- November 07, 2024
In 2018, Larry Jackson made a life-changing decision. Originally from Macon, Georgia, he had built a career as a branch manager in Houston, Texas. But with his parents aging and family becoming a priority, Larry and his wife decided to leave their stable jobs and return to Macon. There, he pursued entrepreneurship by starting his own pressure-washing business. For a time, things looked promising.
However, like many small businesses, Larry’s venture took a devastating hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. As economic challenges mounted, the business ultimately closed its doors. Struggling to get back on his feet, Larry connected with Mr. Roger Jackson, who runs a nonprofit organization in Macon dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives.
Roger Jackson introduced Larry to the HDCI Project Manager for WorkSource Middle Georgia. Our outreach team is known for regularly speaking to cohorts in Roger Jackson’s program, which offers two weeks of soft skills training, including resume building, interview techniques, and pre-employment services to prepare participants for the workforce.
At one of these sessions, Larry heard a piece of advice that stuck with him: “We can only put you in front of opportunities—it’s up to you to take advantage and make a great impression.” Motivated, Larry committed to turning his situation around, promptly completed his WorkSource application, and submitted all required documentation without delay. As part of the process, Larry also participated in a video interview with Jamtek Electrical, LLC Electrical LLC, a company seeking talent for a challenging-to-fill position: a low-voltage technician.
Meanwhile, Jamtek Electrical, LLC was working with WorkSource Middle Georgia to establish an On-the-Job Training (OJT) contract through WorkSource Middle Georgia. Recognizing that finding a qualified low-voltage technician in Macon was difficult, the company was open to hiring someone who might not yet have the full skill set but showed potential. Larry proved to be the perfect fit.
After starting with Jamtek Electrical, LLC under the OJT program, Larry excelled. Over six months, he not only met expectations—he exceeded them, never missing a single day of work. His dedication and work ethic earned him recognition at the company’s 10-year anniversary celebration, where he received an award for his outstanding performance.
As a result of his hard work, Larry was offered a full-time position at Jamtek Electrical, LLC. With this new role, he earned a certification as an Alarm Technician, significantly expanding his skill set. The opportunity not only provided him with career stability but also increased his earning potential, setting him on a path for long-term success.
Larry Jackson’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of setbacks, resilience, hard work, and seizing the right opportunity can lead to remarkable achievements.
