‘That’s the man I’m going to be’

This is the third in a three-part series about the Creston Chamber of Commerce awards.

It seems to be a common pattern for Trevor Paulus. After finishing his interview, only a few minutes after leaving the Creston News Advertiser building, he was already making a call back to share more information.

New ideas. More ways to contribute. He sent another message the next day, sharing more of what he’s proud of contributing to his local community.

Paulus will be awarded by the Creston Chamber of Commerce as the Volunteer of the Year after finding ways around the city and beyond to contribute to fellow neighbors. Described by one nomination as a “selfless and community-minded individual,” Paulus’ name is associated with a helping hand.

He will be honored at the Chamber of Commerce annual meeting 6 p.m. tonight at the Eagles, along with Citizen of the Year Jamie Travis and Youth of the Year Dylan Dornack.

The 2024 Elk of the Year isn’t as dramatic when describing himself, however. Despite becoming a well-known name in his community for the work he’s done, Paulus downplays himself.

“It doesn’t seem like I’m the type of person that generally gets something like [Volunteer of the Year],” Paulus said.

Paulus is the owner of Paulus Concrete, which has worked with local businesses for construction projects since 2010, plus seven more years before he had his own company with P&W Concrete. For patios, garage floors, sidewalks, driveways and other flatwork, Paulus is who you find.

But, he will also find you. Paulus said he enjoys finding projects near him, preferring to donate his time and expertise to help a neighbor. This applies especially to helping older Iowans who would have difficulties completing larger projects on their own.

“If they got something I can fix within 30 minutes of being there, I’m just going to do it,” Paulus said. “We take care of them. We have capabilities to do it. Doesn’t mean nothing to me to work a few extra minutes.”

Describing one project, Paulus noted one yard which was under construction. Knowing the owner, Paulus decided to bring his skid loader and reshape the yard using the dirt the property owner had on hand. To Paulus, it’s just a part of his week, part of the course of his day.

“I didn’t tell her nothing,” Paulus said. “I’m constantly seeding people’s yards, giving them an extra $400 worth of concrete just to make the project easier and better for them.”

It’s the mark of a good neighbor, someone who assists the family next door because it’s a good thing to do. In his nomination, written by Kiki Scarberry, she said in the wintertime Paulus will scoop every neighbor’s driveway after it snows. He will always refuse payment.

“He cuts everyone a deal when it comes to his business, especially if it’s an organization,” Scarberry said. “He won’t charge someone for his time, which is really rare to see. It’s a rare thing to find someone who is like that. He’s not only giving; he goes out of his way to ask what they need.”

One of Paulus’ proudest accomplishments was when a friend of his had passed. Tyrell Miller had passed in 2022 from a car accident. To support Miller’s family, including his pregnant girlfriend Shannon Eads, Paulus helped organize a baby shower community cruise.

Classic cars travelled from Uptown to McKinley Lake, where participants could meet Eads and newborn Knox Miller. Donations helped raise thousands for the family.

“They are good people,” Paulus said in 2022. “Tragedy hit and sometimes people just need a hand.”

When it comes to projects which affect the local community, Paulus recognizes their value and will reduce prices to help accommodate. For someone with his name on the business, it’s a personal gesture which can have a major impact on a community.

“I’m willing to take a big percentage out of the profit sometimes if I feel like it’ll help somebody,” Paulus said. “I hardly turn anybody down.”

Finding ways to make others’ days easier became a goal for Paulus. For his clients, finding ways to spend a little bit extra on a project to support their lives and goals became a routine.

From assisting with the Creston Elks through renovating their golf course and celebrity bartending to volunteering with cleaning up high school sporting events and running their concessions stand, Paulus has found ways to help others. When thinking about why, family springs to mind.

“A majority of the reason I try to help people and places is I’m just trying to be someone my wife and daughter can be proud of‚” Paulus said. “[I’m] constantly trying to instill in my daughter that it’s important to care about fellow citizens and helping out is a great gift to give someone.”

Growing up with little and having “old-school” grandparents, showing respect to others was taught to Paulus early. Showing that willingness to help others and seeing the effect it had, Paulus committed to that mindset.

“I grew up with that embedded in my mind,” Paulus said. “That’s the man I’m going to be. People need help, and I like doing it.”

Paulus could list off community members he’s grateful for and friends he’s made through working with clients. When it comes to viewing his community, Paulus said he was more grateful to others for welcoming him to Creston.

Receiving Volunteer of the Year, Paulus said he’d never dreamt of receiving an award or recognition on that level. For someone who has become such a helping hand in Creston, he still thinks of himself in a different way.

“I’m supposed to be kind of a rough-and-tough concrete guy,” Paulus joked. “But I think I have a pretty big heart.”

Scarberry, in her nomination of Paulus, described his contribution to the community best.

“We need more people like Trevor Paulus, but luckily, we have the real thing,” she wrote.