By By Lydia Grimes
news reporter
Jack O’Neil had a simple vision: using the profits from a Habitat ReStore to help build more Habitat for Humanity houses in Brewton and Escambia County.
The ReStore — a successful venture in other communities — opened in Brewton last year, and last week O’Neil was honored as the state’s Affiliate Leader of the Year at the Alabama Association of Habitat Affiliates luncheon in Montgomery.
O’Neil has served in the Escambia County affiliate for more than four years, as a board member, an officer of the board and as ReStore manager.
Glaize said the O’Neil’s experience as a businessman has helped make the store a success, but his concern for others has been just as important, she said.
O’Neil was modest about the honor. “I appreciate this very much,” he said. “It was a surprise to me.”