On April 29, 2025, we celebrated something incredibly special at WIN Warehouse: the five-year anniversary since our Inventory Coordinator, Frank Martin, received a life-saving double lung transplant.
His Breath Day is a powerful reminder of resilience, second chances, and what it means to live life fully. We at WIN are so grateful to know Frank, not only for his hard work and dedication behind the scenes but also for the positivity and perspective he brings to everyone around him.
An Essential Part of the Team
Frank has been a member of the WIN family for several years, and in this time, he has become an integral part of our operations. Whether managing inventory or offering a helping hand to his coworkers, Frank exemplifies the values we hold dear: gratitude, reliability, and care.
“Every breath I take is a gift,” Frank said. “I don’t take anything for granted, not even the chance to come in and do my job. And I love being part of something that helps people.”
His Journey Before WIN Warehouse
Before joining WIN Warehouse, Frank took on a series of challenges that shaped his outlook and work ethic.
Joining the Army
Upon graduating from high school, Frank joined the Army as a Combat Telecommunications Center Operator. He then applied for airborne training and was eventually assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. Over the course of his service, he completed 75 jumps without ever being seriously injured.
Traveling With a Carnival
After the Army, he traveled the road with a carnival. From Texas up to Canada and back to Florida, he set up and operated carnival rides. It was a fun way to see the country, but not something he wanted to do long-term.
Starting a Family
He went back to school, got an accounting degree, and pursued a career in bookkeeping, finance, and office administration. Along the way, he got married, had a son and three daughters, and gained two stepdaughters.
His Diagnosis and Next Chapter
Then, in 2009, Frank was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which eventually developed into full-blown emphysema. He was eventually forced to stop working and spent the next five years on disability. Doctors determined he needed a lung transplant, and after receiving them in April 2020, he was allowed to return to work after three months of rehab.
“Working at WIN gives me a sense of purpose,” he shared. “It feels good to know the work I do helps nonprofits serve their communities.”
To learn more about his journey and what led him to WIN Warehouse, read our earlier article.
Celebrating the Journey Ahead
We are proud to celebrate this milestone with Frank and honor the strength it took to get here. As we celebrate, we also look ahead with appreciation for the laughter, hard work, and meaningful moments he continues to share with us. Happy (belated) Breath Day, Frank!
Give Back to the Community
WIN Warehouse appreciates team members like Frank and corporate donors who make our mission possible. With their support, nonprofit organizations pay significantly less for goods and equipment, up to 90% less than retail prices.
Your for-profit corporations can make a difference, too. When you make a tax-deductible donation of excess inventory to WIN Warehouse, you’re not only reducing costs for your company—you’re also helping nonprofits access the supplies they need to do more good in their communities.
Contact us today to get started!