A chance meeting between Brian Kangas, owner of Lift Tech Garage Door Services. and SOK CEO Laurie Tanakaya opened the door to a unique partnership. Lift Tech has been installing and servicing residential and commercial garage doors and gates throughout the Las Vegas valley since 2014.
“I was looking at a new space for Lift Tech right across the street from the Serving Our Kids offices,” Brian said. “I stopped in and asked Laurie for the landlord’s phone number and we started talking about Serving Our Kids.”
“I had no idea that food insecurity was such a huge problem in the valley,” he continued. “It’s hard to get your mind around. I was shocked by the need. But when she showed me what Serving Our Kids does and how they’re making an impact, I was blown away.”
Brian grew up in a poor family that sometimes relied on food and other assistance from his church. In their 20s, he and his wife struggled with food insecurity at times. So, he understands the importance of community organizations like SOK, especially when it comes to child hunger.
“Kids can’t do anything about it,” he stated. “The adults have to step up and handle it.”
Lift Tech has a history of giving back to the Henderson community they love whenever they can and wherever it can make a real impact. SOK was a perfect match.
“When our warehouse door went off the rails, of course, I called Brian,” Laurie said. “He fixed it right away, but wouldn’t charge us for the repairs. He said he didn’t want to divert any funds from feeding our kids.”
“We wish we could do more,” Brian said. “We love their mission and their perseverance over the years is amazing. And their volunteers are incredible. Our 15-year-old daughter is a volunteer.
“We’re putting up a banner in our shop for customers to see,” he added. “It’ll have a QR code so they can donate or sign up to volunteer on the spot. And we’re giving a portion of every Lift Tech sale to Serving Our Kids.”
Lift Tech is also providing golf towels for all participants at our 14th Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser in November.
“We will help in any way we can,” Brian said. “Hopefully in a bigger way in years to come.”
SOK partners come in all shapes and sizes from large corporations to small, family-owned businesses like Lift Tech. They all have one thing in common: A big heart that’s in the right place.