Sucess Story - R. J. Lewis
R.J. Lewis’s career as a heavy equipment operator took a detour when he lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident. That did not alter his desire to work in a physically-active profession.
“He’s always sought non-traditional employment for someone in a wheelchair,” said his South Carolina VR counselor Vickie Manning.
After several attempts at self-employment didn’t work out Lewis went to VR for counseling, guidance, and job readiness training services, and earned his G.E.D. When an opportunity for a job as a furniture repair technician at La-Z-Boy’s distribution center near Rock Hill became available he applied.
VR sponsored training in furniture repair and R.J. earned his certification as a master service technician for La-Z-Boy. He assembles and inspects furniture that comes through the distribution center. He’s also made several suggestions that improve the assembly process. His boss says “if I could find others like R.J., I’d hire them in a minute!”
In his spare time, Lewis has started his own furniture touch-up and repair business. He’s grateful for the assistance from his counselor and other VR staff. “Everybody is 100 percent nice. They’re there to help.”
