Keith Smith's story begins on the football field. As a child in East Garfield Park, his speed was legendary in neighborhood games of pick-up football. “I was always the first pick,” he recalls with a laugh. His athleticism and drive were evident early, but life’s game plan would lead him down a different path. Today, at 40 years old, Keith lives in Belmont Cragin and is building a legacy for his nine-year-old son—one rooted in hard work, resilience, and a commitment to always learning.
For Keith, work has never been just about a paycheck. It’s about stability, security, and creating opportunities for his family. “I’m not just working for myself,” he says. “I’m working for my son. Everything I do is to make sure he’s got what he needs.”
Keith’s journey has been an unconventional one. He’s worked in construction, property preservation, microgreen farming, and public transit, each role teaching him valuable skills that he’s carried forward. His time with a local construction and property preservation company stands out as a period of growth. “I learned everything there—water pump-outs, thawing frozen floors. When work was slow, management kept me on because I knew how to do so much. It’s hard to let go of someone who knows everything.”
This mindset of becoming indispensable has guided him through every challenge. After leaving that company, Keith took on roles in transportation and then in environmental services for a hospital. But when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he found himself unemployed and uncertain about where to go next.
Research brought him to the Chicago Urban League, where his unique work experience led them to suggest he tap into Skills for Chicagoland’s Future. Our team matched him to a role as an Environmental Service Technician at Rush University Medical Center. “When Rush told me I was hired, it was the best news I’d had in a long time,” he says.
The role at Rush is not just a job; it’s a game changer. “I want to start my own property preservation business,” Keith shares. “Everything I’ve done—construction, environmental services—it all ties into that dream. I want to make sure when I clean up a property, no one has to send someone behind me. It’ll be thorough, done right the first time.”
Keith approaches his work and life with a coach’s mentality. “There are two kinds of people in the world: those who make a way and those who make excuses,” he says. His advice to anyone facing challenges is simple but profound: “Never limit yourself to just one thing. Learn as much as you can. The more you know, the harder it is for a job to deny you.”
Keith’s optimism is infectious. He often shares nuggets of wisdom encouraging others to recognize and seize opportunities. “Everything you do is a choice,” he says. “If you do nothing, negativity will follow. But if you choose action, positivity will follow.”
Nowadays, weekends are sacred for him. They’re a time for him and his son to reconnect—getting haircuts, playing football, and dreaming about the future. Keith sees his efforts as setting his son up for success, much like completing a pass on the field. “He’s got an arm,” Keith says proudly, hinting at his son following in his athletic footsteps. Beyond the stability his career offers, he’s grateful for the opportunity to ensure a brighter future for his son.
“Don’t give up,” he insists, his voice steady with conviction. His journey with all of its reroutes and detours is a reminder that no matter the setbacks, there’s always a way comeback.