The Cleveland-based food service company Northern Haserot has roots in the area dating to the 1870s, when delivery was by horse-drawn wagon and kerosene and gunpowder were included in the product line. After nearly a century-and-a-half of growth and acquisitions, today the firm maintains a fleet of 175 refrigerated trucks in five states.
Northern Haserot has hosted a United Way workplace campaign since the early 1990s, with CEO Doug Kern matching employee donations 1:1. Five generations of the Kern family have served Northern Haserot. To Doug, supporting the United Way is a natural fit for his company.
“It’s the right thing to do. We are involved in lots of different local causes, and United Way is at the top. I’ve been involved with Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland, the Cleveland Food Bank, and Tri-C. I’m on the boards of the art museum and the orchestra. They’re all important to the city of Cleveland so it’s good to be involved. I’m a big flag carrier of the city of Cleveland. We’ve been around for some time and have interacted with lots of groups, so we certainly see what’s needed here and what’s important here. We know the importance of giving back. As it’s related to United Way, there are certainly hardships, and you have to deal with those head-on and hopefully make a difference.”
Northern Haserot’s workplace campaign originates in Cleveland, but its scope covers a broader area. “We have a fair number of employees in Detroit and Columbus and Cincinnati also,” says Doug, “so we put the message out to everyone, but if they prefer to give to their local United Ways in their own cities, that’s great.”
Whether in Cleveland or in one of the other areas served by the company—and whether the employees involved are executive leadership, salespeople in the field, or warehouse staff working second or third shift—these campaigns can have an impact beyond the walls of the workplace. “It’s about getting key people involved so they understand and communicate the importance of United Way—and hopefully communicate the message not only at the company level but at their own personal level,” he says. “It does have a multiplying effect.”
Like many Clevelanders, Doug notes a frequent reaction of newcomers either visiting or moving to the area. “A lot of people are stunned when they come into Cleveland and see how many nice things are here. We have great institutions. Some of the areas of Cleveland are absolutely beautiful. The park system is fabulous. Lots of things to do.”
He believes it is possible, however, for the more fortunate members of our community to revel in those amenities without adequate awareness of the whole breadth of conditions experienced by people living in our area. “If someone’s doing well, living in a really nice suburb, their kids go to a really nice school—they don’t see a lot of the stuff that some other people see.”
Doug recommends becoming familiar with the challenges faced by the broader community, be it through volunteerism, board service, or simply driving around different areas. “Witnessing something makes you a believer. For a lot of people, it’s an eye opener.”
One of the roles United Way plays, he feels, is not only to identify needs and help direct resources, but simply to build awareness of the needs that exist around Cleveland. “The key ingredient for anyone who gets involved in United Way is getting people to understand, getting buy-in, and having that message go out on an ongoing basis. There are a lot of people who aren’t involved in philanthropy, not because they don’t want to be involved, but because it’s never been brought to the forefront. It’s up to all of us to get the message out.”
Understanding the situation of those less fortunate can help guide the path of any business leader, he believes. “Open your eyes. Being open-minded is super important. Beyond the profit and loss statement of your company, open your eyes to what’s going on, even if you may be personally struggling. That can be hard, but you’ve got to do it. If you look around and see what’s going on, that can give you a helpful perspective.”
This article originally appeared in Give for Good, which is published by United Way of Greater Cleveland for our friends and benefactors. For more information on our Workplace Campaigns, please visit our Workplace Campaign page or email Sandra Fletcher, Senior Associate Director, Corporate Philanthropy at sfletcher@unitedwaycleveland.org
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