3 minute read
September 2022 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton
Community Employment Spotlight
The Answer is: Valued…Excellent…Great…
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The Question is: Describe Kevin Jordan
By Deborah Riley
Deborah Riley
Kevin is a cashier and self-checkout attendant at the Giant Eagle on The Strip in Canton. Kevin works 24-26 hours a week and has been with Giant Eagle for nearly eight years. Kevin is well-loved by his fellow employees, and he loves to joke with his manager, Terrell!
Prior to starting Giant Eagle, Kevin previously worked seasonally for Build A Bear and the Former Cleveland Indians Teamshop. In the past, Kevin has done some job searching on his own but had success in working with job development provider, Creative Rehab. When Kevin’s past job coaches assisted him, they helped him build the skills he currently uses, such as working a cash register or displaying good customer service. Because of the help of his previous job coaches, Kevin was prepared for his role at Giant Eagle and was able to go into his current position without the assistance of a job coach.
“Valued team member!” “Excellent customer service!” “Great attitude!” This is how Kevin Jordan’s manager, Terrell, described him as we spoke.
Helping people is Kevin’s favorite part of his job. He really enjoys people, which is why he excels at providing such excellent customer service. His manager Terrell stated that “Kevin really enjoys his job and loves taking care of his guests.” In addition to working the cash register and attending the self-checkout, Kevin often conditions the front end of the store, straightening candy, various front-end displays, and pop coolers. Terrell says that Kevin is always asking what he can do to help. He is an employee who can always be depended on to be at work on time and ready to go.
Kevin, who has spina bifida, feels that the most challenging part of his job is finding room for his wheelchair to fit at his register so that he is not blocking the people behind him. Every day, he has to adjust his chair to get comfortable. Spina bifida is a birth defect that happens when the spine and spinal cord do not properly form. Despite this challenge, his manager, Terrell, said being differently abled and having the use of his motorized wheelchair has not held Kevin back in any way. His attitude and work ethic are fantastic! He loves being able to step up to the plate wherever he is needed.
If you frequent the Giant Eagle on The Strip, make sure you take some time to stop and say “Hi!” to Kevin. He’d love to see you and provide you with the best possible customer service!
“I love my job because I love helping people! It gives me an opportunity to help people, whether it is answering questions or just ringing out their items. Every day is a different challenge that is exactly what I like!” - Kevin Jordan.
