‘Weekday Warriors’ lend a big hand building houses for Habitat for Humanity [Video]

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Ten years ago, John Zoda retired from a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

And now, the 72-year-old from Clearwater has helped build more than 300 houses for people in need.

“I really had no experience with this,” he said with a smile. “But I had some very good supervisors who were extremely patient while I was learning things.”

Zoda is one of the “Weekday Warriors” — retirees who volunteer to help Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties.

The major requirements to help the nonprofit? Time and a lot of heart.

“It makes you humble,” he said. “It makes you realize how fortunate you are and that there are a lot of people out there not as fortunate.”

Habitat for Humanity says make no mistake: Weekday Warriors are absolutely essential to the mission of building more than 80 houses a year.

“Weekday Warriors are the heart of Habitat,” said Xavier Oliver, director …