Marylyn Jackson, a custodian at PRIDE Industries’ Environmental and Custodial Services contract at VSP Vision, is making a difference. She makes it her mission to provide excellent customer service with a friendly attitude. VSP Vision is a vision care health insurance and retail eyewear company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, CA. In her position, Marylyn details offices, cleans baseboards, and dusts chairs and desks; creating a clean, healthy and welcoming atmosphere for their employees and guests.

Marylyn and PRIDE’s team of custodians play an essential role in providing LEED standard Environmental and Custodial services to VSP. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an environmental certification program for buildings focused on promoting sustainability. By following these standards, PRIDE protects the health of building occupants while keeping the local environment free from toxic chemical contamination.

Instrumental to PRIDE’s success in reaching these standards is training our custodians to utilize the PRIDEClean® Custodial Process, which involves using the EPA-recognized PRIDEClean® cleaning products and high-efficiency filtered and microfiber cleaning equipment, as well as focusing on reducing chemical usage while delivering high-quality service. According to Marylyn, “This training helped me to perfect my skills and gain more confidence in myself as a custodian.”

“Marylyn’s high level of job performance shows in our building audits,” said Custodial Manager Brenda Sanchez. “The buildings that she is responsible for always score extremely high. Marylyn constantly receives great feedback from our customers, and her enthusiasm is contagious. We are very fortunate to have her on our team.”

“The customers I serve are my biggest motivation,” said Marylyn. “I aim to be courteous and polite to make the workplace feel hospitable so that they feel more motivated to do well in their jobs…. that’s what I’m here for! It’s always great to interact with my customers and colleagues.”

Before becoming employed at PRIDE Industries, Marylyn worked seasonally for over a decade. When she decided to look for a permanent position, she turned to PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services office in Fair Oaks, CA. After observing her great attitude and excellent work ethic, PRIDE’s staff placed Marylyn at VSP in February 2017.

“I’m so grateful and proud to have full-time employment,” said Marylyn. “PRIDE treats me like family. Working here, I realize how many other people also have disabilities. Some are visible, some are not (like my learning disability) – but with support, we all can get the job done together and make a difference.”