Joe Finds a Work Family and New Career

Experiencing a few workplaces often helps people find the job that feels like home. Joe explored retail and automotive roles during the pandemic and found his fit at Jiffy Lube.

Joe got his first job with Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) at the Arden Hills store as a store associate and donations attendant. Joe met Ellen, a GESMN career navigator, who told him about the automotive training program and he was instantly interested.

Joe applied and joined the auto program in December 2020, taking classes virtually during the pandemic. Even though there was limited automotive shop experience at the time, Joe enjoyed the training and learned more about independent work. 

“It was exciting to be in this program. I met a lot of great classmates and learned a lot of great stuff that I knew would help me find a job,” says Joe. “I got so excited when we were able to get into the shop and be hands-on with different car repairs.”

Shortly after graduation, Joe’s family and Ellen encouraged him to work with Mary who is an employment support consultant, to help find a job that matched his strengths and interests. Joe was quickly hired at Jiffy Lube as a technician and is enjoying his new work home.

“My favorite part about the job is my coworkers and being part of Jiffy Lube where it feels like a family.” He is proud of his growing knowledge: he can look at a car and know the model, make and year before it even pulls into the shop!

“Joe is an inspiration. His passion and drive powered him through the auto program and that’s why he is where he is now – this is what he was supposed to be doing,” says Mary.

Ellen praised Joe saying, “He has come so far from where he started, but he always had the determination to learn and get things done. Joe’s manager raves about how well he fits in and that he’s great to thank every customer.”

With the help GESMN’s career navigator and job coach, Joe found a job that doesn’t feel like work and feels like something he was meant to do.

Ready to find passion in your job? If you or someone you know could use job support, visit gesmn.org/services.