Josh and Steven's Success

Goodwill’s mission is to help people transform their potential into opportunity, and employees Josh and Steven are living proof of that.

Both Josh and Steven began their careers at Goodwill as Material Handlers at the Goodwill Distribution Center in downtown Chattanooga. Each had a goal: to advance their skills and open doors to new opportunities.

Steven came to Goodwill with forklift operating experience, but his certification had lapsed. Once he began working at Goodwill, he learned that Goodwill hosts a forklift operator training course at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus in Chattanooga.

“I knew I was capable of doing more,” said Josh. “I needed my forklift certification in order to accomplish this.”

“Steven and Josh entered the forklift program facing two very different challenges, yet both were determined to grow,” said Kai, Goodwill Distribution Center/Transportation Manager. “Steven was returning to the workforce and working to rebuild his confidence in operating heavy equipment. Josh had never driven heavy machinery and wanted to gain a new skill. The forklift class helped bridge those gaps. Their success shows how the right training can empower individuals and strengthen career opportunities.”

The Goodwill’s forklift course, in conjunction with Sunbelt Rentals and the Tennessee Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation, features American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classes 1, 4, and 5 warehouse forklift operator certification and career readiness training.

"Hosting these training events is just one way we contribute to our community and invest in the lives of our coworkers," said Rachel Inman, Vice President of Mission Services. "At Goodwill, we are dedicated to offering resources that support individuals in their job search and future career growth."

“I love working at Goodwill,” said Steven. “I wish I had started working here earlier in my life.”

If you are interested in attending an upcoming forklift operator training course, contact Cornisha Espey at (423) 634-2935 or cornisha.m.espey@tn.gov.

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By Lora B • May 26, 2026

We had a great time with the Catoosa County Chamber at Cards and Coffee at our Battlefield store and donation center!

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By Lora B • May 26, 2026

Recently, Goodwill held an annual award ceremony in conjunction with our first organization-wide One Goodwill event, a day dedicated entirely to investing in the people who make our mission possible. For one day, we closed every Goodwill store, donation site, Opportunity Center, distribution center, and administrative office in the greater Chattanooga area to invest in our people. On that day, our entire Distribution Center team was honored with the Opportunity Accelerator award. This award celebrates innovation that accelerates opportunity and drives meaningful progress for Goodwill and for our community. Over the past year, the Distribution Center has undergone a significant and inspiring transformation, one centered on stronger communication, increased trust, and a more unified team culture. One nominator shared, “The Distribution Center has transformed and grown in amazing ways.” Kai, Goodwill’s Manager of Distribution and Transportation, has a passion for people, communication, and integrity, which has elevated the entire team. One nominator wrote, “Since Kai’s first day in new hire orientation, he has communicated his desire to develop and grow. He cares deeply about his employees, considers their challenges, and goes out of his way to help people find success.” Supporting this transformation is Pan, Director of Operations. Pan is a leader whose commitment to his people has not gone unnoticed. A nomination stated, “Pan is always willing to listen to our problems and do what is necessary to correct them.” “The biggest change I’ve seen with our distribution center team is our cohesiveness,” said Pan. “We work well together.” “Winning the Opportunity Accelerator award was amazing,” said Kai. “I'd be hard-pressed to say I've had a better day professionally. I wasn't only proud of myself; I was proud of our team.”