DITEK Community Involvement

January 2024 – March 2024

When DITEK was founded by Robert (Bob) McIntyre, he instilled the value of supporting the local community. Today, he’ll tell you, “That’s the thing about a business; find out where you can get involved and how much fun it can be.”

Here are some of the organizations we’ve partnered and volunteered with so far this year:

Pinellas Education Foundation Evening of Excellence

In support of the Pinellas Education Foundation, DITEK sponsored the Evening of Excellence event in January, where our VP of Administration, Melissa, introduced three of the 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year. In total, 130 teachers were nominated, with Gerard Madrinan from Seminole High School being named the Pinellas County Schools 2024 Teacher of the Year.

Founded in 1986, the Pinellas Education Foundation is a group of business leaders and community members who focus on and advocate for public education, programs for students and teachers, scholarship funds, grants, and teacher recognition.

View more about the Evening of Excellence and the 2024 Teacher of the Year here.

Habitat for Humanity CEO Build

In late 2023, DITEK partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties to provide surge protection on the homes built, ensuring the electrical and HVAC systems are proactively preserved and protected. And in January, DITEK’s CEO, Wendy Gattis, participated in Habitat’s annual CEO Build.

Altogether, over 60 CEOs, Presidents, and business owners contributed more than $200,000 to build the home of Tangela Butler. Butler officially moved into her new home in early April.

“Volunteering for a day with other local CEOs to work on a Habitat for Humanity home and contributing to Tangela Butler’s journey toward homeownership was a heartwarming experience. It was incredible to see how a few hours of hard work and dedication could profoundly impact someone’s life, bringing them closer to realizing their dreams of a safe and stable home. The sense of fulfillment and camaraderie among the volunteers made it clear that small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

DITEK’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity reflects our commitment to improving the lives of local families and helping address the affordable housing crisis. By providing cutting-edge surge protection solutions, we aim to safeguard the homeowner’s investment, ensuring their newfound stability remains secure against unexpected electrical threats. Together, we are not only constructing houses but also empowering families with peace of mind and a brighter, more secure future.” – Wendy Gattis, DITEK CEO

Youth Leadership Pinellas

Local high schoolers from Youth Leadership Pinellas (YLP) joined us at DITEK’s headquarters in February for a facility tour, a session in our surge protection demo room, and a discussion about DITEK’s founding and values.

YLP is a program for 11^th and 12^th grade students around Tampa Bay, and a group of 40 is selected each year. Over a series of interactive days, the teens are educated on community resources and issues, leadership qualities and skills, teamwork, and getting involved in community services.

DITEK’s own Wendy Gattis (CEO), Dave Gattis (VP Engineering), and Bob McIntyre (founder and Chairman of the Board) are Leadership Pinellas graduates and supporters of this program for emerging leaders.

“Find that thing you’re passionate about and support it… Find out where you can get involved [in the community] and how much fun it can be.” – Bob McIntyre

Pinellas County Schools Academy of Distinction Honors and DITEK Distinguished Honors

DITEK along with Pinellas County Schools, Stavros Career Education Board members, students, teachers, and more, celebrated Career Technical Education (CTE) Month with an award ceremony for the top-performing academies in the district.

These schools were recognized for their excellence in career education programming:

Academy of Distinction & DITEK Distinguished Honors

Clearwater High School’s Career Academy for International Culture & Commerce
Palm Harbor University High School’s Academy of Business Administration Management
Lakewood High School’s Athletic Lifestyle Management Academy
Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School’s Construction Technology Academy
Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School’s Veterinary Assisting Academy
Seminole High School’s Sustainable Engineering Academy

Academy of Distinction Honor

East Lake High School’s Academy of Biomedical Sciences

Habitat for Humanity Executive Build Day

In continuation of our partnership with Habitat for Humanity, DITEK’s Executive Team participated in an Executive Build Day, working alongside Amanda Kostacky to prime and paint her new home.

Our DITEK team was immediately captivated by Amanda’s enthusiasm and positivity, and she shared how much she was looking forward to celebrating the holidays with her kids in their own home.

Habitat’s program and commitment to affordable homeownership is empowering for the individuals and families impacted. The homes built are sold to qualified participants with a 0% interest mortgage, and the homeowners complete an education curriculum and sweat equity.

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties has built more than 800 homes for the local community.