Robby Chandler is a true example of a transformed life. Growing up, Robby always had the gift of gab. He loved talking to people and making them happy, and people loved him in return. He was so well-liked, he became a cheerleader at Memphis State University. Robby left college after two years to pursue a successful career as a salesman, selling cars and various business services. He was a natural. Along the way, he got married and had a son whom he adored and helped to raise.

Then one day in 2018, Robby got a phone call that changed his life forever. His son had passed away from a fentanyl overdose. The news was so devastating that Robby walked out of the car dealership he was working in and never came back. He would not work again for three years. His motivation and passion for life were gone, and he spiraled into isolation and substance abuse.

Robby lost everything except the clothes on his back and his car. He even lost his smile, as much-needed dental care went neglected. His younger sister supported him through this dark chapter, taking him in and helping him to muster the will to work again.

He was working part-time with a food delivery company when he stumbled across a sign for Goodwill’s Construction Program. Robby enrolled in the free program, which teaches students the basics of construction and leaves them with all the qualifications they need to immediately land a job. He showed up every day, asked questions, took in as much information as he could and landed a job as a maintenance technician with an apartment complex after completing the program.

Robby recently celebrated a year-and-a-half in his new career and says his life has been forever changed. He now has a nice apartment, a steady income, and health insurance and other benefits. Robby says Goodwill likely saved his life. 

Robby is the recipient of the Achiever of the Year Award at the 2024 Impact Awards.

Achiever of the Year – The recipients of this award have achieved great success since being hired by Goodwill. This award is sponsored by the CoreCivic Foundation.