His life was going nowhere - until a Hill Country Goodwill store gave him a chance | San Antonio Express New

A 22-year veteran of the Air Force, Vincent T. Davis embarked on a second career as a journalist and found his calling. Observing and listening across San Antonio, he finds intriguing tales to tell about everyday people. He shares his stories with Express-News subscribers every Monday morning.

During his job interview, Wahrmund worried the assessor would be bothered about the sleeve of tattoos on each of his arms.

Headed in the right direction

Wahrmund has, in fact, found a second chance at the Goodwill store, rising from donation attendant to one of two assistant managers. When he works the register, helps on the sales floor or takes in donations, many customers who know his story say they’re proud of his success.

“That feels good and not just for me,” Wahrmund said. “It feels good for everybody that’s helped me, because I can go back and give them their flowers.”

As a teen, he focused on looking out for himself. His family moved between Texas and Oklahoma, where hanging with the wrong crowd in each new city became a habit.

Ten years ago, he moved to Kerrville to live with his father who told him he was too old to live life on an installment plan.

“He’d always tell me ‘I want you to come and get settled down’ ” Wahrmund said.

Six years ago, his father, his pillar, died. Wahrmund said he’s at peace knowing his dad saw him headed in the right direction.

‘I’m supposed to be here’

Wahrmund worked several jobs before he was hired at Goodwill. He worked in construction. He worked at a Chili’s restaurant, where he met his future wife, Joy. Wahrmund told his brother he was going to bring her into his life, but first he had to break down barriers he’d built to survive on the streets.

“She let me let my guard down,” Wahrmund said. “She taught me that it’s not wrong to do that.”

The couple dated for five years before getting married.

Wahrmund applied at nine different places and at each one, he’d share his background with the interviewer. In a Goodwill Mission Moment video, Joy Wahrmund said then-Goodwill manager Ken Richter, who has since retired, made the interview process relatable for her husband.

“He asked questions based on him,” Joy Wahrmund said, “treated him like a person.”

She said her husband was brash and rough when he started work. He learned how to interact respectfully with others under Richter’s tutelage, she said.

Taking on more responsibilities took time. When he started working at Goodwill he didn’t have a car or a driver’s license, a credential he hadn’t had for 20 years.

Wahrmund said he at first saw the first two years at Goodwill as a stepping stone to other jobs. At one point he left to work at another company – but  lasted just two weeks. He went back to the store and told the general manager his heart was with Goodwill.

“That wasn’t my calling,” Wahrmund recalled telling the manager. “I’m supposed to be here.”