Aretha Sims and Marques Harris

Aretha Sims and Marques Harris met at a previous job, but their friendship and support for one another grew during the time they've worked together as fabricators at TAC Industries in Springfield, Ohio.

For the past three years, the pair has worked together on an AbilityOne® Program contract where they assemble cargo nets for the U.S. Air Force. Aretha was hired as a sewer and performs other duties, while Marques is responsible for laying cargo net straps in a predetermined configuration before they are sewn together.

The pair appreciate that TAC Industries, which has been an AbilityOne authorized provider since 2005, so readily provides accommodations that enable them to work productively.

Aretha, who experiences anxiety, has a speech impediment and was born with a heart defect, says "I'm glad the job itself is not really high-paced. Because if it was, my heart would have a rapid heartbeat and it would have get to back into a normal beat in order for me to perform my job."

Marques, who has Asperger's Syndrome, is sensitive to light, sound, smells, tastes and sometimes even subtle touch, says, "I have sound reducers," and that "I get to wear sunglasses indoors."

That supportive work environment extends to TAC Industries' approach to onboarding and training new employees.

"We measure success not just by the quality of the work we do, but by the growth and accomplishments of our employees. Seeing Marques and Aretha succeed in their roles is a testament to the supportive environment we've worked hard to build,” says Jim Zahora, CEO of TAC Industries. "Their hard work, determination, and the progress they've made show just how much someone can achieve when given the right opportunities and encouragement."

Aretha says of previous jobs, "pretty much when you walk in the door, they expect you to pretty much know the job, but still you don't." In contrast, she says, "TAC Industries, they give you a good understanding about your job, what you need to do. They're hands on."

Marques echoes that, saying "I'm more understood. They help me when I need help and pretty much let me go at my own pace."

As a result, the couple feel they are living up to their potential and independence.

Says Marques, "You’re more self-sufficient. You can provide for yourself and for those you live with."