Oklahoma: A Story Through Her People

future and the future of your children’s lives.
Work can add to our satisfaction, success,
and happiness. It can give hope.
Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan once
said, “The best social program is a job.”
“Employment impacts all of our lives.
When we help people find a job, it helps
restore confidence and provides them hope,”
Funk said. “A job helps them take care of
their family. There is honor and fulfillment in
hard work. There is tremendous personal
value in a job well done.”
Frank Robert Smith is just one example of
a job seeker wanting to find a fulfilling career.
With his unemployment running out
and money from his retirement package
dwindling, Smith was hurting financially. The
former Massachusetts drug store assistant
manager had lost his job and spent many
nights sleeping in his car.
“I had hit rock bottom and was more
than ready to make a fresh start at something
worthwhile,” Smith said. “I was almost out
of hope when I went to the public library
and used the computer to Google temp agencies.
The one that sounded most appealing
was Express.”
Smith wanted to work and Express found
him quite a few job assignments. Because he
was not afraid to stock shelves, unload trucks,
sweep floors, and rake lawns, Smith showed
how determined he was to work hard.
“Express taught me to appreciate the jobs
I got and to make the best of each one,”
Smith said. “Now, when I get jobs that
involve a bit more responsibility, I really
appreciate them. The jobs have done
wonders for my self-confidence.”
Above: International headquarters
employees support the Thunder during the
NBA finals.
Below: Bob Funk and former Oklahoma
Governor George Nigh.
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