When Lyndon Outlaw first walked through Melwood’s doors in 1976, the young organization was just one little building employing a handful of people. Nearly five decades later, as Melwood Enterprises’ longest-serving employee prepares for retirement on August 15, his story exemplifies the stability, dedication, and mutual growth that define our workforce.
Lyndon came to Melwood at 18, transitioning from Pennsylvania’s Woods School on their recommendation. What started with cutting grass and pulling weeds has evolved into a remarkable career spanning multiple high-profile contracts, including 10 years of landscaping at Goddard Space Center and years on the JJ Rowley contract before joining Melwood’s headquarters crew.
“I liked it,” Lyndon said of his early days, but his commitment runs much deeper. For the past 20 years alone, he’s been an integral part of his current team, bringing the reliability and consistency that Melwood Enterprises clients have come to expect.
Lyndon’s journey mirrors Melwood’s own evolution toward better employment practices. In 2015, Melwood stopped paying its disabled employees subminimum wages, a practice that is still legal under federal law, and transitioned all of its employees to competitive, fair wages. Morale improved, productivity increased, and many workers were able—for the first time—to provide for their families with dignity. This commitment to the workforce translates directly into the exceptional retention rates and job satisfaction that benefit our contract partners.
“Melwood has truly been a blessing to my family,” said Rachel Tori, Lyndon’s sister who drives him daily from their Oxon Hill home. “They make sure he has health benefits, a retirement plan. Melwood really extends a helping hand to the community.”
“I like working outside,” Lyndon said of the landscaping work he currently does at Melwood’s Upper Marlboro headquarters.
Beyond work, Lyndon is a man of many interests. He loves collecting records, especially classical and Christmas music, and maintains friendships through handwritten letters. He also helps around the house with dishes, trash, and keeping his space tidy.
“I’m very impressed with the staff here,” Rachel said of Melwood. “One thing they all share is that they care and it’s genuine that they care about people.”
It’s this authentic commitment that has kept Lyndon thriving for nearly five decades and continues to make Melwood a place where people don’t just work – they belong. As Lyndon looks forward to retirement and new adventures, he leaves behind a legacy that speaks volumes about what’s possible when an organization truly invests in its people.
