Twenty one
year old Brett Lantz was referred to the Ties to Employment project (through a
Developmental Disabilities Council grant) by the agency that provides waiver
services to him. When Brett lived at
home, he had spent time working with his dad on a small self-employment
business of taking apart old fire extinguishers and selling the parts to
recycling establishments. He had an interest in similar work and some skills
and experience using tools and machinery.
During the Discovery process, themes that emerged for Brett included
working outdoors, working with tools and machinery, and working with
vehicles.
When Ernie
Richards at Mountaineer Automotive in Clarksburg was contacted, he agreed to
have Brett come in for a paid work experience.
There was an instant bond between Brett and Ernie.
Ernie turned
out to be an excellent mentor for Brett, teaching him the skills needed for a variety
of jobs at his garage including detailing vehicles, checking and changing oil,
checking tire pressure and filling tires, charging batteries, and taking an
engine apart for replacement of various parts.
When asked
about needs he had for his business, Ernie told us that he was turning away a
lot of business because he did not have the ability to provide new tires for
his customers. He was interested in
purchasing a tire changing machine and tire balancer. After working for several weeks with Brett,
he felt sure that this was a task that Brett could learn to do. Using the concept of Resource Ownership,
Brett purchased the machines for the business through a Compensating Balance
Loan with CWVTEL Credit Union and Job Squad, Inc. Brett will own the equipment which will be
used to bring increased business to Mountaineer Automotive, allowing Ernie to
hire Brett. Starting the third week in
October, Brett will be on the Mountaineer Automotive payroll starting at 12
hours per week at minimum wage. As business increases with the new machinery
and Brett gains skill in using it, Ernie has agreed to gradually increase
Brett’s hours up to 32 hours per week.
A follow-up
post will focus on Brett’s success in using the new equipment and his integration
as a new employee at Mountaineer Automotive.
