Michael overcame many challenges in the early days of his career when searching for the right type of employment for his skillset. He completed training with a local nonprofit and took on a part-time job as an after-school instructor, but was eager to find a better fit. Applications and interviews were tough, and accommodations for his physical and cognitive abilities fell short. Still, he persisted in looking for the right position for years, which he ultimately found when he joined ServiceSource through the help of a vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Now just shy of his eighth anniversary with ServiceSource, Michael has been extremely successful as part of a Department of Defense contract through the AbilityOne Program in St. Louis. He was recently promoted from his original role of Service Order Dispatcher to Digital Imaging Specialist, taking on more and more responsibilities and utilizing the skills he has built along the way.
Michael has gone out of his way to pay forward the success he has achieved. He’s taken on leadership roles as a disability advocate with the help of ServiceSource and SourceAmerica. In 2022 he participated in an advocacy summit in Washington, DC, and met with elected officials. He’s also working with Partners in Policymaking, a program in his home state of Missouri where Michael is further developing his advocacy skills.
Over nearly eight years on the job, Michael developed a reputation for his excellent customer service skills, earning “so many service excellence awards that I’ve lost count.” He takes pride in going the extra mile to ensure that the company always looks good for the government employees it supports.
Michael’s disabilities had always presented some challenges, such as finding reliable transportation and navigating from the suburbs to the city. ServiceSource met Michael where he was and provided support and accommodations where necessary, including helping to drive, providing rideshare credits, and ensuring he has the flexibility to deal with his medical conditions.
