11-15-2024 11:51am

Man Finds Dream Job at Cronin Through Faith

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- When Ross Kester, 43, moved to Centerville two years ago, he used his self-determination, kindness, and faith to find a job that turned out to be a match made in heaven.

He doesn’t remember a time before he liked cars. As a toddler, his mother, Michele Kester, recalls a time when she found him in the driver’s seat of the family car, hands and knees scraped from the crawl across the gravel driveway.

Michele said Ross has always been motivated by vehicles. For example, ever since he began physical therapy at 18 months old, he has been motivated by imagining himself pushing down on the gas or brake pedal while doing ankle stretches or pictured himself climbing into a vehicle while doing step exercises.

As an adult, Ross has extensive professional and personal experience with cars. After 14 years of work experience at car dealerships, he knew he wanted to find a job as a car salesman upon moving to Warren County, but he didn’t know which business would be the best fit.

He took an untraditional route finding a new job- Ross and Michele drove to each car dealership in Warren County and prayed outside each building. They were looking for a sign that they were exactly where the Lord wanted them to be.

On April 26, 2022, Ross picked Cronin Auto Group of Lebanon. Praying outside, he knew that Cronin was right for him. Entering the dealership and meeting the staff, he confirmed the feeling. He was offered a job the same day.

Over the next three months, the management team at Cronin made every effort to make accommodations for Ross before he began work in July. They communicated with Ross, his family members, his support staff, and his previous employer to ask about what accommodations he would need. They created a job description catered towards Ross’ skills.

When he heard about the accommodation Cronin made for him, Ross said it made him want to work harder for them. When he was finally able to start his new job, he was met with a huge welcome from staff members, management, and owners.

The excitement for his inclusion hasn’t died down yet- they still celebrate his presence two years later. From surprise birthday celebrations to constant features on Cronin’s social media, Ross said the Cronin team always bends over backwards to support him.

Michele said Cronin has welcomed Ross with open arms, but also, “saw assets in him that we didn't even know how to tap into.”

Ross loves spending time with his co-workers at work, on joyrides, or joking around. He said, “If there was a 24-hour shift, then they would sign me up for it.”

When not at work, Ross spends much of his free time at the gym to stay fit. He aims to stay at peak physical condition to continue climbing into cars on his own.

One of his favorite parts about the gym is inspiring other gym-goers. Direct Support Professional Claire LaJoye said they typically spend between 2 and 4 hours during each gym session because they have to account for extra time for Ross to talk with all the gym-regulars.

Every few weeks, Ross and LaJoye go on a road trip to commemorate the goals he’s achieved at the gym, including vehicle-oriented destinations like car collections or truck manufacturing businesses. He often receives unique souvenirs from his visits, including a Bluebird Vision bus grille gifted to him from Cardinal Buses that now hangs on the wall of his bedroom.

During the annual WCBDD In-Service event on October 23, 2024, Superintendent Megan Manuel awarded Cronin Auto Group of Lebanon and Manager Andy Gruber with the Extraordinary Employer Award for their willingness and excitement to hire and support employees with developmental disabilities.

“[Ross] looks forward to every single day of work under Andy’s supervision and leadership,” Manuel said. “In the world that downplays the human element in favor of productivity and consumerism, Andy and his Cronin team know the value of connection, what it means to go above and beyond, and how to make the world a warmer place.”

Ross plans to continue his career as a car salesman, stating “Why would I retire from my hobby?”

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.