Ryan Berg and Alice Finch outside of Metal Tech 4×4 Headquarters
What do you call a cow with no legs? GROUND BEEF!
Why did the coach go to the bank? To get his QUARTERBACK!
Why was Cinderella bad at basketball? Because she’s always late to the BALL!
If you walk into Metal Tech 4×4, a shop based in Newberg that manufactures high-quality off-road equipment for vehicles, you might hear corny jokes like this getting thrown back and forth in the warehouse.
That is because Alice Finch is there, filling the room with laughter.
Alice has been employed at Metal Tech 4×4 since July 2023 and handles all the janitorial duties for the company. The fact that she can clean and get that immediate satisfaction from a job well done is one of the main reasons she likes her job.
“I also like my job because I have people to support me,” Alice said. “They will let me know if I’m doing a good job and help me fix what’s wrong.”
Some of the people who support Alice are Trask VanZant, her employment consultant with MV Advancements, and Ryan Berg, General Manager at Metal Tech 4×4.
Ryan and the Metal Tech 4×4 team were introduced to supported employment through MV Advancements in 2019 when they hired Corey. Through working with him, they immediately saw the value in supported employment and became committed to being a partnered employer.
“It is our responsibility to help our local community thrive and one of the best ways we can do that is to have a diverse staff,” Ryan said. “When a company has a good variety of people with different backgrounds, it makes the company stronger. We just want to do our part to engage with our community and offer people a chance to work and learn.”
Corey eventually became a welder in his own right and moved on from Metal Tech 4×4, but they have kept someone supported by MVA on staff ever since.
When Alice isn’t at work, she is in the gym training. She participates in Special Olympics weightlifting, specifically in the deadlift, squat, and bench press competitions. She is also on the track and field team where she throws shot put and competes in the long jump.
“I got made fun of for not being able to do sports in school,” Alice said. “Now, it makes me feel good to be able to participate and not be judged for it.”
Alice’s dream job is to work at a vet clinic or an animal shelter. Animals are a true passion of Alice’s, and they are another one of her motivations at Metal Tech 4×4. The company employs two labrador shop dogs, Boddy and Barley. She is always careful to keep the shop floor clear of debris that might hurt the pups’ paws.
In the future, Alice’s goal is to use the experience she is gaining at Metal Tech to earn a job in the animal care field. With her drive and work ethic, there is no doubt that she will accomplish her dream, and so much more.
If you or someone you know is looking for their next great employee, visit mvadvancements.org to learn more about supported employment and how you can get involved.
