Wendy’s employee from Reach 4 More honored

LISBON --Attention to detail and pride in doing a project well are two of the qualities that resulted in Alan Ammon recently being named "Employee of the Month" at the Wendy's restaurant on state Route 170 in Calcutta.

"Alan is always here on time and in a great mood. He also pays attention to details and makes sure the job is done right. The project looks great when he's done," said Wendy's general manager Ashley Curran. "He started off doing cleaning. Now, in addition to cleaning, he also works in food preparation."

A 2013 graduate of Edison Local, Ammon has been at Wendy's for more than four years. Ammon noted that he likes working on the restaurant's cleaning projects.

"When I'm done with a project, such as cleaning the windows, I can see if I did a good job or not," explained Ammon. "I like to take pride in what I do."

The Wendy's employee has been involved with the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities' Reach 4 More program since 2018. Alan has been involved with the Employment Success Mentoring Group since it was started in 2020.

"People with disabilities shouldn't only be accepted," said Paul Anthony, Reach 4 More Business Engagement specialist. "They should be included. Alan is very much included here at Wendy's and the quality of his work shows that he appreciates being included."

In addition to being an outstanding worker, Curran pointed out that Ammon is quickly becoming an accomplished artist.

"His artwork is truly great," said Curran. "He could really do something in that area in the near future."

"I like working with oil paints the best," said Ammon when asked about his artwork. I started working with it prior to the pandemic. During that time period, I had more free time to work with it. I just kind of picked it up naturally."

Examples of Ammon's artwork are on display at Reach for the STARS at 440 East State Street in Salem.

In addition to developing his artistic talent, Ammon enjoys spending time with his two basset hounds, Cletus and Ellie May. An active person, Ammon spent eight years studying karate. Ghost hunting is another of his interests. He and his mother (Teresa) even spent one night in Mansfield at the former Ohio State Reformatory in their paranormal program.

"I also like to watch seasonal movies such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas movies," Ammon said. "Home Alone" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" are two of his favorites.

"I had another young man with disabilities running the grill here for a time," Curran said. "It may take a little more time initially to teach them the details of the job, but it pays off in the long run. People with disabilities are very reliable and they are here for their shifts. They are very pleasant to work with."

In recognition of being selected as Wendy's Employee of the Mont, Ammon also received a new uniform, cap and gift card.

"I believe in giving everyone an opportunity," said Curran. "Most people are worth the extra effort. Everyone is good at doing something. You just have to find out what they can do. It's important to make every employee feel included. I've been here at Wendy's for 17 years and we have always done that."

Businesses or individuals desiring more information on Reach 4 More can contact Anthony via email at p.anthony@ccbdd.net. Their website is www.reach4more.org.