Clare resident finds work through Mid Michigan Industries, enjoys job at Mountain Town Station
Clare resident Casey Barlow came to Mid-Michigan Industries two years ago determined to find a new job after he was laid off.
Sherry Combs, employment specialist at MMI, said Barlow was very serious about finding employment.
"He missed having a job and getting a paycheck," Combs said.
Combs met with Jim Holton, owner of Mountain Town Station, 506 W. Broadway St., and explained to him their employer incentive program, "On the Job Evaluation."
MMI provides jobs and training for individuals with barriers to employment in Clare, Gladwin, Arenac, Iosco, Isabella, Gratiot, Ogemaw, Ionia, Roscommon and Montcalm counties, according to its website.
"It's a great local organization," Holton said. "It provides a lot of services for the community and for a lot of its workers as well and it's just a good community service all around."
When Combs told Holton about Barlow, he said he saw potential in Barlow and decided to give him a chance.
Holton explained to Barlow the restaurant was a fast-paced environment. Barlow said he felt he could do the job if given the opportunity.
"He was a very courteous and professional young man when I met him and I wanted to give him the opportunity to continue in the employment field out in the workplace," Holton said.
At the end of the three-week program, Holton officially hired Barlow as part of the staff on Oct. 5, 2010.
This month marks the one year anniversary since Barlow was hired into the company.
"He's doing pretty well for us," Holton said.
Combs said Barlow became successful with his determination and the support of the staff and co-workers.
Barlow said he likes everything about his job, but the people he works with have had the biggest positive influence on him.
"The people are nice here and Jim's a nice boss," Barlow said.
Casey said he feels he is good at running back and forth from the kitchen and putting things away.
Holton said he is very pleased with how reliable Barlow is and his overall performance as a Mountain Town employee.
"He's still here," Holton said. "He shows up, and if he can't show up, he calls either me or the managers."
Mountain Town has more than 100 employees in the operation, so Holton said it is nice to have stable employees.
"Casey's one of those people," he said. "He's reliable and he's always there when asked to do something. He's an overall good employee and a stable employee and that's what we need in this field"
