Sometimes it’s not about good business, it’s more about goodwill.

Real estate investor and developer Lenny Bazemore is hoping his gift of 10 houses to Habitat for Humanity will spark a generous trend within the business community that will snowball into even more opportunities for Norristown’s youth while fueling the town’s economy, writes Gary Puleo in The Times Herald.

“I do want to inspire others to donate and give back to others who may just need a little help, for the sake of humanity and for others to buy properties in Norristown and bring businesses to Norristown,” said the Norristown native and former Norristown Area High School football star who is the owner of Bazemore Enterprises, The Bazemore Gallery, The Juice Merchant, which has three locations, and Pet Friendly Dog Bakery.

Next year the savvy entrepreneur is opening Philadelphia Prime Steakhouse —the first roof deck restaurant on Main Street in Manayunk.

Although his business smarts may be thriving in Manayunk, it’s obvious that Bazemore’s heart remains in Norristown.

“I’ve always believed in Norristown,” Bazemore said. “I really want to give the kids in Norristown where I grew up more opportunity. If they have a home I think they’re going to go to school, and with the proper support they can do just about anything in this world.”

The first in a series of houses in Norristown being donated to Habitat for Humanity will be Bazemore’s childhood home at 47 W. Basin St., which, in typical Habitat fashion, will be renovated with the help of volunteers and the future homeowner, and will provide another family the stability of home ownership.

“My first experience with Habitat helped me understand the complexities around the housing crisis,” Bazemore said. “Our Fund was in a position to do more, and with the Habitat partnership, I know we will be able to accomplish great things. Our greatest hope,” he added, “is that others will see how they can make a difference in Norristown and that there’s a groundswell of support for this wonderful place. We need more development in Norristown and more people to come in and take these old buildings and make them new again and share their entrepreneurial spirit. We need the community to be the best that it can possibly be because it is the county seat. It’s time for everyone to realize that Norristown is a beautiful community where you can raise a family and have a successful business.”

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