David Cahill
Synopsis
David Cahill approaches every problem and room he walks into with a bucket full of creativity. He is a lead janitor with Employment Horizons working on an AbilityOne contract at Picatinny Arsenal, where he trains individuals with disabilities to excel in various cleaning tasks. Cahill's patience, leadership, and dedication are apparent in how he trains employees. Understanding that each person learns differently, he tailors his approach to ensure everyone is trained in a way that makes sense to them. Cahill’s influence and creativity also shine bright during the holiday season. For years, he has voluntarily taken on the task of decorating the building using everyday materials.
The Full Story
David Cahill's journey at Employment Horizons is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and creativity. Cahill started as a janitor in 2015 demonstrating a strong work ethic and leadership potential. Employment Horizons promoted Cahill to lead janitor in 2021 on an AbilityOne contract at Picatinny Arsenal, where he trains individuals with disabilities to excel in various cleaning tasks.
Knowledge and flexibility guide Cahill in his training and success. He approaches any challenge or unique situation by thinking outside the box. When he recognizes that a particular cleaning method is challenging for a new janitor, he works closely with them, using creativity and innovation to solve the problem. For example, he developed a simple yet effective solution to help janitors store their dusters by creating a duster holder from a paper towel tube and duct tape. This practical adaptation has been so successful that it has been implemented on the Picatinny contract and at Employment Horizons' headquarters.
Adaptability is one of Cahill’s shining qualities and how he approaches unique communication challenges. Recently, he worked closely with an individual who faces significant communication difficulties. Using visual aids like a pool noodle with a measurement line to demonstrate how to fill a mop bucket, Cahill found ways to break down complex tasks and explain them in multiple ways.
Throughout the building and at different times of the year, there are other bits of Cahill's influence that shine beyond his direct responsibilities. For years, he has voluntarily taken on the task of decorating the building for the holidays. Cahill takes everyday materials such as old Amazon boxes and turns them into festive presents and paper plates into Christmas trees. Picatinny Arsenal employees appreciate his creativity and enthusiasm to bring holiday cheer to the workplace.
Cahill's creativity, especially during the holiday season, and the simple yet innovative solutions he develops demonstrate his ongoing dedication to improving the workplace. He uses his creativity to solve problems and to bring positivity into the building. In 2025, Cahill received the William M. Usdane Award for his outstanding achievement and exceptional character.
