Left: a man reaching up and cutting overhanging branches from a downed tree with a chainsaw; on the right a man cutting a downed tree trunk with a chainsaw

Today, October 8th, 2024, marks forty-three years of serving Western North Carolina. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine celebrating this anniversary amidst such devastation. Yet here we stand, determined to help our community rebuild.

In the 11 days since Hurricane Helene swept through our beloved mountains, ABE owner Kevin Jackson, along with a crew of family and friends, has been working tirelessly to clear roads in the community, deliver essential supplies, and support ABE employees.

Gasoline was in short supply, but Jackson’s resourcefulness secured tanker trucks from Greensboro to ensure employees could refuel their vehicles and maintain mobility.

Once the gas situation began improving, Jackson’s focus shifted to sourcing water. He acquired large water tanks for ABE, but the limited water supply further strained resources, as flushing toilets consumed 2-3 gallons per flush. Jackson addressed this by renting a bathroom trailer with running hot water and flushable toilets, to park outside ABE’s facility.

While the devastation is significant, the spirit of Western North Carolina remains strong. We at ABE are grateful that our team is safe, and our hearts go out to all those affected, including our valued business partners.

“In the face of adversity, our community has shown incredible resilience,” says Jackson. “We are committed to standing together and helping our neighbors rebuild.”

If you’ve been significantly affected by the disaster and lost essential resources, we’re here to help—whether you’re an ABE customer or not. Replacing lost technology can feel overwhelming but our team is experienced in helping businesses navigate the process.

Adds Jackson with a smile, “We’re not going anywhere. We’re more than just a business; we’re a part of this region, and we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.”

Whether you’re a small business, nonprofit, or school, we’re here to help. Let’s rebuild, together. You can reach out to your account executive, or call 800.627.1556.

 

Left: a young man puts gas from a can into a car; right: smiling man shows how to operate a generator
In the immediate aftermath of TS Helene, Kevin Jackson, our CEO and President, was on the front lines, leading his team of friends and family to clear roads and provide essential supplies to those in need.