by Nicole Spano, staff writer
Early in the morning before the store opens, Anthony Martinez is already walking through the aisles, checking on employees and making sure everything is ready for the day. He moves with purpose and focus, making sure things are running the way they should. “I focus on doing the small things right every day,” Martinez said. “Showing up, working hard, and keeping my word—that’s what builds trust over time.”
Martinez is a Retail Manager II in a regional turnaround role with Goodwill of Colorado. He helps manage stores, improve performance, and guide employees into leadership positions. But his journey to this position did not come easy. Before building his career, Martinez spent time incarcerated, which became a major turning point in his life. His story shows how people can change their lives and take a different path, especially when given the opportunity to grow and rebuild.
Growing up, Martinez was raised in a structured household. His father served over 20 years in the United States Air Force and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. Because of this, Martinez learned early on about discipline, responsibility, and accountability. “I grew up in a family that valued discipline, responsibility, and service,” Martinez said. “That had a big impact on me.”
“Showing up, working hard, and keeping my word—that’s what builds trust over time.”
Even with that strong foundation, Martinez said he struggled when he was younger. He had a lot of energy and a strong personality, but he didn’t always make the best decisions. “When I was younger, I made choices based on anger and pride,” he said. “I didn’t think about the consequences.” Those decisions eventually led to his incarceration. At the time, he did not fully understand how much those choices would affect his future. “The turning point came when I realized that if I didn’t take responsibility for my life, nothing would ever change,” Martinez said.
While in prison, Martinez spent time thinking about his future and the kind of person he wanted to become. Instead of blaming others, he started focusing on improving himself. He worked on discipline, education, and personal growth. When he was released, he faced new challenges. One of the hardest parts was rebuilding his life and earning trust again. “When you come out of prison, that label can follow you everywhere,” Martinez said. According to a 2023 report from the Prison Policy Initiative called “Out of Prison & Out of Work,” people who have been incarcerated often have a harder time finding jobs compared to others. This makes it more difficult to rebuild their lives after release.
Martinez said he experienced these challenges himself, but he stayed focused. “I just stayed consistent,” he said. “I made sure I was doing the right thing every day.” That consistency helped him find an opportunity with Goodwill of Colorado. According to Goodwill of Colorado (GoodwillColorado.org), the organization helps people find jobs, build skills, and overcome barriers to employment, including those who are reentering society after incarceration.
His story shows how people can change their lives and take a different path, especially when given the opportunity to grow and rebuild.
Martinez worked his way up in the company over time. He helped improve store operations and supported employees in developing their skills. Eventually, he moved into leadership roles where he could help others succeed as well. “Anthony leads by example,” a coworker said. “He understands what people are going through and wants to help them improve.” Because of his experiences, Martinez said his leadership style is different. “I understand that people are more than the worst mistakes they’ve made,” he said. “Everyone deserves a chance to grow.”
His hard work paid off. Martinez was featured in a national Goodwill campaign alongside public figures and the organization’s CEO. For him, this was more than just recognition. “It showed how much life can change if you stay committed to doing things the right way,” he said.
Today, Martinez focuses on helping others who may be going through similar struggles. He mentors employees and encourages them to stay focused and keep improving. “I try to lead with empathy, but also accountability,” Martinez said. “People need both.” As he continues his work, Martinez hopes his story can inspire others to make better choices and believe in change. “Your past doesn’t define your future,” he said. “But you have to be willing to put in the work every single day.”
“The turning point came when I realized that if I didn’t take responsibility for my life, nothing would ever change.”
Works Cited
“Out of Prison & Out of Work: Unemployment among formerly incarcerated people.” Prison Policy Initiative, 2023, www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/outofwork.html.
“About Us.” Goodwill of Colorado, www.goodwillcolorado.org.
