Success Story: John

The future is looking bright for John Boyd after Goodwill Staffing Solutions helped him find work as a dryer operator with Sodexo Commercial Linen Exchange in Phoenix.

Goodwill Staffing Solutions, a division of Goodwill of Central Arizona, is a full service staffing firm that provides temporary, temp-to-hire and direct-hire employment to individuals in central Arizona.

Before he was referred to Goodwill Staffing Solutions by a friend in May 2008, Boyd said he bounced around from odd job to odd job. He moved to Phoenix from south central Los Angeles in August 2002 after struggling personally and professionally. He was lucky to find out about Goodwill Staffing Solutions.

"I remember coming to the office at 17th Avenue and Camelback Road (in Phoenix) on May 8, 2008," Boyd reflected. "The staffing team really took the time to get to know me and try to match me with a job that fit my skills and needs."

Boyd said Goodwill Staffing Solutions arranged for him to interview with Sodexo Commercial Linen Exchange on May 10 and he was hired “on-the-spot.” As a dryer operator, Boyd catches linens out of the dryer, sorts and places them in their assigned locations, and operates the machinery at the facility. Sodexo, Inc. (formerly known as Sodexho) is the leading provider of integrated food and facilities management services in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

"It's been good to work here," Boyd stated. "I enjoy what I do."

Boyd, a 38-year-old father of two, said he tells his children to stay as long as they can if they find a good employer.

"There are opportunities to grow and be promoted if you stay focused and do well," said Boyd.

Boyd said he has always been independent but finding a job with Sodexo Commercial Linen Exchange helped him to become more stable and to dream big.

"Because of this job, I was able to buy my own car and pay my bills on time," said Boyd. "I can say that being able to pay my bills on time is the best feeling."

Eventually, Boyd intends to own a business that deals with woodworking, cabinetry or upholstery.

"I don't know where I'd be without Goodwill," said Boyd. "Everything with my life has worked out since Goodwill helped me find a job."