‘I Know What It’s Like’: How a Corvias Employee’s Innovation and Care Helps Improve Service for Military Families at Fort Polk

Longtime employee Bill Ainsworth’s unique appliance repair expertise strengthens responsiveness across more than 3,600 military homes

FORT POLK, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Organizations spend enormous amounts of time searching for better ways to serve the people who depend on them. The answers often arrive as a new strategy, technology, or sometimes from someone who innovates to get the job done.

Bill Ainsworth is one of those people.

The 18-year Corvias employee has put his lifelong expertise with machine repairs to use overseeing a dedicated appliance repair workspace at Fort Polk that delivers quality repairs and service, extends the life of equipment, and improves maintenance responsiveness for military families across more than 3,600 Corvias homes.

In many cases, equipment can be repaired, tested and returned to homes within hours, often faster than waiting for a replacement to be shipped.

"We know quality service is critical, whether it’s a big or small job,” Bill said. “If an appliance just needs a small part or if it’s something I can take a look at to fix more efficiently for Soldiers, I’m happy to do it.”

Bill’s work complements a much broader program of ongoing community and asset investment across Corvias, including over $500 million in current capital improvements spanning everything from new roofing and resilient flooring to major infrastructure upgrades.

“Corvias does large-scale appliance replacement through our Development and Construction teams, while maintenance professionals like Bill help our assets deliver the performance our residents depend on,” said Corvias’ Kyle Miller, Executive Vice President, Investment Management. “Bill is a great example of what innovation and care look like on the ground.”

A Lifetime of Expertise

Bill began repairing appliances in 1978. After joining Corvias in 2008, he quickly became known as the ‘go-to guy’ for difficult repairs, often finding ways to restore equipment that remained in good condition with years of useful life ahead.

That expertise eventually became the foundation for the focused workspace where Bill mentors younger colleagues to build their knowledge and capabilities.

“I was excited to get the opportunity to help. Most everyone called me the ‘go-to guy,’ and it stuck,” Bill laughs.

Bill transformed an unused workspace where he restores equipment, salvages reusable parts and keeps quality refurbished inventory ready for military families.

To date, Bill and his colleagues have refurbished nearly 90 units, returned 76 to service and reclaimed 325 reusable parts.

Praise from Residents

Bill’s commitment has been noticed by the families he serves. The wife of a departing Fort Polk general recognized his work, saying:

“Want to thank Mr. Bill Ainsworth for being a consummate professional, master technician, and a great Corvias employee who always goes the extra mile to help Soldiers and families here at Fort Polk. He and his team have made our quality of life so much better.”

For Bill, that commitment is personal.

His wife served 25 years in the military, and together they lived in military housing in Germany, Fort Lewis and Fort Polk. Bill understands the uncertainty that comes with deployments and frequent moves.

“I've been in their shoes and know what it's like to have someone care for your needs while living on post,” Bill said. “I want to make the residents' stay with us as enjoyable and carefree as possible.”

After nearly two decades serving Corvias families, the reason he keeps doing it is simple.

“This is home,” Bill said. “And it’s my heart.”

About Corvias

Corvias partners with the Department of War (DOW) and higher education institutions to solve infrastructure and energy resiliency challenges and to create long-term, sustainable value through our unique Solutions Through Partnerships® approach. Corvias partnerships support energy resilience and quality of indoor environments through renewable energy projects, energy savings projects, and WELL for Residential certified enhancements in homes across our communities. Our more than 72,000 residents consistently highly rank the courtesy and professionalism of our maintenance and leasing personnel. Learn more at: www.corvias.com.