Hometown Hero: Jeff Brett of King Quality Construction

Jeff Brett has improved the lives of numerous local families by putting roofs over their heads —literally.

Brett, chief executive of Bohemia-based contractor King Quality Construction, has donated and installed roofs for about 10 homes constructed over the past two years by Habitat for Humanity of Long Island. His efforts recently resulted in him being named the nonprofit’s 2023 Man of the Year.

The Port Jefferson resident, 58, has also provided grants of $50,000 to fund television commercials for local organizations such as Long Island Against Domestic Violence, which he said experienced a surge in calls after its commercial aired last year on News12 Long Island and other channels. He also funded a commercial for John’s Crazy Socks in Farmingdale, which donates 5% of its earnings to the Special Olympics.

The contractor’s other charitable efforts have included participating in food drives for the Lighthouse Mission in Bellport and providing free contracting services for Hope House Ministries, a residential drug rehabilitation center in Port Jefferson.

“Long Island has taken care of us, and we wanted to give back,” said Brett, who has engaged in community service through his company’s philanthropic arm, King Quality Cares, which he launched last year. “This is just such a simple thing, but the more you give the more you get.”

Brett said his current goal is to fund commercials for Island Harvest, Angels of Long Island, Tunnels for Towers and AHRC Nassau and Suffolk. He also hopes to help Habitat for Humanity of Long Island double the number of houses it builds over the next few years.

“By generously donating their services and expertise in roof installation, they have played a pivotal role in providing affordable housing for Habitat families,” said Jimmy Jack, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island’s chief executive. “Their commitment to our mission exemplifies the power of collaboration and community.”

Speaking of collaboration, Brett said he hopes to encourage other local businesses to also assist nonprofits across the Island.

“There’s only so much King Quality can do, but when other places come up and say, ‘Hey, we want to help,’ then it grows and multiplies — and that’s the flame we want to start,” Brett said. “King Quality Cares is just the match.”

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.