Kanard, from the Overbrook section of Philadelphia, chose Orleans Technical Institute and literally got the tools he needed to build a new life for himself. Feeling troubled and lost with no direction in life, Kanard realized that job training could help him become productive and self-reliant. He embraced repairing his life and enrolled at the Northeast Campus of Orleans Tech to gain skills training in building maintenance.

Kanard excelled in the program and graduated, inspiring his fellow classmates and many others with his determination, drive and newfound self-confidence. He was awarded the school's Tradesperson Award and found a promising job with a property maintenance company that managers all types of repairs for residential group homes in the Delaware Valley. In his position, he handled a variety of tasks, such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry and general maintenance.

After three years of success on the job, Kanard moved on to open his own general contracting business. He credits Orleans for helping in his climb toward a fresh start, and now he's paving a new road to success.