Ryobi and DIY studio team up to help Clemson’s Shepherd Hotel staff

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A team of experts representing an Anderson County tool manufacturer and a Rock Hill do-it-yourself craft studio teamed up recently to help the staff of a unique hotel in Clemson.

Ryobi Power Tools and Nailed It DIY Studios created works of art that will be sold inside The Shepherd Hotel’s retail store, called The Retail Store, with proceeds benefitting a program that supports a workforce of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Shepherd Hotel and on-site restaurant Delish Sisters provide hospitality training and employment for the students, most of whom are part of the ClemsonLIFE program designed to provide them with a college-living experience.

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Ryobi and Nailed It owner Shannon Evans led the staff in a two-hour workshop with Ryobi power tools to create notebooks featuring designs such as palmetto trees as well as unique works created by the participants, according to a news release.

“As a resident of the Upstate, I knew of the large Ryobi facility in Anderson,” Rick Hayduk, co-owner and general manager of the Shepherd Hotel, said in the release. “I was ecstatic when Shannon reached out about the idea of having a workshop that involved getting our special abilities staff hands-on with power tools.”

Fifteen staff members participated.

“I love watching our staff create a product we can sell in our retail area with all proceeds going to the Clemson LIFE program where most of our students either attend or graduate from,” Hayduk said in the release. “It is amazing what transpires when two organizations with aligned values can collaborate for good.”

After the workshop’s completion, the Ryobi brand presented Hayduk and his staff with a donation of Ryobi 18V One+ cordless stick vacuums and wet-dry vacuums.

“Seeing the wonderful work that Rick and the staff at The Shepherd Hotel do for their guests, ClemsonLIFE and the Clemson community is so inspiring to us,” Jess Wright, vice president of brand marketing for the Ryobi brand, said in the release. “When Shannon identified an opportunity for us to give staff members at The Shepherd Hotel instruction and experience with our products, we immediately embraced it. For the Ryobi brand, ‘The power to do more’ is paramount to our success. Providing that to The Shepherd Hotel both in the form of hands-on experience and donating our cordless products makes us proud to live in and serve Upstate South Carolina.”

Wright said the Ryobi team learned that corded cleaning equipment was hampering the Shepherd staff. 

“The Ryobi brand learned of the team struggling with lengthy cords and immediately offered up their battery products,” Wright said. “One should understand, the game-changer is not saving time, it’s the confidence that is now instilled in our team members instead of struggling with something one might see as trivial.”