At Five Guys Burgers in Salem, Johnny Neal plays a key role in keeping the restaurant running smoothly. As the deep cleaner, his work helped the location rank #1 in Oregon, #2 in the region (Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii), and #37 in the country for the last quarter of 2024.
These rankings aren’t based on sales but on food quality, cleanliness, and efficiency—areas where Johnny’s contributions matter. He’s been with Five Guys for two years, supported by his Albertina Kerr Job Coach, Jeff Kirk. Jeff, part of Kerr’s Supported Employment team, helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities succeed in the workplace. “Everybody loves Johnny,” Jeff shares. “He’s a valued part of the team.”
When Johnny first started, he relied on a visual checklist to guide his work. Now, he has most tasks memorized—a significant achievement, Jeff says. He understands sanitation protocols and the importance of using the right cleaning products.
Johnny’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. He recently received a Certificate of Appreciation from Five Guys. He is also learning financial responsibility, saving most of his paycheck.
When asked about his future at Five Guys, he doesn’t hesitate: “I’m going to work here forever.” His job is more than work—it’s a place where he’s built skills, friendships, and confidence. As Jeff puts it, “Johnny is just a fun guy to be around.”
Bank of America’s grant funding of Kerr’s Supported Employment program makes success stories like Johnny’s possible, empowering individuals with I/DD to thrive in inclusive workplaces.