community employment success story By Deborah Riley
This Is
MAX! Meeting Max will undoubtedly make your day better
If you’ve ever frequented Carlo’s Trattoria Italian Restaurant in Hartville or Walther’s Twin Tavern in North Canton, then perhaps you’ve had the opportunity to meet Maximilian “Max” Broom. Max graduated from GlenOak High School in 2011. Upon graduation, he attended the Stark ESC Transition Program at Lake High School. Through the transition job skills program, Max began working at Carlo’s Trattoria. Within six months of participating in the program, Max was asked to join the staff at Carlo’s as a regular employee. On May 3, 2022, Max celebrated 10 years of employment with Carlo’s Trattoria! In 2015 Max worked with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities provider Creative Rehab to obtain additional employment. Through the job development process with Creative Rehab, Max was able to find a position at Bob Evans in Belden Village. Max worked at Bob Evans until June of 2017 when he left to go to work at Walther’s Twin Tavern, which is run by family friends. This month, Max will celebrate five years at Walther’s. Max is one of Walther’s original employees and has worked at the restaurant since it opened. While at Carlo’s Trattoria, you can find Max at the host stand greeting and seating
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customers, bussing tables, assisting with orders in the kitchen, and helping out wherever he is needed. At Walther’s Twin Tavern, Max can be found washing dishes, bussing tables, and assisting in the dining room. Max is a people person and enjoys talking to all of the customers, especially the “regulars.” His coworkers are what make it so fun to go to work; he says they are friendly and keep him laughing. Max’s coworkers feel the same way about him! Max’s supervisors, Tana and Abby, shared that Max is always in a great mood, a hard worker, always punctual, and is well-loved by all! Having autism can sometimes create challenges with communication and maintaining eye contact, but Max uses his employment as a way to work on these challenges and doesn’t let them get in the way. Max maintains a positive attitude, and both of his supervisors share that Max is never in a bad mood. He is always ready to work and take on any task he is given. Stop on out to Carlo’s Trattoria Italian Restaurant or to Walther’s Twin Tavern and come say hi to Max! He loves to talk about sports if you have the time, especially basketball. While you’re at Carlo’s, give the pizza a try. According to Max, it’s the best pizza around!
