Nick Carlson at Rise in Coon Rapids is establishing a career path through hard work and organization.

Two companies, only blocks apart, hired him for a range of support tasks. Cedar Creek Energy needed janitorial help and Park Precision Machining also started Carlson in janitorial.

He cleans the office and public areas, and the production floor at Park Precision. And, after supervisors witnessed his work attitude, they added box assembly, metal products hand assembly and material sorting for recycling to Carlson’s duties.

Park Precision employees appreciate Carlson’s good work and he enjoys their camaraderie and friendship. Sometimes he goes out for a quick lunch with coworkers.

Carlson previously worked with Pentair and HOM Furniture. "I think I developed good work skills at those jobs, which helped open doors for me to work at Precision and Cedar Creek," he said.

His career goal is to improve his reading skills and successfully complete a veterinary technician course. He plans to volunteer with the Animal Humane Society to gain more experience working with animals. "I want to be certain that this is the right field for me before I go back to school," he said. Jenny Onnen, a Rise customized job developer, provides Carlson with follow-up support services.

“I like having so many different things to do,” said Carlson. “They let me know when I come in the morning what they want me to work on. I have to be very organized so I give it my all, every day and work hard. It’s challenging and fun.” Employment Consultant Sarah Kohl-Leaf assisted with his job search.

Carlson lives with his family in a busy household in Blaine. He enjoys playing the guitar and reading.