By the Dirkse Team
People are not all the same, and not all jobs should be the same. Killer Burger owner TJ Southard was in the process of opening new locations when Marta Bunse, an Employment Specialist for Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc., asked whether the company would be open to working with someone who has a disability. Killer Burger makes high-quality burgers and fries in unique combinations – every burger comes with bacon! And yes, TJ was more than open to the idea.
John Finau is a bright, outgoing, friendly young man who loves to travel around his community. He happens to live close to the newly opened Killer Burger location in Tanasbourne. Well known in his neighborhood, it turned out John already knew managers Dominik Urrutia and Miles Tyler. A short, non-paid work experience was set up to determine John’s areas of strength. Employees are expected to run the cash register, bus trays, provide customer service, clean, do dishes, and support the team with other tasks. John’s disability makes working with a cash register difficult, so Dom worked with Marta to carve a job for John as a Lobby Attendant.
John’s manager Miles believes “People are people. Everyone deserves a chance; I look at the person, not the disability. Since I started working with Marta and John, I feel like there is not enough awareness in the world about hiring people with disabilities and how important this is. I love John’s energy, smile, attentiveness – he is always looking for something to do.”
For John, the opportunity to earn a paycheck and be part of a team in the community he grew up in is a perfect match. Asked about how he likes his job, he says “It’s awesome! People are happy and nice here. The managers are so cool!” Taking time know a person first, instead of focusing on their disability, helps create more inclusive and diversified communities.
For more information about creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, please contact Cindy Bahl, at Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc. 503-258-7715 or cindy@dirksecc.com
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