Scott “Scotty” Stephens, long time client at TRE, has been working at Chick-fil-A for over 10 years. What started as a high school job training turned into so much more, not only for Scott and his family, but for the whole Chick-fil-A team.
Rob Taylor, the owner of the North Academy and Dublin Chick-fil-A locations, said that Scott fit right into their team culture of care. Rob has
hired multiple individuals with disabilities to work at his Chick-fil-A’s over the years, and emphasized how employers are missing out on a “really incredible recruitment area for their business” when they don’t hire individuals with disabilities, like Scotty. “I honestly can’t think of us without him, he is that endearing to the team,” said Rob.
When he was brought on, the managers spent time with his job coaches to figure out the best fit for him with what he can do, what he can thrive at, and ultimately how he can add value to the company. He ended up being a great fit with helping during the weekday lunch rush, helping with crucial responsibilities like stocking, taking out the trash, replenishing lemonade, and his favorite task: washing trays.
“A phrase I hear from Scotty every day he comes to work, multiple times a day, is do you need help,” said the Dublin location’s General Manager, April Lowden. She went on to describe how when he isn’t there, they feel his absence because it affects their ability to run the business well.
Scotty’s mother, Beth, told us how he always looks forward to going to work, and often asks to work additional shifts outside of his Monday through Friday workweek. “For Scotty, it is really meaningful work, and he gets the satisfaction of a job well done. He works hard; he is just hustling all over the place,” she said.
As a result of his hard work, over the years he has earned a couple of raises. When discussing his job, Scotty said that one of the most important things he has learned is “keep working hard, and don’t give up. And washing your hands when you go to the restroom.”
Beyond the way he helps with business operations, he also boosts team morale through his positivity. “Just being around him and working alongside him lifts our spirits immensely, and it makes us have an even better day. He is such a joy to be around,” said his manager, Dillon, and continued to say, “He is the best worker I have ever worked with.”
The impact of employing individuals with disabilities goes beyond the employee – it can positively impact the team dynamic and contribute to a successful business environment. “It teaches all of us lessons in humility and grace,” said Rob, with a tear in his eye. “He is a good example to all of us here.”
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