Just out of school and looking for full-time work, Keith Stein went through three jobs in three days. His fourth job, as a cleaner at the old Nicollet Garage, suited him well enough that he came back for a second day, then another, and ultimately led to a 41-year career in transit. “I was looking for a job with stability and good benefits, and that’s what this offered,” Stein said. “And, after a while, the place starts to grow on you.”

Stein, who’d gone to school for welding, had some experience from working at a gas station. But most of what he learned, he learned on the job. After working as a helper and fueler, he worked his way up into a senior mechanic role. At the same time, Stein was taking management classes offered through the fire department he volunteered for. And when a supervisor position opened at South Garage, he went for it. “I got the offer and started on the same shift just a few days later,” Stein remembered. “I said, ‘I used to be your buddy, but now I’m your boss. Things aren’t going to change a lot, but you have to understand you’ve got a job to do and so do I.’”

Later, Stein temporarily served as a maintenance manager through what would become known as the Leadership Academy. After applying a few times, he was offered a full-time manager position at South. He later held manager roles at Heywood and South, where he retired from in early 2022.

In retirement, Stein planned to spend time traveling, golfing, fishing, hunting and shooting trap.