Mentor, Friend, and Employee: Johnny's Impact at Safeway
When Johnny first walked into Safeway for his interview, Sam Kessinger, the front-end manager, hadn’t even clocked in yet. But it didn’t take long for her to recognize something special.
“I walked in, saw him sitting there, and didn’t even know what position he was interviewing for,” Sam recalled. “But after a few questions, I turned to our hiring manager and said, ‘I want him on our team.’”
What stood out? Johnny’s unshakable willingness to work and his humble yet confident attitude. When Sam laid out the responsibilities of a courtesy clerk—working with customers, gathering carts, and more—Johnny enthusiastically agreed to perform all the tasks.
Johnny was all in, and Sam was too. That moment marked the beginning of Johnny’s journey with the Safeway team, where he has become an integral part of the store’s operations and spirit since April 2023.
Prioritize Individual Strengths
Johnny’s impact at Safeway transcends his work. He has an uncanny ability to connect with people, whether they’re coworkers or customers. “He can take a disengaged customer and completely turn their day around,” Sam said. “He has this natural way of breaking the ice and making everyone feel at ease. I’ve even started using him as an example when training new employees.”
After watching his interactions with customers and staff, Sam knew Johnny would flourish in a position where he could engage with people. With Sam’s guidance and help from his job coach, Johnny transitioned to bagging and customer care at Safeway’s check stands.
Johnny’s kindness extends to his colleagues, too. He ensures younger staff members feel comfortable and shows initiative in mentoring them. When a 16-year-old coworker complained about being bored, Johnny gently redirected him, saying, “Well, we have this cleaning list you can help me with.” Together, they tackled the task, turning a mundane moment into a team-building one.
“He’s joyful, humble, and always willing to lend a hand,” Sam added. “We worked together to find his strengths and gave him tasks that would allow him to use them.”
Discover Flexible and Personalized Solutions
Johnny has been indispensable since joining Safeway in April 2023. While his official role is courtesy clerk, he’s shown remarkable dedication and adaptability.
One standout example is his approach to restocking the store’s cold boxes. Initially, he struggled with the task, unsure of expectations. But Johnny didn’t let confusion deter him. He sought guidance from Sam, and using their creative solution—taking photos to reference while restocking—Johnny mastered the process. Now, he’s one of the team’s top performers in the storeroom.
“Johnny doesn’t stop until the job is done and it’s done right,” Sam said. “He’s laser-focused and takes pride in his work. That’s a rare quality.”
Johnny’s willingness to grow is evident in his budding interest in the bakery department. He’s learning how to package cakes and assist customers after bakery staff leave for the day.
“I know I can’t keep him in his current role forever,” Sam admitted. “But I want to make sure he’s set up for success when he takes the next step.”
Open Doors for Everyone
Johnny’s success is a testament to the value of hiring people with disabilities, and Sam is passionate about encouraging other employers to follow suit.
“I never look at someone’s disability first. I look at the person and ask, ‘What can they bring to the table?’” she explained. “Johnny’s disability has never been a barrier to his success—it’s his determination, personality, and strengths that define him.”
Safeway has worked with job coaches from several organizations including Elmview, Entrust Community Services, and Yakima Specialties, and this collaboration has made a meaningful difference. These organizations provide job coaches who support both the employee and the employer.
“The coaches are amazing,” Sam said. “They’ve helped us address challenges and ensure everyone is set up for success.”
To employers considering hiring through similar programs, Sam offered a resounding endorsement: “Everyone deserves a chance to use their strengths and grow as a person. You can help someone who might not otherwise get those chances.”
Johnny’s story is one of mutual growth, compassion, and the power of an inclusive workplace. As Safeway customers leave with their groceries and a smile, and as coworkers learn from his example, it’s clear that Johnny isn’t just part of the team—he’s part of the heart of the store.
