Whirlpool Corporation active in Habitat for Humanity for 17 years

An interview with Jeffrey Noel, corporate vice president, communications & public affairs, at Whirlpool Corp.

Q: Tell us a little bit about Whirlpool.

A: Whirlpool Corporation is the No. 1 major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 93,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2016. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. "Providing products and trusted brands that meet specific consumer needs through diverse and engaged employees, doing business with integrity and improving the communities in which we live has been our benchmark for more than 105 years," says Chairman and CEO Jeff M. Fettig.

Q: Explain the history of the company.

A: In the last 100+ years, we have gone from a humble machine company founded in Benton Harbor, Michigan to the world's leading global manufacturer of home appliances, selling approximately $21 billion annually in 2016 operating in nearly every country around the world. The journey started long ago with the belief that doing the right thing matters, and that's still our mantra several generations later. We value employees, community and excellence. Our passion, work ethic and life-changing innovations equate to more quality moments in and out of the home for people around the world. It's more than a century of rich history that empowers us to change the future.

Q: How is Whirlpool involved with Habitat for Humanity?

A: In more than 17 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Whirlpool has developed active programs in more than 45 countries. We donate a range and refrigerator to every Habitat home built in the U.S. and Canada, but I am most proud of the thousands of employees who have volunteered with Habitat around the world, impacting more than 160,000 families. Whirlpool has a strong commitment to better the communities in which we operate and by supporting Habitat for Humanity's mission we increase the impact of this commitment.

Q: What are some of Whirlpool's products?

A: Whirlpool Corp. sells home appliances that help improve the lives for our customers. From washers and dryers to dishwashers, ranges and refrigerators and wine cellars to stand mixers and blenders, we sell home appliance that keeps life running smoothly. Whirlpool sells their appliances through a strong portfolio of brands that allows consumers to select the distinct brand designed for their specific needs and budget. Our brands in the US include Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Maytag and Amana.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your personal history.

A: I'm just an average kind of guy, who feels blessed to work for such a great company who meets its obligations to its shareholders and employees as the number 1 global home appliance company. For over 106 years, the leadership of this company has believed in a unique sense of responsibility of doing things the right way, which includes helping to make the communities in which we operate a better place for all residents and not just a few. Having been raised on a farm and built homes as a summer job, to this day my favorite memories are of those experiences of camaraderie with jovial people working side-by-side in manual labor to bring in the harvest or help build a home for others. You get that same sense of teamwork participating in a Habitat Build. Our work is less about the number of homes built, and more about the awareness we can bring to the forefront so that others realize the critical importance of affordable housing at the heart of safe neighborhoods for which children and families can grow and prosper.