Find out how Lawrence's work ethic earned him a thriving career without a four-year degree.
When he was released from prison, Lawrence started and quickly excelled at a transitional job program called Clean Slate that focused on litter abatement. One day, he struck up a conversation with a man who had been watching him work. Unbeknownst to Lawrence, the man was the CEO of a company, and, impressed by his work ethic, asked him to interview for positions at his company. He hired Lawrence as an Assistant Facilities Manager.
Though Lawrence felt inexperienced with aspects of the work, he committed to learning and picked up a variety of skills on the job. He became an expert in facilities management, learning by troubleshooting plumbing, floor care, painting, and electrical problems. Lawrence took these skills with him to a new facilities management job and continues to learn every day.
Lawrence credits the transitional job program for helping him through difficult times, explaining that they provided financial, housing, and transportation support to help him get on his feet. He is determined to do well in his career and is passionate about facilities management. “I really care about the work that I do – if I ride down the street, and there’s paper in the street, I’ll pull over and pick it up. If I come outside and see cigarette butts or something on the ground, I’ll stop and pick them up.”
.jpeg)
