Interview: Paul Oldham, Microsoft on Corporate Social Responsibility Partnerships
Advantech and Microsoft’s shared value in supporting Ronald McDonald House of Orange County (RMHOC)
Ronald McDonald House of Orange County - 2024 Walk for Kids
Interview with Paul Oldham, IoT Device Partner Microsoft
Advantech continually seeks new opportunities to engage with local charities and communities. Our A4C (Advantech for the Community) committee has carefully selected initiatives across North America that resonate personally with its members. Thanks to Paul Oldham, we were introduced to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and the incredible support they provide to children and families in need.
Could you please introduce yourself and your role at Microsoft and RNHC?
Paul: My name is Paul Oldham with Microsoft and I manage the IoT Channel for North America. I also serve as a board member for the Charity of the Ronald McDonald House for Orange County.
How did this partnership between Microsoft, Advantech, and the Ronald McDonald House in Orange County come about?
Paul: As a board member of the RMHOC, we actively seek partnerships. Rather than soliciting donations, we prefer companies like Advantech to become part of our community, helping raise awareness about the RMHOC’s mission and impact. When I began managing Advantech, I witnessed firsthand the alignment between your values and ours.
How do you envision this initiative impacting the families and children at the Ronald McDonald House?
Paul: The beauty of this journey is that we have the opportunity to make an impact in people’s lives. Now that Advantech is part of the RMHOC Community, we can enhance our partnership by volunteering to prepare meals at the house for families in need, participating in the Walk for Kids, joining the Happy Hugs club, and truly connecting with the families who have been positively impacted by the RMHOC House.
Can you share any specific stories or examples where similar initiatives have made a significant difference?
Paul: Yes- Thanks- Ventura Foods is another great Corporate Sponsor of ours, if you noticed from the Walk for Kids, Ventura Foods represented well. They had matching team shirts, they had a booth for their company at the walk, and continue to serve as a great example of how a corporate sponsorship can be part of a community.
Are there any future plans to expand or continue this partnership with the Ronald McDonald House or similar organizations?
Paul: Yes- We are always looking for local Orange County Corporate Sponsorships and want to create a competitive environment with the local businesses to reward some of the highest revenue generators.
How can employees from Microsoft, Advantech, and the broader community get involved in supporting this cause?
Paul: Great Question- Simply by reaching out to anyone on the A4C Team, Me, or the RMHOC directly. We have many opportunities for volunteering, donations, or even providing a social element of our Happy Hugs Community. Ronald McDonald House Orange County (rmhcsc.org)
Are there volunteer opportunities or other ways for people to contribute to this initiative?
Paul: Yes, Volunteering, Donations, and even a social element through our happy hugs community.
On a personal level, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being involved in this charity initiative?
Paul: For me, my daughter had a kidney failure at age 2, we spent 3 weeks in the ICU not knowing if she would come out of it, luckily our story had a happy ending where she is alive and thriving today. Because of this experience, she now is studying for a career in medicine. It’s rewarding for me to see some of the families that need help get it. It’s a very stressful time for parents and they need to feel that someone is on their side.
How has participating in this project influenced your perspective on corporate social responsibility and community service?
Paul: I think we all have a socially responsibility to give back to those in need. For me, this charity has a personal meeting and personal connection which makes me even more motivated to help out.
How do you plan to build on the success of this initiative for future project?
Paul: Well, thanks to Advantech, we are well underway to take this relationship to the next level. Seeing Advantech represent so well at The RMHOC Walk for Kids event was a great first step. We are looking to further this relationship by coordinating a night to make dinner at the house for the families that are staying there, we are looking to build happy hours, golf tournaments and even a pickle ball tournament for anyone at Advantech that wants to participate.
What message would you like to share with the community about the importance of supporting initiatives like this?
Paul: The message I would leave the group with is Thank You. Thank you for taking the first step in getting involved in this charity and please reach out if you would like to participate in other areas. We appreciate the Microsoft relationship and we appreciate the RMHOC Relationship.
