A spinal cord injury forever changed Justin Joliboix’s life, but his journey of recovery and perseverance led him to find a new purpose and career at Peckham.
Originally from Saint Rose, Louisiana, Justin began working instead of attending college. He spent 18 years in the electrical industry and quickly became a dedicated professional, rising to the supervisor role after a decade of hard work. But everything changed when an accident culminated in a spinal cord injury that left doctors with little hope of him having anything approaching a full recovery, let alone living a typical life.
“The doctor said I’d never walk again,” Justin recalls. “I kind of laughed… and told my wife they don’t know me. No one will tell me what I can and can’t do.”
Presented with an initial dire prognosis, Justin’s resilience and determination kicked in. While recovering in inpatient rehab, he heard a sermon and embraced the mindset it contained: “Be the victor, not the victim.” This proved to be a turning point that gave him the incentive to persevere and thrive in the working world.
Following several months of recovery, Justin and his wife moved to Michigan and, shortly thereafter, began looking for work. Unsure of his options, Justin was drawn to an article about Peckham, a company known for hiring individuals with disabilities. He attended a job fair that led to accepting an offer to join Peckham as a quality inspector at the organization’s then-new Linden (in Flint) manufacturing facility. Within nine months, his drive and leadership skills were recognized, and he was promoted to supervisor.
“Peckham gave me the opportunity to prove myself,” Justin shares. “I knew I had skills, but I didn’t know how or where to apply them. Peckham gave me that foot in the door.”
Just over a year ago, Justin became aware of a staff opening for a Construction Trade instructor in the Youth Services program and made the switch. In his new position, he can leverage his extensive background in the electrical field. As a Construction Trade Specialist, he developed a streamlined lesson plan for trainees, emphasizing both technical skills and personal growth.
“The kids I work with are from all kinds of backgrounds,” Justin explains. “I try to be the calm in their chaotic lives and share my own experiences so they can relate. I want them to understand that life isn’t easy, but that’s no excuse to give up.”
For Justin, the opportunity to mentor others was transformative. Not only did it help him rediscover his purpose, but it also reinforced his gratitude for Peckham’s commitment to offering second chances.
“I call it a second-chance company. Peckham didn’t just hire me; they helped me find my purpose after my injury,” he says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and inspire others to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.”
Looking ahead, Justin remains focused on his physical recovery. Currently able to walk short distances with crutches, his next goal is to one day walk with a single crutch or cane. Though doctors warned him that recovery would be limited, he remains determined.
“I’m ten years in and still improving—slowly, but I can feel it. You just have to keep going,” he says.
Justin’s journey inspires others facing similar challenges, proving that overcoming adversity is possible with resilience, determination, and the right support.
