The mist of spray adhesive in the air. The hum of power tools in the background. The crunch of foam under pressure. A silhouette coming to life.
At a worktable inside the Center for Independent Living, VyStar employee Joseph took a box cutter and began whittling the pre-cut legs of a Styrofoam horse. He hadn’t expected to spend the evening sculpting, but with a little encouragement, a lot of determination and memories of brushing horses as his guide, something extraordinary began to take shape.
“I found a hidden talent of my own,” said Joseph, who is on VyStar’s Corporate Safety and Security Team.
Creativity Meets Compassion
Like many people in the weeks leading up to Halloween, Joseph wanted his work to be just right. Once completed, it would become part of an adaptive horse-and-chariot costume for a child at the Center for Independent Living, a Jacksonville nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities through community-based programs and self-directed services. The event was hosted in partnership with RS&H and Center for Independent Living.
Joseph doesn’t consider himself a builder. But he was given the chance, and he wasn’t about to let it go.
“It’s one of those moments where creativity meets compassion,” Joseph said. “You’re not just building a costume — you’re building joy. I can’t wait to see the child’s face that gets to ride in this one-horse chariot!”
Joseph is no stranger to Halloween flair. But his commitment to giving back extends far beyond the holiday season. From building costumes to sorting food donations to giving blood, Joseph is always finding new ways to live out VyStar's purpose to Do Good.
“I’ve enjoyed volunteering sporadically, despite being what some might consider a workaholic,” he said. “With two young kids at home, free time is rare.”
His first official VyStar volunteer event was at Feeding Northeast Florida, where he joined his Corporate Real Estate teammates to sort donations. The opportunity provided insight into Joseph’s trademark sense of humor.
“I was taking my time to ensure everything passed all the safety tests,” he said. “Eventually, I was moved to the role of secondary checker of discarded items. The joke was that I had been demoted already, but I was sure it was a promotion. The debate continues!”
There’s no debating Joseph’s heart for others. Much of his volunteer work is inspired by his daughter (he helps coach her soccer team), and his volunteer calendar has filled with a variety of events: dismantling airplane seats, making rice crispy treats, walking alongside rescue animals at SAFE and braving the heat for St. John’s Riverkeeper to collect waste along the riverbanks.
“It had to feel like 105 degrees out that morning,” he said. “But we weren’t going to slow down in our pursuit to find more abandoned tires and garbage than other organizations. A little friendly competition for a cleaner waterway.”
Joseph’s service extends far beyond physical volunteering. As a platelet donor, he regularly donates to OneBlood to impact lives.
“It feels good to Do Good,” he says. “Whether or not you can see the effect of your work immediately.”
His philosophy on volunteering is simple but deeply felt: “It’s about showing up, being present and offering what you can — your energy, your skills, your care.” He believes that genuine effort creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to step forward.
Crafting Connection Through Service and Spirit
Joseph credits VyStar’s Good is everywhere for amplifying that impact. VyStar employees totaled over 8,000 hours of volunteerism during this year's celebration.
“The variety of opportunities to give back is incredible,” Joseph said. “I’ve been inspired by so many associates and leaders who Lead by Example.”
Joseph’s favorite quote sums it up best: “Doing the right things for the right reasons.”
And that’s exactly what he’s doing — whether he’s building a chariot, hauling tires from a riverbank, coaching soccer or donating platelets to save a life. Each act of service may look different, but together they form something remarkable. Piece by piece, like the horse he built, Joseph is helping craft joy, connection and community that lasts far beyond Halloween night.
