Philip Coltart would be termed an ex-officio Strong Automotive employee. As a free-lance cinematographer, and our go-to guy for the last 5 years, Philip is familiar to many of our clients at their dealerships for his work in producing on-location footage. The term we use for his work is ‘sizzle’, one-of-a-kind unique angles, time-lapse, and incredible drone.
But along with his cinematic skill and dignified British-accent, Philip brought something else to Strong Automotive: his love for serving the less fortunate of the world, and bringing them hope. Philip’s passion is his long association with Hope for Kenya, a US non-profit organization dedicated to bringing hope to the children of the Ndhiwa community through clean water – a dire need in the country – as well as education.
Since 2006, Philip has bonded with the organization’s original founder Peter Midodo. With help of volunteers who contribute money, sponsor a child, or take part in twice-a-year mission trips, Hope for Kenya has grown from humble origins in Peter’s home where he and his wife, Rachel, invited homeless kids – many orphans – in for some porridge, and lessons in reading and writing. From a few in 1998, to hundreds attending Joy School today, supported students are graduating high school with many going on to college or trade schools in Kenya
Since2020, Hope for Kenya has been one of the many organizations Strong Automotive lends financial support…and for 14 days this October, on-location support. During our agency kick-off meeting this past June, Philip, who is the current US Director, gave our team an in-person presentation and extended the opportunity to participate in the mission trip to Kenya. The response was incredible, and the passion, humility, and heart reflected in responses was truly inspiring.
After careful consideration, Strong Automotive’s first four ambassadors are Tara Kirk, Reeves Parrish, Josie Green and Amelia Bennet. They will serve alongside the Hope for Kenya team visiting schools, engaging with local communities and experiencing firsthand the impact of the mission our team has supported for years.
There are Dream Teams, and there are teams that support the dream of a better world. In the company-wide announcement of the trip, my final comment was “Thank you for being a company that believes in making a difference.”