Staff Profile: SJHP Project Supervisor Danny Giddens’ Work Epitomizes Action Not Talk
By Carole Hawkins
Danny Giddens is a man of few words.
“I don’t say much to other people. Unless they do something wrong, or make me mad or something,” he says with a chuckle.
But, as a framer by trade and construction supervisor at St. Johns Housing Partnership, Giddens provides the backbone that gets projects done.
He leads SJHP crews —some brand new to construction—in projects like home weatherization, ceiling and floor repairs, and wheelchair ramps. Giddens came to SJHP 15 years ago.
“He’s a great employee with a can-do attitude. He’s pretty quiet and unassuming, but we can always count on him,” noted SJHP Executive Director Bill Lazar. “He’s very willing to share his knowledge and experience with others, which makes him a great fit with both our volunteer projects and also for working with some of our younger employes who are getting started.”
Giddens had worked for a builder In Alabama doing framework on million-dollar homes. In Florida, he picked up a job with an electrical contractor, but it didn’t take. His wife was already working at SJHP as Rehab and Community Projects manager, and Giddens asked her what it was like.
“We talked to one of the other employees and next thing I know, I had a job,” he says.
Now 15 years in, Giddens says bringing energy bills down for needy homeowners is a job he’s proud to do. “I just love to help people,” he says. “It makes me want to get out of bed every morning and go to work. It does.”
