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Nashville Goodwill Employee Earns Respect for 'Big Heart' and Selfless Spirit
 
Mike Eisenbraun Receives 2008 Edgar J. Helms Award for Staff

June 30, 2008

Rockville, MD – Mike Eisenbraun, senior director of production for Goodwill Industries® of Middle Tennessee, Inc., (Nashville) has a favorite saying: “It’s Friday; only two more days left in the work week.” His selfless dedication to his agency and the clients Goodwill® serves has garnered him the 2008 Edgar J. Helms Award for Staff from Goodwill Industries International^®.

Eisenbraun, who hasn’t missed a day of work due to illness since 1972, has created numerous efficiencies in transportation and production, increasing salvage revenues by 71 percent and the number of textiles ready for store placement from just over 24,000 pieces in 2001 to more than 94,000 pieces in 2007.

While his engineering background lends itself to precision and efficiencies, Eisenbraun’s true commitment is to Goodwill’s clients, especially those with severe disabilities.

Co-workers have commented that Eisenbraun, a man of imposing stature, “has to be as big as he is to hold his heart.” His genuine care for Goodwill clients often means making workplace accommodations to help a struggling client succeed, or taking clients fishing or to sporting events. Eisenbraun regularly eats lunch with his clients and employees to get to know them better.

“It’s a humbling experience to watch this manly man bear his soul to those in need,” says David Lifsey, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee. “Whatever needs to be done, you can count on Mike — both personally and professionally.”

Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International, lauds Eisenbraun for putting the values of Goodwill’s founder into action every day. “The Edgar J. Helms Award for Staff was created to honor individuals like Mike who demonstrate that going the extra mile can mean all the difference in the lives of the people Goodwill serves,” Gibbons says. “Mike serves as an inspiration to all of us in the Goodwill network.”

The Edgar J. Helms Award for Staff is named in honor of the founder of Goodwill Industries, an ordained minister and social innovator who was motivated by spiritual values to improve the lives of those in need. This award recognizes a Goodwill employee who has exemplified the mission of Goodwill Industries and Rev. Helms' values of unselfish service to people with disabilities or other disadvantaging conditions.

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