ToolBank USA held its annual National Awards on Thursday, November 21, at the Atlanta ToolBank in their Tool Training Center. The National Awards program recognizes ToolBank affiliates, board members, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who help the network thrive and fulfill its mission. Staff from ToolBank USA and HGTV Married to Real Estate’s Mike Jackson hosted an in-person event and a live broadcast of the program to the nine ToolBanks across the US.
The Phoenix ToolBank took home the night’s most coveted award, the Golden Hammer for ToolBank of the Year, and a $2,500 grant from ToolBank USA. This award was created to recognize the outstanding performance and/or accomplishments of an affiliate who exemplified the mission of ToolBank by supporting their member agencies and partners. The Phoenix ToolBank has had a banner year in 2024, surpassing its 2023 tool orders in September of this year! They’ve increased their projects supported by 555% and the retail value of tools loaned out by 187%! These numbers alone are outstanding, but it is truly incredible considering they only have two full-time and two other part-time employees. We also want to take this time to wish Phoenix ToolBank’s Executive Director, Jana, a happy tenth anniversary with the ToolBank!
ToolBank USA handed out ten awards throughout the evening that included:
🛠️ ToolBank Affiliate of the Year “Golden Hammer” Winner: PHOENIX TOOLBANK
👩💼 Rupert Barkoff Exemplary Affiliate Director Award Winner: Mandi Rassel (Cincinnati ToolBank)
💪 Wilkenson Millenary Volunteer Award Winners: Vince Rieck (Charlotte ToolBank), Steve & Tom Cambisios (Richmond ToolBank), Jessica Pohto (Windy City ToolBank), and Chad Pickett (ToolBank USA)
💻 Bobby Mason Award for Technology Innovation: Derrick Holmes (Cincinnati ToolBank)
💙 Dan Webber Brand Ambassador Award Winner: Doug Adams (Cincinnati ToolBank)
🏆 ToolBanker for Life: Patty Russart | CEO ToolBank USA …and we are thrilled to announce that this award will proudly be named The Patty Russart ToolBanker for Life!
After the awards show commenced, we took some time for a playful roast of our soon-to-be-retired CEO, Patty Russart. Our executive directors from across the network submitted videos that were played while Patty and her husband, Tim, sat on a very special Game of Thrones-inspired throne. Trey Bearden, our CPO, was our roast master for the evening and sported a Patty-inspired wig and glasses as he prepares to fill her shoes as CEO in 2025.
We’d like to congratulate our 2024 ToolBank National Awards WINNERS! Our ToolBank USA Team is so proud of the incredible work done in our ToolBank network communities. Lastly, we wish our cherished CEO, Patty, a happy retirement as she embarks on a well-deserved break at the end of this year. While we know you may not be going far, your impact as our leader and mentor will be deeply felt, and our team will greatly miss you.
