Chat with Chad: Partnering with Purpose

A Conversation with Wagner’s Greg McGuirk

At CROSS Services, we know that solving big challenges—like food insecurity—takes more than a well-stocked food shelf. It takes people, purpose, and strong partnerships. That’s exactly what we found in Wagner, a longtime supporter of CROSS Services and a company that leads with heart.

In this edition of Chat with Chad, CROSS Services Executive Director, Chad Lanners, sat down with Greg McGuirk, President, Americas at Wagner, to talk about purpose, people, and how one paint sprayer company is making a difference far beyond the hardware aisle.

Built to Give Back

Wagner is known globally for its high-quality paint sprayers, but what makes the company truly stand out is its deep-rooted commitment to giving back. “It’s in Wagner’s DNA,” Greg shared. “Wagner is owned by two charitable foundations. The money that we make every day, it goes two places and only two places. It either gets reinvested into the company or to the communities in which we work.”

That philosophy has led Wagner to support CROSS Services in many ways, including generous donations, food and school supply drives, and most recently—delivering nearly 1,000 backpacks to local students as part of our annual Back to School program.

Why It Matters

“Let’s face it—we sell paint sprayers,” Greg joked. “But to be part of something that’s bigger and more important than just the jobs we do or ourselves, I think brings real value to our employees.”

Wagner’s purpose-driven culture shines through in everything they do—from factory-wide service events to consistent volunteer support at CROSS Services. “Walking through your lobby right now, it’s packed. There’s no place to sit—it’s humbling,” Greg added.

Partners in Impact

Wagner’s local presence makes the partnership even more meaningful. With two facilities just miles from CROSS Services, employees aren’t just giving to a nonprofit—they’re giving to their own neighbors. CROSS Services has over 20,000 family visits each year “and the need continues to grow,” explains Chad. “We’re thankful for Wagner. We’re thankful for your partnership. Thank you for your Commitment to the community.”

Wagner also supports other community efforts that align with CROSS Services’ mission—from Habitat for Humanity builds and bed drives to literacy programs.

One Small Act = Big Change

Greg reflected on the deeper meaning behind the work, “for our employees that have been here and seen it, it’s almost life-altering for them to see the need. That with our small donations, we can make a real difference. And I think that’s— that’s motivating—that’s inspiring! It’s rewarding knowing that we can help in our own little way, to put food on somebody’s table tonight, so they don’t go to bed hungry.”

Thank You, Wagner

From food drives to backpack deliveries to boots-on-the-ground volunteerism, Wagner continues to show up for families in our community in big, bold, and meaningful ways. We’re proud to call Wagner a partner in this work—and we’re so grateful for their people-first approach to community giving.

Watch the full conversation between Chad and Greg.