to share knowledge and explore the latest advancements in tilt-up construction.

At the convention, Extollo had the privilege of co-hosting the Global Connection Forum. This forum provided a platform for international industry leaders to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities presented by global tilt-up markets. Through engaging conversations and idea exchange, attendees gained valuable insights into the international landscape of tilt-up construction.

Renee Janofski, Extollo's Engagement Coordinator, recently attended the Transitioning Haitian Youth Coalition Conference in Indianapolis. This event offered Extollo a valuable opportunity to network with other organizations working in Haiti and gain insights into their needs as they support youth transitioning out of orphanages.

We learned firsthand that these young people require not only practical skills but also strong character development as they enter adulthood. Extollo's Level 1 training aligns perfectly with this need, focusing on building character traits like excellence, discipline, integrity, responsibility, initiative, teamwork, and respect. Our mission is to equip students with both construction skills and these essential character traits, empowering them to find meaningful employment and succeed in life.

However, the surprise of getting Haitian food in America may have been the highlight of the conference!

✨ Meet Ken Waterhouse ✨
Part 3: Non-Profit/Remote Living

I had done my time in the oil industry. I had reached all the goals I had set for myself. My Mom and Dad had bought a safari lodge in Zambia, and asked me if I wanted to join them there, run the business with them, and eventually take it over so they could retire. How could I say no? A once in a lifetime opportunity to move to what I consider to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet, be surrounded by nature, and have the opportunity to help my parents and carry on the legacy of the company they had been building for 6 years by that time. I moved over, and took to the bush like a duck to water.

Being so remote, we had to do everything ourselves. So there started a new learning curve. Large property maintenance. Everything from plumbing to electrical, rebuilding game viewing vehicles, to garden and pool maintenance, as well as running a business. I was in my element again, learning, growing, and embracing the bush life. I also started to develop a new passion.

As odd as it may seem, I saw that there was a problem where we lived. Snakes, and human snake conflict. There were many dangerously venomous snakes in the area, and they caused a lot of injuries and deaths. On the flip side of this, out of fear, this meant that a lot of snakes were being killed as well. I didn't like either side of this fence. I took a deep dive into studying again. I did courses on snake handling, snake bite treatment and first aid, and I immersed myself in the scene completely, eventually starting an NGO (Helping Hands in Snake Safety).

We were focused on training snake handlers around the country, as this reduces the risks of human snake conflict, by offering a safe and humane way to intervene. We also did a lot of snakebite first aid training, and worked with doctors and hospitals on snakebite treatment. Over the years we developed a list of snake handlers across the country, we trained staff at multiple hospitals, and we attended to many snakebites. This NGO is still operating today.

✨ Meet Ken Waterhouse ✨
Part 2: Welding

"I built race engines, prepped cars and karts, and did some driving instruction. While repairing some parts, I was exposed to TIG welding for the first time.

I fell in love with welding immediately. Something about being able to take something as hard as steel, and shape it, grind it, and join it together was immensely satisfying to me. I also loved the smell of it, it reminded me of toffee.

It was actually my mom who suggested I take a look at the website for the Southern African Institute of Welding. I moved back to South Africa, and dove into the IIW Welder Diploma, where I studied the theory and practical side of welding, working through all the positions, processes, and many materials.

I participated in competitions, winning the young welder of the year competition for Aluminum TIG welding, and eventually was employed by the same welding institute as an instructor, where I worked on two "train the trainer" projects for the Nigerian Institute of Welding, and the power generation company in South Africa (ESKOM).

I loved the field, I loved the craft, I loved the people I got to work with. One day I overheard to guys talking at the institute, about being Welding Engineers and decided that's what I wanted to be. So I embarked on a new mission. I studied welding inspection and moved to Nigeria to work in the Oil and Gas industry.

I started as a welding technician, and worked my way up the company, to become the head of the welding engineering department. I worked on major projects with Shell, Total, ExxonMobil, and Chevron. I learned about life, welding engineering, the oil industry, and working with and managing large teams of people (over 800 welders, welding foremen, supervisors and boilermakers at that company).

Along the way I developed a keen interest in Quality Management systems and wanted to learn more. So I took a job in Saudi Arabia as a Quality Manager at an Oil and Gas company, where I studied ISO 9001 quality management systems, and took the company through their ISO, ASME and AWS certification processes, before leaving to join the family business in Zambia. (more to come!)

✨ Meet Ken Waterhouse ✨
Part 1: Auto Care

Ken joined the Extollo team (from South Africa!) in 2022. He serves as the Welding Trainer and Metal Fabrication Lead. Ken is collaborating with his father, Mike, a veteran of the auto care industry with decades of experience, to develop a comprehensive Auto Care Curriculum. Mike's background as a Training Instructor with BMW South Africa brings invaluable expertise to the project.

Over the next few days, we are excited to share with you some of Ken's experiences that make him such a valuable part of the Extollo Team.

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗞𝗲𝗻:
I started racing go-karts in Dubai at the age of 11, this was a passion I shared with my dad for the next 8 years. (I can't write this without mentioning my mom as well as she was my number one supporter, always at the track screaming and shouting and cheering me on, she never missed a race). My dad used to race as well when he was a teenager, and this was something that gave us hundreds of hours together bonding at the track, and at home, working on the go-karts.

While the other competitors would send their engines out for tuning and rebuilding, me and my dad would strip and rebuild and tune ours in the kitchen at home, together. This is where I learned which way to turn a wrench, and the basic principles of how petrol engines work. I rebuilt my first carburetor completely on my own at the age of 12, when my dad tasked me with the project of stripping and rebuilding the race kart we had just built for my first season in the national championship. As we didn't have the funds to buy new kit, this was a true nuts and bolts restoration of a very outdated race kart. I learned more than I can explain in this, and it really fueled my love for all things mechanical and my passion for working on things, finding out how they run, what makes them tick, and how to diagnose problems by taking them on systematically. I will always treasure these years.

As a father-son team, operating out of the back of a panel van, we went on to win three national championships in three categories over the years, even progressing from the karting, to single seater racing cars.

✨Special Request✨

While Extollo focuses on long-term sustainability and training, there are times when relief aid is necessary due to natural disasters or civil unrest. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀.

We have set up the Haiti Emergency Fund to help in the following areas:
✔️ Provide food for the community
✔️ Distribute drinking water
✔️ Support basic infrastructure

Give here ➡️ https://www.extollo.org/haiti-emergency-fund

**We continue to use your ongoing donations to pay staff, ensure campus security and maintenance, develop new training programs, and build new strategic initiatives. This is a special, emergency request. Thank you for helping those in great need.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 📰 :

Haiti has undeniably faced a tumultuous period, grappling with a severe security crisis that has crippled the nation for nearly two years. It's been a challenging time for everyone, including our organization. Yet, amidst the ongoing difficulties, there are signs of progress that offer a glimmer of hope.

Read more -->

A Glimpse of Hope in Haiti Haiti has undeniably faced a tumultuous period, grappling with a severe security crisis that has crippled the nation for nearly two years. It's been a challenging time for everyone, including our organization. Yet, amidst the ongoing difficulties, there are signs of progress that offer a glimmer of....

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 📰 :

Haiti, a nation tragically familiar with natural disasters, faces a constant challenge: building safe and secure structures. In the wake of earthquakes and hurricanes, international aid often brings construction standards based on best practices in developed countries. But how well do these international standards translate to the Haitian context?

Read more -->

International Construction Standards vs. Realities of Haiti Haiti, a nation tragically familiar with natural disasters, faces a constant challenge: building safe and secure structures. In the wake of earthquakes and hurricanes, international aid often brings construction standards based on best practices in developed countries. But how well do these internat...

Bon fèt drapo! Happy Flag Day!

CELEBRATING THE 221ST ANNIVERSARY
OF THE HAITIAN FLAG • 🌺🇭🇹

___________

Did you know there's a Haiti Fun Run happening on May 18th? 🏃‍♀️🇭🇹

It's a 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹-𝘁𝗼-𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝘂𝗻/𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 to raise awareness and funds for Extollo in Haiti! Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲.

Join us, or donate if you can't make it! Together, we can make a real difference.

https://www.extollo.org/haiti-fun-run

National Day of Prayer! 🙏

Join us as we pray for Haiti today:

4:30PM PST / 7:30PM EST

RSVP for the Zoom link here -->

National Day of Prayer: Pray for Haiti | Extollo Join us for a time of prayer for the Extollo team and the country of Haiti.

Challenge yourself to learn more about Haiti during Haitian Heritage Month!! 🇭🇹

Haitian Heritage Month Happy Haitian Heritage Month! It’s a time for all the lovers of Haitian culture to celebrate and take part in the rich traditions.

Whether you plan to run/walk or just support others, we invite everyone to buy a t-shirt for our first annual Haiti Fun Run!!

Only 8 more days to purchase your shirt. 👕

Grab your t-shirt here --> https://tinyurl.com/haitifunrun

Planning to walk/run? 🚶🏃‍♀️

Make sure to grab your packet with a free Haitian Flag here --> https://www.extollo.org/event-details/haitian-flag-day-fun-run/form

More info - https://www.extollo.org/haiti-fun-run

Haitian Flag Day Fun Run Teaching employable skills and character development to the people in Haiti that need it the most, those living in extreme poverty.

Join us for a Haiti Fun Run celebrating Haitian Flag Day on May 18th!!

Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, this event is open to all levels. Don't worry about the actual distance - just lace up your shoes and head out for a walk/run on May 18th and share photos around your local area with the Haitian flag provided in your registration packet!

More info and sign up here --> https://www.extollo.org/haiti-fun-run

Alone, building a stronger Haiti may seem impossible - but we can accomplish anything together.

Make a donation of up to $50, and GlobalGiving will match it at 50% until Friday, April 12th at 11:59 p.m. EDT, or until matching funds run out - whichever happens first.

Choose an Extollo project to support!!

✨ Scholarships for Vocational Training in Haiti: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/scholarships-for-vocational-training-in-haiti/

✨ Employment Support for Extollo Alumni in Haiti: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/alumni-program-leading-to-employment-in-haiti/

✨ Empowering Women in Haitian Construction: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/women-in-construction/

👀 Check out the January Impact Report!

Impact Report - January 2024 8 of the 13 panels poured in January Summary: The Trade School had a great start to the new year with a Welding class, development of the Auto Care Manual and prepping for the February Masonry Class. Big accomplishments in tilt-up and our Metal Fabrication team continues to impress! Starting the new...

Extollo recently earned a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency! Check out our nonprofit profile to keep up to date with our impact.

➡️ https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-1019372

We want to make sure you always have the information you need to support our work with trust and confidence. 🙌

Throwback Thursday!

Take a look at a "Then & Now" on our campus in Haiti.

A message from our founders, Sherman & Cheryl Balch:

“As 2023 winds down, we want to say a huge thank you to all of those who have generously given to the work of Extollo. It has definitely been a year of many challenges in Haiti, but progress is in full swing at the Training Center. We're so thankful for the Haitian crew standing firm and working hard. We thank God for the protection He has provided for them. We look forward to a new year and a year of remembering how grateful we are for each one of you. HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! 😎😎”

Mark your calendar!! 📅

Join us on Friday for a chat with Junior as we dive deeper into Extollo's third pillar of strength: Character Development.

𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 --> http://tinyurl.com/rsvp-character-development

Halloween Throwback to 2018 when the Janofski’s lived in Haiti and Renee dressed up as Extollo founder, Sherman Balch!! 🎃

Bay Area Friends...What are you doing Saturday morning?

We need 25 more people to help us pack food for Haiti! Do you have 90 minutes to make a huge impact?

Sign up here --> https://tinyurl.com/extollopacking

If you're not available - would you share this post with someone who may be interested?

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁❜𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶? 🤔

Our monthly Impact Reports are created just for you as a quick overview to see the highlights from the past month in Haiti.

👀 Take 3 minutes and check out the latest Impact Report here --> https://www.extollo.org/post/impact-report-september-2023