Waldeck’s and Goodwill: A Winning Team

Business owner Clifford Waldeck has created a partnership with Goodwill that has helped him build a winning team of employees, as well as turn his office supply store into a celebrated "green" business.

Over the past decade, Waldeck has employed a number of graduates from Goodwill’s job training and placement program. "My employees have to be able to work with the public, and Goodwill understands that."

Goodwill doesn’t just send job applicants off to potential employers and hope for the best. Goodwill staff work with employers to develop a precise job description, find the right candidate and provide extensive follow-up after the employee is hired. "I don’t have a human resources department. It all falls on me," Waldeck points out. "Goodwill makes sure every employee they send is a good fit."

Brian Ahrens, who has worked at Waldeck’s Office Supplies for seven years, was originally referred by Goodwill. Ahrens is the ideal small business employee, says Waldeck. "He is never late, and he is always willing to put in the extra time to get the job done. Plus, all our customers love him."

Waldeck has earned numerous environmental awards for his large selection of recycled office products, as well as his computer recycling collaboration with Goodwill. Yet none would be possible without dedicated employees. "Goodwill really prepares people for the work environment," says Waldeck. "When I hire through Goodwill, they stand by you every step of the way."