Meet Jeff

Sometimes all it takes is one act of kindness, one moment of

understanding, one big break. That’s how Jeff Kosbab’s story starts.

“I always wanted to work with cars, well, actually, I just wanted to

work,” explains Jeff, who found it difficult to find work after his

Schizophrenia diagnosis. “Finally, someone gave me a chance.”

That someone are the owners of Buff Kings in New Ulm.

“I have a lot of respect for him, his desire to work and his

understanding of being accountable and responsible for the work he

does,” explains co-owner Cassie Thompson. “We just wanted to give

the guy a break and I really hope he continues to make stepping stones

toward a healthy life.”

Jeff is making great strides toward living his best life. While

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, it is also very treatable.

While he still experiences anxiety from time to time, Jeff has learned

to manage life with the diagnosis, thanks, in part, to his job at

Buff Kings.

“It’s great, it’s a wonderful place to work. They are flexible with me

and I want to do a good job for them,” says Jeff. “I didn’t have a job for

a long time, so I am excited to get back to work. I do car detailing and

finishing work for them.”

Jeff earned the job with the help of MRCI’s Stephanie Haas, who

works in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program.

Stephanie knew Jeff would enjoy working in the auto industry and

really listened to his needs when guiding him in his job search.

“Stephanie is always very helpful and considerate, I can’t thank her

enough,” says Jeff.

Jeff is appreciative too, to the Thompson family who have made him

feel right at home at Buff Kings.

“They gave me a chance, when few others would,” he says.

The Thompson’s say it’s been a good fit for them as well.

“Jeff seems to take a lot of pride in his work and shows that he is very

appreciative of having a job,” says Cassie. “He has a great attitude and

is very highly regarded by other employees.

“We hired him because of his initiative and his determination to

overcome significant mental health issues to be successful. We just

think he is a great example for others and we are happy he is with us.”