Recently, the owners of a women-owned small business in Charlotte, North Carolina had a day of highs and lows they’ll never forget. The high note: their home renovation business was selected out of 46,000 applicants for recognition by the NextDoor 100. This distinction was given to 100 companies nationwide that go out of their way to spread joy, offer help and bring communities together.
A very proud moment for co-owners of Two Chicks Investments, Ashley and Missy Maylott. But an unexpected low point was coming.
The same day they received the good news, they also received a call from their manager – she couldn’t find any of their tools. Ashley and Missy made their way to the shop to see for themselves and they were met with the realization that all their tools had been stolen.
“It was scary… it was scary because we couldn’t do anything anymore,” Missy recalls. Ashley added, “Everything was gone, all of our saws and drills, the stuff we need every single day to do our job.”
Their business was at a dead stop.
Lowe’s first learned of their situation when a Charlotte TV station broadcast a story of the women’s tumultuous day. Within a day, the gears were turning in an effort to get Two Chicks Investments back in business. Lowe’s reached out with a donation of a $1,000 Lowe’s gift card to help replace their tools.
But Lowe’s wasn’t done. Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison learned about the award-winning work Two Chicks Investments do in their community and that they are loyal Lowe’s Pro customers. So Ellison made a surprise video call to Ashley and Missy, offering them a little more help.
“I wasn’t ready to meet the CEO of Lowe’s on a call like that” Missy laughed.
They surely weren’t ready for the news Ellison shared next.
“I felt like the step we took to help you recover some of those lost tools was good… but not good enough,” Ellison said. “So, on behalf of Lowe’s and our commitment to try to be a blessing in the community, we want to give you a $10,000 gift card.”
Another high point for Two Chicks Investments.
Ashley and Missy were overcome with emotion, excited about how this donation will help further their mission.
It’s not only going to help us replace what was taken… it’s going to help us grow.