Noah Hobbs 32

One Roof Community Housing

What do you do professionally?

For the past decade I’ve worked in community development. Currently I work at One Roof Community Housing, for the past six years I worked as the lending director where I worked to increase capacity for One Roof’s lending activities. Recently I have shifted over to the director of strategy and policy.

I’ve largely worked to build up One Roof’s loan capital and expand our product offerings to help people be successful in not only obtaining homeownership but maintaining that status as well. I’ve also worked on advocating for various local, state and federal policies to increase support for affordable housing policies via my work at One Roof and various statewide networks.

How are you involved in the community? Do you volunteer with any organizations?

I am currently on the board of directors for CHUM and the Lake Superior Zoo. I recently termed out of the PAVSA board having served for nine years there. I also coach high school baseball for Proctor. I’ve also served on several other boards in the past: Community Action Duluth, Visit Duluth, Northern Lights Express Alliance, Neighborhood Housing Services of Duluth, my church planning council, Duluth Economic Development Authority, the 1200 Fund, and I was also a Governor Tim Walz appointee to the State Compensation Council.

What is important to you?

It is really important to put more back into this world than I get out of it. ‘ve been more fortunate in my life than I have had any right to be. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some really fascinating people and have had many people in my life while growing up that really cared about me and were invested in me. Providing that same sense of care, compassion and belonging in the lives of others is something I really strive for.

How do you spend your free time?

Favorite things about living and working in the Northland?

The fact that I can, in the woods, go grouse hunting 15 minutes from my house while living in the city is pretty great and hard to beat. The proximity to access to all of my other hobbies is a huge plus also.

What advice would you give to up and coming professionals?

I hate having to say this as an introvert. But, get out there and network, be serious and intentional about the relationships that you want to make, and be genuinely authentic. I think there is this false sense of what authenticity is, it isn’t just extroverts posting excessively and oversharing on social media. Live your values, people will notice eventually. Do something you’re passionate about, don’t waste your time on work, volunteering, or anything that doesn’t fill your cup and provide you purpose. Also, always reach out to folks, you will be surprised how often people are willing to meet and connect about anything!

Favorite moment in life?

Well, certainly meeting my best friend and marrying her! But a close second was meeting the legend himself, Bruce Springsteen!

Who has inspired you or your favorite motivational quote?