Bob’s love for helping others started at a very young age and little did he know he was about to begin a new chapter that would profoundly shape his life. It all began during his senior year at Winona Senior High School, where Bob enrolled in a community service class. This class, aimed at working with teenagers with various disabilities, sparked a passion in him that he never anticipated. He never guessed this course would lead him to a career that became a central part of his life.
At just 18 years old, Bob was hired by Paula Krage and Cindi Wiczek. Their belief in his potential, coupled with the guidance of Mary Jansen, lead him to his first placement at an HCO program. This program is where Bob improved his skills and quickly became familiar with the responsibilities of his role. As he expanded his duties to a second HCO program, his dedication and enthusiasm became increasingly evident.
Working as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for over two years, Bob found immense satisfaction in the work he was doing. The friendships and shared passion with his team for assisting people with disabilities made every challenge worthwhile. The core of HCO’s mission resonated deeply with him: every client deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, and Bob is proud to be a part of that vision. The relationships he developed with clients and colleagues are more than just professional—they are genuine friendships that enrich his life.
Bob then transitioned to a paraprofessional role at the old Winona Middle School which was both challenging and rewarding. Helping students with disabilities navigate their school day and complete their assignments tested helped his patients and adaptability grow. But it was this experience that further solidified his commitment to supporting others. Later, his role as a program assistant at an HCO Program, along with a few hours spent at the DAC, broadened his perspective and deepened his skills.
Later on, Bob pursued a degree in information technology from Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona, later earning a Microsoft Certified Professional certification. Balancing work and study was demanding, but this period of his life taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and self-discovery. The skills he learned at HCO, including patience, kindness, and a sense of humor, became integral to his personal and professional life.
Upon graduating, Bob joined the IT department at Fastenal, where he has spent the last 26 years building a successful career. Yet, even as he thrives in his role at Fastenal, he never forgot the impact HCO had on him. The agency had been more than just a job; it was a place where he found his true calling and learned to appreciate the little things in life.
With Bob’s return to HCO in his early 50s, it truly feels like a full-circle moment. Despite no longer needing the income, he knew this is where his heart was. The work, though challenging, fulfills him in a way that no other job can. His journey at HCO has taught him to be grateful and humble, to appreciate the importance of serving others, and to value the connections he makes.
Back in Rollingstone, where his roots run deep, Bob finds joy in balancing his professional life with his personal interests. He enjoys cooking, especially grilling, and is always on the lookout for healthy eating practices. Weightlifting has been a passion of his since he was 14, and although he has slowed down after reaching his competition goals, he continues to stay in shape. Music, playing the guitar, and riding his Harley Davidson with friends are favorite pastimes, along with hosting fun holiday get-togethers in his man cave.
Bob’s family is a cornerstone of his life. He and his wife have raised two wonderful children, both of whom achieve their dreams. His parents and younger sister remain close, embodying the strong family values that have shaped him. In his small town, amidst the supportive community and the memories of overcoming challenges like the recent tornado, Bob finds a deep sense of fulfillment.
In the end, Bob’s story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and personal growth. From his early days at HCO to his elong-lasting career at Fastenal, and back to HCO, Bob’s journey reflects the importance of finding work that not only pays the bills but also enriches the soul. His life is a testament of the simple joys, meaningful relationships, and the lasting impact of a career driven by purpose.
