From Second Chances to City Engineering: Don Brown’s Fresh Start Journey
- jweyers3
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
When Don Brown walked into Operation Fresh Start (OFS) in February 2022, he wasn’t sure what to expect.
"I didn’t know what I was stepping into," he recalled. "But I knew I didn’t want to keep going down the same road."
Quiet and observant, Don wasn’t the type to draw attention to himself—but those who met him sensed depth behind his reserved demeanor.
Over the next three years, Don would earn his high school diploma, overcome personal fears, and grow into a confident, capable professional. At the end of May 2025, he began a new chapter in his life: working with City of Madison Engineering as a Greenway Conservation Trainee, helping protect public infrastructure and improve environmental health.
His story is a testament to the power of second chances, hard work, and the belief that change is possible when you keep showing up.
Phase 1: Earning Diploma in Legacy
Don’s journey started in OFS's Legacy program, where he focused on earning his high school diploma while gaining hands-on job experience. Greg, OFS Outreach Coordinator who interviewed Don to join the Legacy program in late 2021, remembers Don’s early days well.
"Don was always kind of quiet, but you could tell something deeper was going on,” Greg said. “He was always paying attention—even when he didn’t say much."
Don’s Legacy supervisor, Taylor, admitted, "When Don first joined the program, I wasn’t sure he’d make it through. But when he came to me about joining Conservation Academy, we started to see a shift. That’s when things began to turn."
Don successfully completed Legacy and earned his high school diploma in early 2023. Even then, his curiosity and willingness to grow became evident. He expressed an interest in environmental work and began setting his sights on the Conservation Academy.
Phase 2: Returning to Grow in the Conservation Academy
Don applied to the Conservation Academy in 2023, but his first run didn’t go as planned. He struggled and ultimately stepped away.
"The first time I left, I was disappointed in myself," Don said. "But that failure made me reflect. I came back because I knew I could do better."
Months later, Don asked to meet with staff. He came prepared—not just to reapply, but with accountability and humility.
"I was skeptical," said Cory, OFS Director of Legacy and Conservation. "But he’d clearly grown. He met with me again, even more focused, and I knew we had to give him another shot."
Rejoining Conservation Academy in spring 2024, Don didn’t just show up—he stepped up. He faced his fear of power tools, developed leadership skills, and became a trusted team member on worksites across Dane County.
"Power tools scared me at first,” Don said. “The (chain) saw, especially. But once I learned how to use it safely, I started to feel in control—not just of the tool, but of myself."
Jake, his Conservation Academy supervisor, noted, "At this point, he’s a strong and competent sawyer. Someone I could trust to lead in the field. He’s shown real growth—not just in skill, but in how he supports others."
Don also earned the Conservation Gear Scholarship. Funded by anonymous donors, this scholarship equips graduates with the equipment needed to thrive in their new careers. His application essay was described as "poetic" and reflected the depth of his self-reflection and appreciation for the journey.
Phase 3: Overcoming Fear to Earn Driver’s License
Though Don already had his permit, he voluntarily enrolled in the DRIVE program.
"Driving scared me," he admitted. "But I didn’t want fear to hold me back anymore."
Dennis, his Drive instructor at OFS, said, "He didn’t pass the road test the first time, but that didn’t stop him. He came back more confident, more prepared. That second test? He nailed it."
From fear to confidence—Don learned to trust himself on the road, just as he had in the field.
Certified and Career-Ready
Don earned a remarkable list of certifications through his time at OFS, including:
S-130: Firefighter Training
S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
IS-100 & IS-700: FEMA Emergency Management
Pesticide Applicator 3.0 Turf and Landscape License
SAWW Level 1: Chainsaw Safety and Operation
CPR / First Aid Certification
Pre-apprenticeship in Urban Forestry
OSHA 10 Construction Safety Certification
Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License
High School Diploma
Each credential marked a milestone in a journey defined by commitment and resilience.
Phase 4: Starting Career with City of Madison Engineering
This May, Don began working with the City of Madison Engineering. There, he contributes to essential city functions as a Greenway Conservation Trainee, maintaining infrastructure, protecting water quality, and supporting sustainability efforts.
"Don is already making waves," said Maddie Dumas, Stormwater Vegetation Coordinator with City of Madison Engineering. "He communicates well, asks smart questions, and shows up ready to learn and lead. His professionalism really impressed our team."
She noted that Don’s initial email requesting a job shadow stood out as thoughtful, clear, and professional—a sign of his growing confidence and capability.
Reflections and Legacy
At graduation, Don spoke to his peers and mentors with humility and insight:
"Even if you fail, if you get back up—you know you tried and you can learn from it,” Don said. “That means something. If you didn’t try, where would you be?"
He credited his supervisors, instructors, and especially his partner for believing in him: "My partner kept telling me: ‘You’re capable. You can do this.’ Having that belief—it changed things."
Greg now shares Don’s story with new participants: "He’s proof that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep showing up and putting in the work."
As for what’s next, Don says he hopes to keep growing professionally and one day give back:
"I want to help others feel like they matter. If I can do that, it’s all worth it."
From a student seeking direction to a skilled professional helping build a better community, Don Brown’s story is one of transformation. Through failure, reflection, and determination, he has carved a path forward—not just for himself, but for others who follow.
You belong, Don. And you’re building more than a career. You’re building a legacy.
