Grit and Growth:
Success Stories

Last Thursday, eight determined individuals walked across the stage at Holmes Community College, completing HVAC Electrical training and earning their EPA 608 Certification—a major credential for anyone working in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Among them was Lorenzo Garrett, a laid-off worker turned career success—who has now landed a job with Hunter Engineering, thanks to his hard work and the opportunities created through the Reskill | Relaunch | Reconnect (R3) program, funded by Accelerate MS.

From Levi’s Shutdown to a New Start

After working 18 years at the Levi’s Distribution Center in Madison County, Lorenzo was laid off when the facility closed. Like many, he faced uncertainty—but turned it into an opportunity. “Being laid off from Levi's was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was a good job and I would have never thought to look for a great job,” Lorenzo said. "Now, I can do what I really enjoy doing. I have the option to make more money in this field than I would have ever made at Levi's.”

Through the WIN Job Center in Pearl, Lorenzo connected with a WIOA Career Coach, who introduced him to R3—a short-term, industry-focused training program aligned with high-demand, high-wage careers in Central Mississippi. Supported by Accelerate MS and operated in partnership with SCMW, R3 provides training that can be completed in eight weeks or less—helping people like Lorenzo get back to work quickly.

Certification, Support, and a Big First

The EPA 608 Certification enables HVAC technicians to safely handle refrigerants—a legal requirement and major industry benchmark. All eight participants in the program earned this credential.

According to instructor Peter Hindman, seven of the eight passed on their first try—an exceptional success rate. “The eighth passed the next day after working with me,” he said. “It shows their determination.”

For Lorenzo, passing was deeply personal. “I looked at the computer, and when it said ‘pass,’ my eyes got watery,” he said. “I wanted it so bad. I called my wife, then my mom. They both said, ‘I told you that you could do it.’”

Career Connections—and a Job at Hunter Engineering

The graduation event doubled as a networking opportunity, bringing students face-to-face with local employers. Patton Ford, owner of Ford Plumbing & Air, attended as a guest speaker and potential employer. But it was another connection that sealed the deal for Lorenzo: an opportunity at Hunter Engineering, a global leader in automotive service equipment manufacturing.

Shortly after graduation, Lorenzo interviewed and was offered a position with Hunter Engineering. It’s a role that builds directly on the skills he gained in training—and one that offers career growth, stability, and strong wages.

“This is exactly what R3 is designed to do,” said Michael Curran, Senior Workforce Coordinator for SCMW. “Take someone who’s been displaced, help them retool quickly, and connect them to a meaningful, high-wage job. Lorenzo’s story is proof that the system works when the right partners come together.”

Food, Fellowship, and Forward Momentum

Following the ceremony, Hindman fired up the grill—serving burgers and deer meat to celebrate. The casual setting gave graduates and employers a chance to connect in a more personal way.

For Lorenzo, the day marked a milestone. “I tell my daughters all the time: If I’m doing this, they know they can too. I’ve got to keep going—for my family and for myself.”

And he’s not done yet. Lorenzo plans to continue training and advancing in the field. “Give me everything you’ve got because I’m going to give you everything I’ve got.”

A Model for Mississippi

This HVAC training program is a shining example of workforce alignment, bringing together SCMW, Holmes Community College, MDES, and Accelerate MS to support Mississippians in transition.

Holmes continues to prove itself as a go-to provider for responsive, employer-aligned training. “Holmes always delivers,” Robin Parker, Workforce Director at SCMW said. “Their instructors are exceptional, and their programs prepare people for life changing careers.”

Thanks to the strategic leadership of Accelerate MS, and collaboration across all partners, Mississippi is building a workforce system that works—not just in theory, but in practice. And success stories like Lorenzo Garrett’s show exactly what’s possible when you align opportunity, training, hard work, and support.

Reconnect is more than a program—it’s a pathway. And for graduates like Lorenzo, it’s a second chance turned into a new beginning.