Mark Flunker saw four new homes built and three remodeled during his 10-year stint with Wolf River Habitat for Humanity in Shawano. He retired on Nov. 2.
As construction supervisor, he oversaw and coordinated Habitat’s home building activities, and served as the executive director.
“I was with Habitat for 10 years as of Oct. 15,” Flunker said. “I probably could have retired in May when I turned 65, but because it would be 10 years in October, I waited.”
The last house he was involved in building, the 19th overall for Wolf River Habitat since it began in 1998, is currently being built in Gresham.
In addition to new homes, Flunker worked on three houses that were moved from one location to another.
“They’re done with moving houses now,” he said.
According to Flunker, by the time a house was torn apart and rebuilt, it was just like remodeling a house. He said it’s a lot easier to build a new house.
Kevin Culhane, president of Wolf River Habitat, said that Flunker has worked on housing for eight families.
“His construction crew is pretty dedicated,” Culhane said.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with these guys,” Flunker stated. “They work a lot harder than some of the guys I paid to work for me when I was in business.”
He attributed part of that to the age of his volunteer construction crew, and noted that they are men in their 70s, with one being 80.
Recently, volunteers from ThedaCare and Little Rapids helped on the new Gresham construction.
“Mark has a particular skill to tolerate beginners, mentoring them. He definitely set people up for success,” Culhane said.
Flunker, who has lived on Shawano Lake for 43 years, came to Habitat with the perfect experience for the construction supervisor job.
“I did 12 years of remodeling. I owned Sandy Drive Remodeling,” he said. “Before that, I worked 20 years at Hillshire Farm in New London, doing all sorts of utility work.”
Flunker’s replacement will be responsible for continuing his success in working with Habitat families, employees and volunteers. Overseeing the entire home building process, including budget, permits, plans, material procurement and coordination of volunteer and subcontractors is a large part of the job description.
Flunker was looking toward retirement. He said that the Habitat operation has grown so much, that he really didn’t have time to do much else.
“It’s a good time to retire,” he said. “Time to get some fishing and hunting in.”
Flunker might still volunteer with Habitat down the line, if needed.
“I told them that I need some time off after Habitat, but I’m sure that I will probably volunteer there.” he said, noting that he might help out with demos and building ramps, where he will only be dedicating a day or two to that work, with some supervisory responsibility.
Culhane said Wolf River Habitat is looking for a new construction supervisor.
“We’re looking for someone who has the patience to mentor and will promote the Habitat mission,” Culhane said. “That’s what Mark has pretty much done in the community, to promote that mission.”
Flunker gave some words of wisdom for the new construction supervisor.
“If you work with the volunteers, they work with you really easy,” he said.
Interested applicants can send a resume to info@wrhabitat.org with the subject “Construction Supervisor.” For more information, call 715-524-3007 or visit www.wrhabitat.org.
Wolf River Habitat executive director retiring
