When Matt Rutledge first walked through the doors of MRC Industries in 2006, he never imagined the path that lay ahead. What began as participation in the Pathways program has evolved into a meaningful career filled with growth, resilience, and purpose. Today, Matt is the Lead Crew Member for custodial services at Kalamazoo’s Federal Building—a role made possible through MRC’s partnership with SourceAmerica’s AbilityOne Program.
Matt’s story is a powerful reflection of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination. In the early days, he found structure and support through case management and community employment services. He credits this foundation with helping him manage his mental health and build the confidence he needed to succeed. As his case manager Amy Burtis shared, “Matt has always dedicated himself to his programs, community, family, friends, and work. He is knowledgeable and passionate and enjoys helping others.”
When MRC’s Pathways program was still active, Matt took the initiative to fill a gap—volunteering as the janitor simply because the position needed to be filled. His natural drive and commitment to getting things done didn’t go unnoticed. After Pathways closed in 2021, Matt officially wrapped up his use of case management services and transitioned into new responsibilities, ultimately taking on leadership roles through AbilityOne contracts.
Dan Pontius, MRC CEO, recalls, “When I first met Matt, it was clear his abilities had progressed beyond the coaching services he was receiving. He was self-directed, exceeding expectations, and taking on responsibilities like fixing building issues—far beyond what was asked. It was obvious he had earned a spot as permanent staff.” That recognition was a turning point. Matt stepped into a new chapter, joining MRC’s team not just as a participant, but as a colleague and leader.
Today, Matt oversees two federal job sites. He wakes up early each day, driven by the mindset: fix it, solve it, and make it work. His days are full, but that’s exactly how he likes it. “I love staying busy,” Matt shares. “Getting my own email address felt like a huge milestone. It made me feel like I was really part of the team. When I got hired, I was so proud I called a close friend just to say, ‘I did it.’”
Beyond his work, Matt is also co-chair of MRC’s Community Engagement Committee. In that role, he’s developed new skills like agenda-building and meeting planning—adding even more tools to his growing toolkit. “I love it,” he says enthusiastically. “It’s meaningful to have a hand in something bigger.”
Matt’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From battling depression and navigating the end of a marriage to recovering from a traumatic brain injury in 2022, he has faced hardships with perseverance. But through it all, he’s stayed the course. “Recovery didn’t seem possible at one time,” he says. “But having someone believe in me—and being willing to believe in myself—changed everything.”
Fifteen years after first arriving at MRC, Matt continues to thrive, embodying the values of inclusion, independence, and purpose. His story is a testament to what’s possible with the right support and an unshakable will to grow. As Matt puts it, “I’ll be doing this job until I can’t physically do it anymore.”
Thanks to the AbilityOne Program and the dedication of individuals like Matt, MRC continues to prove that when you put abilities to work, incredible things happen.