When strong leadership meets a meaningful cause, powerful things happen. Tony Prutch, CEO of Homes by J Anthony, and Patrick Sowers, founder of Operation Once in a Lifetime, recently sat down to talk about their growing friendship and the five year partnership between their two organizations. Through sponsorships, service events, and shared values, their collaboration is making a real difference in the lives of military families and first responders.
Who They Are
Tony Prutch is the CEO of Homes by J Anthony, a luxury custom home builder in Texas known not only for exceptional craftsmanship but also for community support and outreach.
Patrick Sowers is the founder of Operation Once in a Lifetime, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping active duty service members, veterans, and first responders. Whether it is reuniting families, taking veterans to the 9 11 memorial, or visiting Arlington National Cemetery, their mission is broad and deeply personal.
Why the Partnership Works
Patrick shared, “The number one sacrifice our military and first responders have in common is their time. Time away from the people they love while serving our nation to protect others.”
Tony reflected on his motivation to give back: “When I started looking for someone to support, I thought of my father, Johnny Anthony, who spent most of his life in the military. While I never served, I try to give back and contribute through my home building company. I am blessed to be able to do that.”
Together, their organizations have created a strong alliance rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.
Making a Real Impact
Over the past five years, Homes by J Anthony has supported numerous Operation Once in a Lifetime events, including:
- Toys for Troops, a holiday toy drive for children of military families
-Fundraising raffles, such as the recent C8 Corvette giveaway
-Sponsorships for firefighter and veteran trips to national landmarks
Tony said, “One of the things that stood out to me about Patrick’s organization is that one hundred percent of their efforts and funds go straight to helping people. That is rare.”
Patrick added, “We open our doors to anyone. But just giving money does not fix the problem. You have to ask the right questions and get personal. That is how you make a real difference.”
Shared Values and Lasting Lessons
The relationship between the two founders goes far beyond business. “We are just a phone call away from one another,” Tony said.
Patrick spoke about the driving force behind his work: “Growing up in the military, serving myself, being a husband and father, I have seen sacrifice firsthand. That is why I started this organization.”
Together, they also share a belief in the power of mindset. Patrick shared a few powerful sayings that reflect the spirit of Operation Once in a Lifetime, and they left a lasting impression on Tony:
“The body will go where the mind will push it”
“Halfway does not count”
“Impossible is just another big word thrown around by small people”
The partnership between Homes by J Anthony and Operation Once in a Lifetime is more than a sponsorship. It is a friendship, a shared mission, and a powerful example of what it means to serve those who serve. Their work shows that with intention, compassion, and action, giving back can change lives in unforgettable ways.
https://operationonceinalifetime.com/