After earning state certification in fire, water and mold restoration work, Tim Howell came to the conclusion he needs to give back to the community.

“I woke up at 2 a.m.,” the Carpet Man owner recalled. “I woke up my wife, which she wasn’t to happy about. I asked her, ‘Why don’t we help out our local fire department.’”

His plan is to have local businesses join together to help the Logansport Fire Department by donating to it. Whenever a fire takes place, and a business or residence needs restoration work, Howell would like to have participating businesses referred.

The damage caused by fire, smoke and water increases he amount of areas that need to be cleaned and repaired and can involve a number of contractors.

Once businesses complete the job, he would like to see them donate 10 percent of the project’s cost to a special fund set up for the department. Since an average fire restoration job can cost around $40,000, the fire department could receive $4,000, according to Howell.

Howell thinks it is important to help the local fire departments.

“I believe they are one of the most important public departments,” he said. “They have to be available whenever there is a fire.”

Howell would like to see the donations help all of the Cass County fire departments.

“The businesses can line up and each take a job,” he said. “In turn, you will see the local economy grow. It’s a small aspect and I know it’s not a cure to our problem, but it’s a step to helping out.”

He would like to see more contractors become involved, including painters, electricians and cleaners.

The project, which is still in its planning stage, would place the donations into a fund, which could be used directly by the fire departments for items, such as new equipment.

“We may need to make some changes and fine tuning,” he added. “We’re excited about it. I think it needs to be an ongoing project.”

Howell hopes to see more businesses join in for the cause.

“I know it is unlimited what can happen if properly pushed,” he said. “We need everyone to be involved.”

Mike Almon, owner of One Call Property Preservation in Logansport, has already agreed to help.

Almon said Howell approached him with the idea. The two met through Almon’s preservation business, after they working together on a job.

While Almon said all the details haven’t been worked out, he believes it is a great idea.

“In these days where donations and everyone’s wallets are tight, I’m sure the fire department has seen a drastic drop in donations for anything they do,” he said. “You really have to be creative these days to try to squeak out donations. To me this seems like a win-win situation.”

Almon said in addition to helping out a good cause, the project will also help businesses receive exposure and networking opportunities.

When Howell’s father, Dick Howell, heard about his son’s idea, it didn’t surprise him too much.

“It was just unbelievable,” he said. “He’s come up with a lot of ideas. He’s a promoter.”

Dick also agreed to start working construction under his company name, Howell Construction, to help his son out.

Howell has been working in the carpet cleaning industry since 1994.

His first business started in Florida, after he received a Rug Doctor. Howell called himself “The Carpet King,” and offered carpet cleaning services for just $9.95 a room. The business grew after he received a call from a woman, who eventually sold him a van and cleaning machine from a former cleaning business.

After starting The Carpet Man in Logansport, Howell said he needed and wanted to know more about water, fire and mold restoration work.

“I needed to be more professional,” he said.

Howell decided to become certified in all three areas through Advantage Marketing of Indianapolis. After becoming certified, he now has a business which backs his work.

Howell is hoping other businesses have the same passion he does.

“I need people to want to have that same desire and same want, as I do,” he said.  “This is not just about the income — it’s about what this income will do for everyone.”

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com