Spotlight on Success: Paul Agre

When Paul Agre was in his early 50s he lost the full-time job he had held for nearly half his life.

 A janitor for 24 years at 3M, Paul, along with the other janitors at 3M, was laid off when the task of cleaning was outsourced—a scenario that is common in today’s work world.

Paul's brother Peter describes Paul as, "A shy Norwegian who takes pride in his work." Paul describes himself as, "retarded." 

Neither Paul nor his brother is quite sure what the politically correct term is these days. Paul's disability was recognized first by his teachers in kindergarten.

Peter says, "Paul was labeled ‘educable’ but was slow to develop motor skills. He could ride a bike and he loves to fish." Paul attended Sheltering Arms School and graduated from Roosevelt High School.

Paul got his job at 3M through networking with connections his father had developed while working at 3M for years. Before working at 3M, Paul worked for nine years as a janitor at the Metropolitan Medical Center (MMC), now known as Hennepin County Medical Center. He received training through Opportunity Workshop (now Opportunity Partners) which helped him land the job at MMC.

Paul found his co-workers at 3M receptive most of the time, but changes in routine were stressful for him. Peter says, "This was more than just a job to Paul. He is a very loyal worker.” Paul misses the "guys" and his supervisor at 3M. He had made friends at 3M. All of the people in his work area attended his father's funeral as a sign of support for Paul. His friends at work became his community.

Paul has picked up a part-time job cleaning his church two days a week, but he's not satisfied. Even though he has saved his money over the years, he isn't ready to retire just yet. When asked what his dream job would be, Paul says, "I would like to work for the DNR, going around checking on the parks and camps." Paul loves the outdoors and enjoys traveling to places like Norway, Sweden, and Africa. His most recent travels took him to his brother's lake home in northern Wisconsin; to the beautiful Boundary Waters of Minnesota; and up to Lake of the Woods to catch some tasty walleye.

Peter says Paul is the glue that holds the family together, and they feel helpless to do anything for him in his current job search. Peter says, "Unemployment isn't just an abstract thought any more. A disability touches every member of the family. We need to do everything we can to make people aware of what services are there to help people with disabilities and their families."

Rehabilitation Services is currently working with Paul to help him find a new job. With his stable work history, and the loyalty he shows to his employers, Paul hopes it won't be long before he's working full time again.