March 16, 2022
Jeffery Marvin Broz, Sr. – June 2, 1960 to February 8, 2022 
This month’s Employee Spotlight is in special memory of Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired’s beloved staff member, Jeffery Marvin Broz Sr. Jeff began working at Clovernook Center in December of 2015 as a Utility Worker in our Social Enterprise department.
As Clovernook Center’s President & CEO Chris Faust said, “From his first day of employment, he became instantly invested in Clovernook’s mission.” Jeff was so invested that within two years, in 2017, he received the honor of Clovernook Center’s Blind Employee of the Year. Faust said, “His friendly demeanor, willingness to help and dedication to his job, made him an easy selection for the Blind Employee of the Year Award.”
Jeff also became Clo
vernook Center’s first National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Advocate. As an advocate with NIB, Jeff has attended training in the Advocate for Leadership and Employment program in Washington, D.C. and visited with senators and state representatives on Capitol Hill discussing important legislation affecting employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. Jeff has made tremendous strides throughout his career. Before losing some of his vision and hearing to Usher Syndrome, he worked for the U.S. Air Force, and spent 11 years helping build the U.S. Air Force C-17 Glovemaster III cargo aircraft. He even helped rebuild the Statue of Liberty.
“Jeff was a true utility worker, he did everything. He was a floater who could come in and do many jobs, helping out in all areas,” said Phil Bertram, Jeff’s immediate supervisor, when reflecting on Jeff’s role at Clovernook Center.
Fayelene Canfield, Jeff’s co-worker, smiled and instantly became teary eyed when thinking about Jeff. “Everyone loved him. He was just a lot of fun. We could always count on being able to joke around a lot with Jeff. He would always bring in treats for all of us and would do just anything you asked of him.” Faye said that everyone who worked with Jeff also knew that he loved his wife and family. “He would always be making things for his wife – she was the world to him.”
Jeff was so much more than just an employee at Clovernook Center. As mentioned, he was the first staff member at Clovernook Center to serve as an Advocate for Leadership and Employment as a representative from National Industries for the Blind, Jeff was also a member of the annual Ohio Regional Braille Challenge committee and traveled to the Ohio State School for the Blind talking to the kids about the importance of participating in the Braille Challenge on several occasions. Jeff would also volunteer to help out with any events being held at Clovernook Center, most recently representing his fellow employees and talking to guests about the organization and the Braille Printing House at the Discover Clovernook Event.
The remarks Jeff made back in 2017 when he received the Employee of the Year Award best tell the story about our friend and co-worker, Jeff Broz – in his own words. As Jeff accepted the award he acknowledged his colleagues before himself, saying, “Any one of the individuals I work with could receive this award. I continue to be impressed by their dedication to their jobs, their drive to get to work even in the worst weather, and their passion for doing the job to the best of their ability. I want to share this award with all of my colleagues who I am proud to work with every day.” Jeff Broz, you made us proud, and we will forever cherish your friendship and know we were blessed to be called not just your co-workers, but also your friends.