Ex-Offender Helps Build Careers by Giving Felons Work JULY 12, 2012 | 9:29 AM BY JOE WERTZ JOE WERTZ / STATEIMPACT OKLAHOMA Lonnie Hunt takes a break on a job site to place an employment ad for two additional workers. Hunt, an ex-felon who received construction training in prison, often hires other ex-offenders to help give their careers a start. Hiring former inmates isn’t a priority, or an option, for many Oklahoma business owners. But Lonnie Hunt says felons are often better workers than those who’ve never been behind bars. Hunt should know — He’s been to prison. And now he does the hiring.... ...cont....http://stateimpact.npr.org/oklahoma...er-helps-build-careers-by-giving-felons-work/
BBB ACCREDITED BUSINESS SINCE 12/23/2009 Guaranteed Construction and Services (405) 250-08152028 Northeast 18th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111Send email to Guaranteed Construction and Services Contact Information Principal: Lonnie Hunt OwnerAaron Brannen (Foreman http://www.bbb.org/oklahoma-city/bu...ion-and-services-in-oklahoma-city-ok-90016915
Hunt worked in construction trades most of his life, and his sun-weathered features serve as proof. He received a plumbing certification from a CareerTech Skills Center while he served time at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington. “I had a robbery charge, so, at that time I was incarcerated about four years,” he says. A local plumbing company gave Hunt a second chance when he was released from prison. In 2008, Hunt started his own business and started trying to repay the kindness. At Guaranteed Construction, felons are welcome — as long as they’re hard-workers. “The same thing applies with these other guys,” Hunt says. “When they get out, they have a problem finding jobs because of them being ex-offenders. So, we’re just, you know, passing it on.” JOE WERTZ / STATEIMPACT OKLAHOMA Breon Bellamy went to prison for robbery when he was 18. He was trained as an electrician behind bars, and now has a job working for Guaranteed Construction in Oklahoma City. WARDEN OF WORKERS Most of Hunt’s employees aren’t felons, but their appreciation for the job often means they’re more dedicated workers. “They know that, for one, they have all of these strikes against them when they get out,” Hunt says. “So when they finally get a job, they certainly want to hold on to it. Because they know it’s so hard to get in the first place.” http://stateimpact.npr.org/oklahoma...er-helps-build-careers-by-giving-felons-work/