Employment equity starts with a clear belief: talent is not defined by disability. Opportunity shouldn’t be either.
Steve Reinardy’s career journey reflects what becomes possible when personal determination meets real access to growth. His story isn’t about a single achievement. It’s about what happens when workplaces create pathways for advancement and when individuals are given the tools and trust to lead.
Starting with Opportunity and Building from There
More than a decade ago, Steve began working at Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) in a janitorial role. Like many professionals entering the workforce, he started in an entry-level position.
Through commitment, learning, and skill development, as well as coaching and support, Steve advanced into the role of safety coordinator, where he now leads safety trainings and initiatives in production on government contracts. Along the way, he earned certifications in CPR, fire safety, and fire extinguisher use; credentials that demonstrate both technical knowledge and leadership trust.
This is what workforce development looks like when opportunity meets preparation.
Growth as a Practice, Not a Resolution
Steve believes goal setting works best when it’s intentional and visible.
“It’s been said that a goal you write down will be three to four more times likely to be achieved than if you just say it.”
Writing goals down helps him stay focused and accountable. It also helps him celebrate progress along the way, something he makes a point to do before moving on to the next objective.
Most recently, he earned a master’s certificate as a life coach, a milestone that reflects his desire to help others grow alongside him. He believes personal growth strengthens professional impact.
“If you don’t work on yourself, it is very hard to help others.”
That philosophy has shaped how he approaches both work and personal development.
The Power of Support and Community
While determination plays a major role in Steve’s story, he is quick to recognize the importance of the people around him.
Support from colleagues, workplace accommodations, peer groups, and family members have all helped him stay focused on his goals.
“I am one of those people that when I achieve my goal, I give thanks. I like to relish in my accomplishment before I move on. I like to share my awards online and be grateful. I like to share it with my friends and family.”
That ecosystem matters.
Career advancement isn’t just about individual effort. It’s about creating environments where people are encouraged to grow, try new things, and step into leadership roles.
Why Career Advancement Stories Matter
Stories like Steve’s help shift expectations about what career growth can look like.
Across the country, many people with disabilities face barriers to meaningful employment and advancement. Often, those barriers are systemic: limited access to training, outdated assumptions about capability, or workplaces that don’t expect employees with disabilities to move into leadership roles.
But when those barriers are removed, talent has room to rise.
“Look what I have done. If I can do it, you can do it too.”
Steve’s journey reflects the kind of professional growth that should be accessible to everyone. Workforce inclusion isn’t about filling roles; it’s about building careers.
Building Workplaces Where Growth Is Possible
At Unified Work, we believe employment equity means more than access to a job. It means access to learning, advancement, and leadership.
When we widen access to training and advancement, we don’t just change individual trajectories. We strengthen entire workplaces and communities.
This is bigger than one career milestone.
It’s about shifting systems.
It’s about expanding opportunity.
It’s about building workplaces where growth is expected and supported.
Because when workplaces recognize talent in all its forms, everyone benefits.
“The best advice given to me by my mentor was, it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. You can’t really do or finish anything that you don’t start.”
