“What would Neil Young do?” asks the poster on the wall in Darryl Rose‘s office. He’s the owner of Get Dwell—the Wilmette home handyman, maintenance and repair service company.
“Neil Young followed his passion and created his art from nothing. He became the musical inspiration for generations of artists. From idea to creation, that’s what we’re all about,” Rose says.
Get Dwell’s client service philosophy means that no job is too small, whether it’s fixing a sticky door or repairing old screens. And Rose’s commitment to giving back—whether it’s building compost bins for a school or donating labor to local charity fundraisers—mirrors this philosophy.
On a blackboard in the office, these words are prominently displayed: Function, Art, Design, Fun, Hard Work. These principles that guide his business philosophy also mesh with his personal charitable philosophy.
“It’s not all about writing checks,” Rose says. “Many people don’t have the ability to be creative and make something from nothing.”
Rose collected clothes and personal items and procured a professional photographer to create headshots for resumes to help women from the Evanston Shelter for Battered Women and Their Children launch careers.
Children’s Memorial Hospital and The Family Service Center have also benefited from Rose’s generosity. His team has, pro bono, transformed raw space into magical settings for fundraisers. When I mention how labor intensive and time-consuming such projects are, he shrugs and says, “We have the ability to work harder and longer.”
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Rose invited 30 kids and adults in his neighborhood to build a carnival, with proceeds going to the relief fund. The kids were involved in every step.
It’s abundantly clear why Get Dwell is such a successful business. Whether designing for the home or a favorite charity, Rose tackles all projects with integrity. By maintaining a budget, communicating clearly, and prioritizing, he leaves a home—and the world at large—better than he found it.
Get Dwell
Wilmette
