Joel spent 52 years in the household moving and storage business, relocating people worldwide. He was in his seventies when he finally retired, but he soon realized retirement life wasn’t for him. “It lasted about two years, and then I just decided I wanted to go back to work,” he said. “I kind of had a plan on what I wanted to do, and I thought Goodwill would just be perfect.”

So Joel’s job search started with a visit to Goodwill Career Solutions in Franklin. “I had written out my resumé, and the administrative assistant at Career Solutions graciously typed it up for me.”

During his visit, Joel expressed his interest in working for Goodwill. “They called a manager

over from the store, and the manager interviewed me that day. I was really thrilled to get the job.”

That was three years ago. Today, Joel is still working as a sales associate at the Franklin store on Murfreesboro Road. He spends his days running a register and interacting with others. “Goodwill has given me a purpose for getting up every morning,” he said. “I love my co-workers and my customers.”

Joel will celebrate his 83rd birthday on April 4, and he says he will continue to work as long as he is able. “Goodwill has changed my life considerably, and I think working here has actually extended my life,” he said. “I now feel like I have a few good years left in me, and I’m happy that someone can utilize them.”

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