SPIN-ing HOPE: Celebrating Generous Hearts
Welcome to another edition of SPIN-ing Hope, where we honor the people behind the mission. Today, we're recognizing Curtis Scheetz, Chairman of SPIN’s Executive Board and supporter of over 10 years.
Why Wouldn't I Sign Up?
Curtis has been a Board Member and vocal advocate for SPIN’s mission of helping families since 2015, serving as a role model for his network of successful entrepreneurs. He has also served as the Chairman of SPIN's Board of Directors for five years, making even more of an impact on the families SPIN serves.
Curtis didn't become interested in philanthropy until he approached retirement. He wondered where he could direct the wealth he'd accumulated throughout his career to make the most impact, so he consulted his friend and neighbor, Charlie Granville (SPIN Board member).
“I told Charlie, I'm moving towards retirement. I need to have some other outside interests. And I think I want to do non-profit work. Charlie told me about [SPIN's mission]...”
Why wouldn't I sign up?
Total Environmental Management, INC., hands SPIN a generous $100,000 check. Pictured left to right: Mary Lou Shattuck (SPIN Board), Jim Hindman (TEM), Tom Cook (TEM), Curtis Scheetz (Board Chairman/TEM), David Wetzel (Executive Director)
From Humble Beginnings...
Curtis was raised with a generous heart from an early age, playing sports with his brothers in the sprawling neighborhoods that defined Orange County. His father was a postal carrier, while his mother worked at Qwikset in Lake Forest. Coming from humble beginnings, Curtis grew up with the values of hard work and commitment instilled in him.
Curtis Scheetz, at 6 months old.
Curtis Scheetz, 11, swings his baseball bat.
... To a Future Focused on Impact
Curtis enrolled in business courses at Cypress College, then cofounded Total Environmental Management, an HVAC company, in 1985, where it became evident his leadership style is grounded in humility.
“Probably the easiest thing I've ever had to do is lead people, because I'm the same person that will get in the trenches and do whatever it takes to get the job done. There's nothing that's beneath me that I wouldn't do in this world to help people out.”
Curtis poses with performers at SPIN's annual gala, Cirque de SPIN, in 2025. Pictured left to right: Ben and daughter Natalie Stocks, Curtis and Jill Scheetz, son Curtis Scheetz and Leah Crawford.
Curtis brings that same mindset of groundedness from his business leadership to his nonprofit leadership - and he's modeling what it looks like to provide for our community to his peers.
“I don't need to have a lot of excess wealth. I have way more than I need. So it's time to show people how to give back. I need to be a role model, [otherwise] I'm doing a disservice to the nonprofit world. Because, everybody I tell what I do, now they want to try to do it too. [Chuckling] Who wants to be like Curt? I was always the kid that got in trouble."
That's certainly not the case anymore. Curtis is also involved in other nonprofit organizations based in Orange County that are invested in the welfare of children, such as Olive Crest, the Bumblebee Foundation, New Hope Grief Support Community, the Millers Children, the Women's Hospital of Long Beach, and the Cypress College Foundation, where he also serves as President of the Board of Directors.
An evening at Angels Stadium for SPIN's Donor Appreciation Night last spring. Pictured left to right: John and Carolyn Couts, Curt and Jill Scheetz, Carmen and Jim Hindman.
Help Without Prejudice
When asked about the need for SPIN to be an inclusive space during these uncertain times, Curtis responded, “We should take care of everyone. We're all human beings. I don't have a problem with pronouns. I have zero problem with religious beliefs... I welcome everybody."
"SPIN's motto has always been, 'We don't give a handout, we give a hand up'... [I] like to give people hand ups, whether they're an employee of mine, whether it's somebody in my church, whether they're a friend, it doesn't matter. If they have a need, and I can help them, I'm going to help them. No questions asked.”
Join Curtis in Making a Difference—Here's How You Can Help
As we celebrate Curtis’s generous spirit, we also want to share an important update — federal funding for SPIN’s rapid-rehousing program has ended, and we need your help to continue supporting families in need.
Here’s how you can help:
Donate Today – Every dollar helps
Host a Give-Back Activity – Rally your school, office, or community group
Collect Items – View our wish list of essentials
Curtis has shown what one person can do. Imagine what we can accomplish together.