From Uncertain to Unstoppable
Mekhi Thomas Builds a Career with Goodwill
Before walking into Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Mekhi (Khi) Thomas was stuck in a cycle many young adults face—working in a job he didn’t love, unsure of his next move, and longing for direction.
“My life was pretty stagnant. I wasn’t in college, and I didn’t know how to better myself or find a real career path.” Said Khi.
Though Khi didn’t face any severe personal barriers, the uncertainty of his future was a major hurdle. That changed when he found out about Goodwill’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) Certification program and decided to take a chance. “I was really interested in HVAC but didn’t know where to begin. Luckily, Goodwill offered a great class with an even better instructor.”
Khi enrolled on October 25, 2024, and from the start, he showed dedication and enthusiasm.
Goodwill Career Coach Anthony Rickley, shared: “Khi always had great attendance and was fully immersed in each day’s class. His positivity really stood out—he was always in good spirits and eager to learn.”
The HVAC training gave Khi technical skills, but the support didn’t stop there. He also received job readiness assistance, including resume writing workshops, interview coaching, and mock interviews. These tools helped prepare him for the next step—and it paid off.
After graduating from the program in March 2025, Khi landed a position at Lascko Services just two months later. Today, he works full-time as an HVAC Service Technician, and he couldn’t be happier. “I love everything about my job—even the crawlspaces, oddly enough,” he laughs. “But my favorite part is the customer interaction. I love being able to provide 5-star service and leave homes with satisfied customers.”
Through Goodwill, Khi gained more than a job—he gained a new outlook on life.
“My life has completely changed. I now have a skill I’ll carry with me forever.”
Mekhi
“My life has completely changed. I now have a skill I’ll carry with me forever. I’ve grown professionally and learned how to carry myself in the workplace. I’ve also built a network of peers who I can lean on for support or advice.”
When asked if he would recommend Goodwill to others, Khi’s answer was clear: “Yes, I would recommend Goodwill to anybody. There are so many programs and classes to help you better yourself and get aligned with a good career.”
For others who are struggling to find or keep work, Khi offers this advice: “Keep going. Don’t give up—ever. Don’t be afraid to take risks or step out of your comfort zone. That’s where growth happens.”
Khi shared a heartfelt thank-you to the many hands behind his success: “Thank you to everybody—those who created the program, provided class materials, or even just signed us in for class every day. Your hospitality and support didn’t go unnoticed. Every single one of you is appreciated.”
Thanks to the guidance, training, and opportunities offered through Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Khi Thomas is no longer uncertain about his future—he’s thriving in it.
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan’s HVAC-R Program is made possible by a grant from Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to provide programming to support employment and reemployment of at-risk individuals, and to remove barriers to employment for low-income Michiganders.
