Reclaim Renew is a reclaimed wood furniture store with a showroom in downtown Kirkwood, and two woodshops. One of these is run by an Ethiopian pastor, Warku, who helps provide employment for immigrants living in the city. My role at our main woodshop in Fenton, is projects manager. I worked here for a year in 2016, and was approcahed last summer to step into the role. My day to day is primarily finishing furniure, contacting and mmeeting clients as we process their orders. The relational aspect of my job is the most enjoyable for me, serving customers is always satisfying. When our manager is out of town or the office, I assume his responsibilities. What makes RR so unique is that all of our core employees are Christian in word and deed, and have a heart to love and serve customers and eachother. It have been blessed working with several older employees and learning to match the baby boomer work ethic and relational skills. Reclaim Renew is extended family for me, and I've loved every day with them.

This was a culturally enriching experience for me as most of the guys on my team were hispanic. A 12 hour day was standard and rates at sites could go up to 50 dollars an hour. This job taught me the value of hard work as an individual and especially as a team. My love for South America had also greatly grown, as well as my Spanish. I had a severe work accident however, and even though i returned after 5 months of physical therapy, it was painfully evident that management was only projects oriented.