Rolling Start NC

Joseph McUmber – New Executive Director of Rolling Start

neiltorda@gmail.com — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:11:00 +0000

I’m originally from Maryland, but I have spent the past seven years working across the U.S. for a volunteer-powered disaster relief nonprofit, All Hands & Hearts Smart Response.

I served in a variety of field and management roles, including supervising chainsaw operations and construction sites, training new staff as the Construction Trainer, managing logistics and projects, and serving as Fleet Manager.

Hurricane Helene brought me to the Lake Junaluska area, where I have been helping repair storm damage to homes for residents in the counties surrounding Asheville and Waynesville. This involved leading volunteers and managing interior reconstruction and mold remediation for those most in need—primarily focusing on the elderly, people with disabilities, single parents, and survivors who were uninsured or underinsured.

I found out about Rolling Start from a coworker and immediately came to love the camaraderie and passion for the mission, which I haven’t seen anywhere else I have traveled.

I have an educational background in Mechanical Engineering, with previous experience rebuilding aircraft engines and building commercial 3D printers and camera control systems.

I have always been passionate about cars and giving back to local communities. I am elated to have found Rolling Start and to have the opportunity to pursue those passions.

My goal is to help Rolling Start grow and increase our annual vehicle output so we can serve more people in the surrounding counties. I hope to utilize and expand the local network I have built to explore how we can better connect and grow within the community. This organization has so much potential, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve.

Leadership Changes at Rolling Start

neiltorda@gmail.com — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 23:59:03 +0000

Rolling Start, NC Inc is now into our eight year! We have come a long way from awarding 5 cars in our first year to 38 in 2025. As one of the founders and Executive Director for the non-profit, I have been part of this from the beginning.
However, there comes a time to pass the baton to a younger, yet capable hand in the hopes that Rolling Start NC will continue far into the future.
As of August 1, 2026, Joe McUmber will be assuming full time the duties of Executive Director. Myself and the other founding members will continue to volunteer and be the Board of Directors.
We are not going away, just moving forward!

Cliff Faull

Good Shepherd Grant Presentation August 2025

neiltorda@gmail.com — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 01:01:49 +0000

Representing The Church of the Good Shepherd's Outreach Program, David Jones presents RSNC CEO Cliff Faull with a check that will go towards refurbishing three vehicles. Thank you so much for your support!

2025 May 30 2003 Civic KB

neiltorda@gmail.com — Fri, 30 May 2025 01:33:03 +0000

2003 Honda Civic — May 30, 2025 presented with funds provided by Sylva 1st Presbyterian Church

2003 Chevy Tracker

neiltorda@gmail.com — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 12:50:48 +0000

Friday, October 7, 2022, we presented a 2003 Chevy Tracker to Torri, a lady who has been without a vehicle for two years. She is employed full-time but dependent upon others for rides to and from work, shopping, and appointments – not a reliable situation. Her job allows her to make ends meet but with nothing left to purchase a vehicle. She is a domestic abuse survivor, and with transportation, she hopes to volunteer in this field.

Jeff and Sandy Davis of Cullowhee donated the vehicle. They purchased it new, and all their children learned to drive with it. Now they are glad to see someone else benefit from it.

2002 Mitsubishi Galante

neiltorda@gmail.com — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 23:27:38 +0000

A 2002 Mitsubishi Galante was presented to a single lady, disabled, on a fixed income, and without a vehicle for 2 years. She has been walking a couple hundred yards involving a steep hill to get to a laundry facility and to catch the local trolley to do shopping and appointments. It has been taking a toll on her. This car was also refurbished with funds granted by Nantahala Health Foundation.

2010 Hyundai Elantra

neiltorda@gmail.com — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 23:24:33 +0000

A 2010 Hyundai Elantra purchased new by a local woman, Deiha, was donated by her and with funds from Nantahala Health Foundation was refurbished. It was presented today to a young lady that is graduating from the one-year residential rehab program – Life Challenge of WNC. She is now one year sober. She remains in the area and will be employed full-time by Life Challenge as program director. The vehicle will give her the ability to perform this job and allow her to move on to the next level of her recovery and life including becoming more involved in her son`s life. A game changer for her.

Current Projects – August 2022

neiltorda@gmail.com — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 00:15:27 +0000

Here are a few of the cars that were recently donated to Rolling Start so that we can fix up and donate to those people in need in Jackson County, NC.

Volvo C70

This Volvo is getting new seat covers, interior trim and the rear window repaired so it no longer leaks. Unfortunately, the convertible top no longer works, so you can’t ride with the top down. We are replacing the window regulators, new front brakes, new spark plugs, oil change and cabin air filter.

Chevrolet Tracker

This 4 door, 4 wheel drive Chevy Tracker is getting a new A/C compressor, new valve cover gaskets, oil change, new spark plugs, new cabin and air filter and brakes checked.

Lincoln MKZ We have replaced rusted out rocker panels on both sides of this Lincoln. We are also repairing a torn front seat, replacing the spark plugs and as always and oil change and new filters.

How you can help

If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, or if you just want to donate some money to help cover the costs of repairs, click the donate buttons at the bottom of the page or email us at rollingstartnc@gmail.com

Rolling Start awarded WNC Bridge Foundation Grant

neiltorda@gmail.com — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 23:53:18 +0000

This past week Rolling Start NC was awarded an IMPACT GRANT from WNC Bridge Foundation for $66,000 over 3 years beginning July 1st 2022. This is restricted to salaries of a part time Program Coordinator, and in the second and third years a part time mechanic as well.

New Vehicle Donated

neiltorda@gmail.com — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:01:14 +0000

We got another vehicle donated. The ones suitable to give to people in need are coming in slow this year but this is a nice one and should be a quick turn around.

A 2007 Toyota Camry. The previous owner bought it new and now is living in Bryson Senior Center and no longer needs it. Well cared for, 118,000 miles. Front bumper needs a little work and then only routine maintenance.

Mary Slagle was responsible for finding this vehicle. Margie`s daughter, Jill Cooper, also was essential in the deal.

Thanks to all, now we can get to work!