Most organizations still overlook one of the most powerful talent pools in today’s competitive market: people with disabilities. At Fort Meade, where mission-critical operations demand excellence, Melwood Enterprises’ 84 employees support this vital installation through comprehensive total facilities management—everything from preventive maintenance and custodial services to landscaping, road maintenance and repair, and specialized trades. This integrated approach to keeping critical infrastructure running smoothly is proving that inclusive hiring practices deliver exceptional results. But the real story isn’t in the statistics—it’s in the people.
From ground crew to leadership
Take Junior Hernandez, who joined Melwood Enterprises’ Fort Meade operations three years ago as a grounds crew member. Living with multiple sclerosis means every day brings different challenges, but rather than limiting his potential, Melwood recognized his leadership capabilities. Today, Junior supervises entire teams at Fort Meade, managing schedules, ensuring safety protocols, and maintaining the high standards that government contracts demand.
“Everybody deserves a chance,” Hernandez said. “I started on grounds, then became team lead, now I supervise, all in a three-year window.”
Military expertise meets inclusive culture
Casey Matthews transitioned from Marine Corps service to Melwood, bringing a decade of military supply experience to his role as material coordinator. For Fort Meade’s complex mission requirements, his military background allows him to anticipate operational needs and streamline supply chains with the precision that only comes from understanding how critical facilities truly operate.
“Melwood gives you an opportunity to build off what you’ve already accomplished,” Matthews said. “I was doing supply services while I was active (in the military) so I have a decade of experience in that and I’m not losing any of those skills, I’m using those skills, and I’m bringing new insight to what we do.”
The business case for inclusion
These aren’t feel-good stories—they’re business results. Melwood Enterprises’ workforce demonstrates measurably higher retention rates, internal promotion rates, and customer satisfaction scores across their 70+ locations. At Fort Meade alone, the average length of service is 6.5 years, and 21 people have been there more than 10 years. When employees feel genuinely valued rather than merely accommodated, they don’t just stay longer—they perform better.
The traditional hiring playbook misses massive talent pools. People with disabilities and veterans bring problem-solving skills forged through adversity, loyalty earned through opportunity, and perspectives that drive innovation. While competitors struggle with turnover and training costs, disability-forward companies like Melwood build stable, high-performing teams that clients trust with their most critical operations.
Ready to discover how inclusive hiring can transform your operations? Learn more about Melwood Enterprises’ proven approach to building high-performance teams at www.melwoodenterprises.org.
