Giving a person with special needs a job opportunity in a welcoming environment can benefit everyone involved. At K&M Ace Hardware of Kingwood, Texas, the team welcomed Mark with open arms, and they all enjoy the spark of positive energy he brings to the store.

"Mark is very proud to be a part of Ace. He takes his job very seriously," said Ann, Mark's Mother. "I feel it's very important for special needs individuals to be able to work. Mark has always been ambitious. And he has always wanted to learn."

Mark is a very outgoing person, and that quality has allowed him to connect with the other employees and customers at the store. He is one of the store favorites.

"It's kind of a relief whenever Mark comes in," said Troy Blackman, K&M Ace Hardware General Manager. "Being able to step out and have fun amongst other people is a great opportunity for him. Mark gives us the opportunity to reach outside of ourselves and do something to help someone else."

Mark's positive energy has a way of improving everyone's mood at the store, especially when it's time for his favorite employee pizza lunch.

"Right off the bat, he's bringing a positive attitude," said Zach Carter, Assistant Store Manager. "It doesn't matter how anybody's day is going, everybody just gets in a good mood. Everybody's happy when they see Mark."

"Mark has so much confidence in life. He looks at life differently. I think that's because he has grown with Ace, learning social skills," said Ann. "He would not be the same person if he didn't have his job with Ace."