PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 Wayne Tomlin walked into Goodwill looking for a job when he was 19, and 45 years later, he\u2019s still there.<\/p>\n
Tomlin now works as a salvage processor at the Retail Operations Center, keeping tons of material moving through the facility. He continues working even after the celebrations marking his milestone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can do almost anything, but I help people walk around and ask them if they need help,\u201d Tomlin said.<\/p>\n
Over the decades, Tomlin has held multiple roles across the organization. He drove forklifts, worked in home pickup and handled salvage sorting.<\/p>\n
\u201cI used to work in home pickup, salvage sorting. I did a lot of different stuff back there at the whole place,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Goodwill leaders say Tomlin serves as an ambassador for new employees at the organization.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat makes him special is the actual contagiousness around him. He is an ambassador for all the new employees, and a lot of organizations like ours, and a lot of entry level jobs have high turnover,\u201d said Beth Forsberg, the chief sustainability officer for Goodwill.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, the organization hosted a celebration recognizing Tomlin\u2019s longevity and the example he has set for other team members.<\/p>\n
\u201cMakes me feel proud of myself,\u201d Tomlin said about the recognition, adding that he still loves coming to work and isn\u2019t slowing down.<\/p>\n
Goodwill leaders say it is rare to have someone stay for this long, but Tomlin continues to shape the culture at the facility, welcoming customers and co-workers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWayne is so welcoming, he makes everyone feel like they could be part of the Goodwill family,\u201d Forsberg said.<\/p>\n
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