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Work is the seed to success

By Christine Call

PENSACOLA— Employment is more than a paycheck for many of us. Frank McKiernan, a courtesy clerk with Publix in Pensacola, is a wonderful example of how a job can be a catalyst that allows a person to bloom.

McKiernan joined Publix on West Nine Mile Road in April 2013 as a shy, quiet young man and has blossomed into an independent and successful employee.

“Frank is a hard worker who is always smiling,' his supervisor, Customer Service Manager Thea Coconino said. 'He was shy at first but now has come out of his shell. His socialization skills continue to improve especially when greeting and talking to the customers.”

She added Mckiernan can be a jokester when bantering back and forth with the team. He's in charge of greeting customers, gathering buggies, bagging groceries, and replenishing 

bags. “I like to work, because it keeps me busy and out of trouble. I also get to talk with the customers,' said McKiernan, adding he likes his coworkers and everyone is helpful.

McKiernan has a developmental disability and is a client at Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Coconino highlighted McKiernan’s upbeat energy and positive attitude.

“He’s never down and is one of our most positive team members,' she said. 'He does his job consistently without being asked. Everyone just loves him.”

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).

Frank McKiernan