Success Story: Michael Lyles

Baltimore City resident Mike Lyles credits Maryland New Directions ‘award-winning Career Camp with landing him a new job as a truck driver and warehouse assistant material handler at Chimes. The 52-year-old had his own successful cleaning business, but said the business “tanked” when the economy went bad. His contract to clean a chain of area athletic clubs was dissolved when the company decided to take cleaning in-house.
Mr. Lyles figured he could get his old job of 15 years back with the Baltimore City Department of Public Works as a truck driver, but quickly found out a hiring freeze had been initiated.

“I own a home, and needed to bring home a paycheck, “he said.

Mr. Lyles enrolled in MND’s Career Camp almost two-years ago, but stopped attending when he found a part-time job. When the part-time job did not work out, he returned to MND. Michael said, “This time I made a commitment to complete the camp. It was structured and kept me busy. I credit the program with helping me prepare and get a job.”
“I was well-polished and schooled when I interviewed for Chimes. I really was at the top of my game, and I think a notch above the other people who were not prepared.”
As a past developmental disability counselor, he is especially pleased to work at Chimes where he will be eligible for full-time benefits, and college reimbursement after six months. His MND career counselor Kathy Stadler added, “Michael is a real success story. After attending Career Camp for two weeks, Michael gained the confidence he needed for a successful interview with Chimes. His confidence was rewarded; Michael received a job offer a few days after the interview.”