“When you like to come to your job, it makes a big difference.”
Herman Tate worked for nearly 30 years as a lead in the Shipping and Receiving department at the former Phoenix Frontier agency. When it closed, he was out of work for “only two days”, and then he came to Goodwill in 2013. Herman started In Goodwill’s Donated Goods processing division as a truck driver helper and dock worker.
His great work ethic and personality were quickly noticed, and when he was asked to head up an area of the Recycling operation he immediately said, “Yes I can do it! Herman will tell you that he didn’t expect to “step up the ladder” at his job, but step up he did! He leads a team that never fails to meet the department’s expectations and goals. His coworkers call him a “great guy” who is a pleasure to work with. Herman just says, “I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. If you care, you can work wonders. You have to care about your job to do your job.” He inspires others on a daily basis with his friendly attitude and willingness to help out whenever and wherever needed.
When asked about his job, with a smile Herman will tell you that the only thing he’s still learning about are the “ladies’ purses and shoes”. He recalls a certain designer name pair of boots with red soles that he noticed and brought to his supervisor’s attention. That pair of Louboutins sold on Goodwill’s online auction site with proceeds used to fund Goodwill’s job training programs.
Service to others is a big part of who Herman Tate is. He serves on the board of directors for Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled and was honored at the 44th Annual Black Achievers Awards for his strong moral values and unwavering responsibility to help others. He has been a peer advocate for years traveling statewide to promote what he calls “the treatment of people”, especially those with disabilities. Herman started and is President of Goodwill’s self-advocacy group, the “Goodwill Go-Getters” that meets monthly to discuss issues that matter to the membership of the group. His is truly a role model for us all.
Although he’ll tell you he is not even thinking of slowing down and retiring, Herman says, “When I do retire, I’ll retire gracefully because I worked at a place that needed me.”