Jimmy and the Forklift

Jimmy Manno is a 47-year old Grafton, WV native. He had a traumatic brain injury when he was eight years old, but that did not stop him from enjoying life to the fullest. Jimmy enjoys drawing, watching cowboys shows and cheering on the Mountaineers. One thing that was missing in Jimmy's life was a job. He is a hard worker, who enjoys staying busy. He has a high school diploma, but a limited employment history. This made finding work very difficult for him. However, he did have an even bigger asset: his father, Jim Manno.

Jim had worked with one of the owners of Grafton Farm Home Supply and had a strong relationship with the organization. Grafton Farm Home Supply is a family-run farming center. They make feed for livestock, have landscaping necessities during the summer months and fuel during the winter. Jim Manno, and the owners of the supply company, Robin and Bob Sharp had discussed what Jimmy could do there to bring value to the company. Resource ownership was the solution to their financial needs and Jimmy's employment issues.

According to Griffin and Hammis, resource ownership is a mutually beneficial process of acquiring materials, equipment, or skills that, when matched to a job seeker’s interests and customer needs, generates profits for the employer and wages for the employee. Jimmy was able to purchase a forklift, which enabled him to qualify for waiver funding and have his own asset. This asset enabled him to have a career at the supply store.

It has been over a year since Jimmy was hired and given the opportunity for paid employment. Jimmy states that he loves working with the owners and his co-workers at the store. Bob one of the owners commented that it is a good fit for Jimmy, his personality and the job are a good fit. He takes pride in his accomplishments and enjoys working with the public.
Jimmy's daily routine consist of getting up early going to the local gym and then off to work. He enjoys cleaning the floors, rolling the oats, and assisting customers with their purchases. He takes pride in his efforts, and loves being able to talk with neighbors, and friends. When asked if he would like to do anything different he responded "no, this is my job."
Mr.Manno is very pleased with the overall success. He remarked on what an advantage resource ownership was to a small business, but what a huge advantage it has been for his son."Jimmy has had fewer seizures, and appears to be much happier! this experience can be compared to a "perfect marriage", everyone wins and everyone is happy."
This is a picture of Jimmy Manno on his forklift he purchased in March. By using resource ownership as a tool, Jimmy was able to secure employment with Grafton Garden Home Supply. Owning this piece of equipment gave him the power to negotiate employment, where his skills would be utilized for the benefit of the company and himself.