When George talks about work, one word comes up again and again: ease. “I feel at ease coming in,” he says. “I like seeing people in the office, having good conversations.” It’s a simple sentiment, but for George, it represents a meaningful shift over his time with the team at McDermott + Bull.
Before joining the firm, George was navigating a difficult chapter. Being without a routine took a toll, and he felt less productive and less social than he wanted to be. That changed when Goodwill of Orange County’s Supported Employment Program helped him prepare to re-enter the workforce.
For McDermott + Bull, the relationship with Goodwill OC is years in the making. It began in 2018, when they placed Goodwill OC’s current CEO Nicole Suydam into her leadership role, followed by another executive position in 2022. Welcoming George through the Supported Employment Program brought that history full circle, carrying the partnership from the executive suite into McDermott + Bull’s own office.
Today, George works as an Office Assistant, helping keep the space running smoothly. He stocks the kitchen, wipes down the windows and desks, and makes sure the common areas remain clean and welcoming. It’s the kind of everyday upkeep an office depends on, and George takes real pride in it. The role has also brought him a rhythm he values. He’s found that being on a schedule has positively influenced other areas of his life, too. “I’m paying more attention to my own life, being more clean and tidy,” he says. He’s also started dressing the part, something that’s given him a real sense of confidence.
“George has become such a valued part of our daily office life,” says Regan Douglas, Executive Assistant and Office Manager. “He takes great pride in keeping our office clean, organized, and welcoming, and his work never goes unnoticed. Beyond that, he’s brought so much positivity to our team. We’ve loved getting to know him through conversations around the office, and it’s been wonderful to see his confidence grow and his social connections expand over time. He’s truly become part of our culture, and we’re grateful to have him on the team.”
For George, the social side of work has been just as rewarding as the routine. He lights up talking about his time with the team and the friendships he’s building, the easy conversations, and the chance to connect with colleagues. What he’s proudest of has little to do with any item on his task list. He takes pride in the atmosphere around him, in seeing people smile and enjoy their time in the office.
“We’re big believers that a great office starts with the people in it, all of them,” says Rod McDermott, Co-Founder and CEO. “Through our partnership with Goodwill OC, George helps keep our space running smoothly. He’s reliable, takes pride in his work, and has become a genuine part of our team. Not as a program or an initiative, but as someone people are glad to see when they walk in. We’re grateful to be part of something that creates that kind of opportunity.”
For Co-Founder and Managing Partner Chris Bull, George’s role carries a special resonance given the firm’s long history with Goodwill OC. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with Goodwill OC by helping place executive leaders who have advanced their mission and impact,” he says. “What has always stood out to me is their unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for people and strengthening communities. Seeing that commitment extend into our own workplace through George has been incredibly rewarding. It serves as a reminder that talent comes in many forms and that meaningful employment can have a profound impact on both individuals and organizations.”
George’s story is still unfolding. For now, he’s found something worth holding onto in the everyday – a routine that steadies him, colleagues who are glad to see him, and an office where he feels he truly belongs.
Learn more about Goodwill OC’s programs at ocgoodwill.org/workforce-development.
