Mike Sanchez

Also, a previously incarcerated individual. Recently started working within our Integration program. He has only been with the company a few months, and started with zero skill in roofing, carpentry, etc. When he came on board, he said he could help paint and pick up rubbish. We love Mikes story because he doesn’t strike you as someone who will strive to succeed in the program. He actually was overlooked at times, due to his demeanor. So, we started him off just picking up rubbish and doing the hard stuff nobody really likes to do. He just kept going and did great. So, after a short while, we let him start learning how to tear off a roof. He slowly started to excel at this too. Now it was all eyes on Mike as his supervisors and crew members started to realize how dedicated he was to his job. The foremen started asking if they could take him to be on his team and would fight to get him on their team. He quickly learned so many other things. The thing about Mike is he doesn’t just do things and work, he tries to do things well and even when he does something well he is always analyzing what he did and how he can do it better. He accepts all constructive criticism and immediately adjusts, and does great at just following instructions, and then trying to understand the why behind his task. After just a few months, he also learned how to be an excellent shingle feeder. This is a great example because it is an easy task and most people can do it, but once Mike learned how to do it, he continued to improve the way he does it and went farther that other people who do that task. He has learned how to do all aspects of a residential roof and is more than competent in water tighting, nailing, hips & ridges, removing & replacing solar water heater panels, removing & replacing PV panels, became a great painter, patch work, light carpentry, fascia repair, etc. He is definitely a rising star. That is why we have this program and just bring people in, mentor them and give them a chance. We never know who will really run with the opportunity they are given. The best part is these individuals become, contributing members of society and to the community in general. The pride he feels in knowing how well he is doing from the positive feedback and support he receives daily, helps him to strive to be better for himself and for his family. He has gone from drinking all night and sometimes for days, to going to bed early so he can be fresh in the morning. He skips parties and going out with his old friends until the sun comes up. Mike Sanchez is the true definition of someone who has finally realized he is worth so much more than he thought. He is also very humble and when he is praised, he just says, “I was only listening”. But we see his efforts and dedication and our proud to have a guy as great as him on our team.