Janitor proves first impressions don't tell the whole story

[@kibinot]

No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all.

[@Jen-jo5qu]

Beautiful comment. I agree!!

[@mikeaskme3530]

@Kipnot Arap Maina exactly.

[@QuillyTheKid]

Facts!!!!

[@dustinhiggins710]

🙌🙌🙌🙌💪

[@lynnecarnivale5085]

Great comment! Thanks. God bless you! Lynne

[@diva70smusic]

I am proud to say the most popular guy at my federal agency of nearly 6000 people is a janitor. Everyone knows him and goes out of their way to speak and talk to him daily. He is a wonderful mixture of kindness and wisdom. He holds court in the cafeteria at lunch with an expanding group of different people daily. It speaks to his magnetism. What makes this inclusion special, is that my agency is an introverted place. We are mainly mathematicians, scientists, and programmers. You can walk in areas where you can hear a pin drop. Many coworkers stay in their cubes all day and rarely interact with others. The generational gaps are huge. Yet these same people, of varying degrees, backgrounds and cultures, yucking it up and smiling when engaged with him.

[@Archer335]

Wow! He sounds like a truly special person.

[@joeblack4980]

Contact a news channel to do a story about him!!!

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

So this is my tax dollars at work? Lol. Sounds like he should be in charge lol.

[@starling9172]

He is sent by God

[@-simplicity7551]

When I worked in retail my favorite person was one of the janitors. We hugged and he said "I'll miss you kid" when he retired. They can be the best people 😭

[@koshar44]

Ive been a custodian my whole life, its because i care. Im.not the smartest guy, but i care about folks.

[@kristineplamenco6137]

Keep it up Koshar many people needs someone like you. God bless u

[@koshar44]

@@kristineplamenco6137 thanks

[@tatialo37]

Thanks for sharing your story! Every job is important! Every job affects a person!

[@koshar44]

@@tatialo37 Customer service never ends and is very rewarding.

[@lorawiese5596]

That is more important than being smart. Kindnes, caring are worth more than most people stop to think about. Good for you, keep your kindness showing.

[@carlrest6553]

The custodian at my school had a master's degree in economics and was a captain in the Navy. He told me he didn't need to work but wanted something that had no pressure and would keep him young so what better place than a school as a custodian. Touché!

[@𥅛]

That’s awesome

[@mikayla7260]

Oh my goodness and you totally know that with the background of being a navy officer he wasn’t gonna be taking crap from the punks at school

[@jshipp6756]

Clearly, there's more than one definition of SUCCESS

[@craigcorson3036]

And almost nobody uses the right one.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

Yep, I've come to realize that. Always felt like I shorted myself in my early years for dropping out of college so early. At 40 yrs old I quit a miserable six-figure job to go back and scratch that itch. I've come to know college isn't the answer either. Pick a job that makes you happy, and shiny salaries won't do that. Big paychecks only make you stay in a place you shouldn't be, for too long.

[@keithlittlebury2986]

You are SO RIGHT 👍

[@terriecotham1567]

well said

[@nocultist7050]

And he checked two already.

[@alexise.2270]

What a wonderful man! The students are lucky to have him there.

[@julieelizabeth510]

And he, them.

[@morethan3756]

Wonderful students too!

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

What a lovely gentleman....

[@koshar44]

Its...a beautiful day in the neighborhood, won't ya be mine. I've always wanted to have a neighbor just like you...

[@losttflame]

@@koshar44 ???

[@firstlast9731]

@@koshar44 haha memories

[@firstlast9731]

@@losttflame oh what a noob u don't know what that means? Just look it up. It'll make ur day better ;)

[@elijahheyes9061]

@@losttflame Mr rogers / Tom Hanks

[@Dreyno]

Having worked as a janitor I can honestly say you learn a lot about people in that job. The disregard is actually breathtaking. The disdain. The disrespect. And I’ll always remember the handful of people who treated me well, spoke to me like a person and took an interest in me. Most people would have confidential conversations in front of me, not because they trusted me but because they assumed I wouldn’t understand. I was basically furniture to them. If you’re reading this thinking I’m exaggerating, you’re probably one of those people who’ve never given a second’s thought to the janitor.

[@cindym.1618]

I see the airport janitors treated this way. If one is in the restroom when I pop in, I always try to say hello if we make eye contact. I've had so many labor jobs and know what that feels like when you become furniture.

[@dispekfulpieceofshet7031]

this 100%

[@zanerichards4305]

You're definitely not exaggerating. I've worked as a custodian for over 7 years now, so far most of that at a state university where I hardly heard a word of thanks, except from the cooks I worked around. I work at a small elementary school now and there's never a day that I don't hear thank you from the teachers, the principal and students. I don't know why there's such a difference, but it definitely exists.

[@blueturtle1719]

@@zanerichards4305 Thank you for all your hard work in keeping those places clean. Unfortunately, state universities can be impersonal with 1000's of students attending/racing around trying to juggle school/work and everyone seems like a number. That's wonderful that you are now in a smaller setting, at the elementary school with young kids that are usually more accepting, kind, and loving, and where it's easier to get to know the teachers/staff. You might not know it, but some kids might see you as a hero as I have seen in countless ytube videos (including Steve Hartman's videos) of young children who see garbage men, bus drivers, etc, as their heroes, that they look forward to seeing and talking to every day and every week.

[@bruceg.6282]

These kids are at the age where they can be easily influenced, and this gentleman is making a huge positive impact on them. I think he's got more of his mind than most people give him credit for.

[@johnbrattan9341]

Bruce G. Why would you say you "think he's got more of a mind .....?' Do you say that because of how he chooses to provide for himself?

[@johnswaim3919]

@@johnbrattan9341 You did glean from the clip that his health crisis impacted his cognitive function, did you not? His point is that it does not appear to have had as negative an impact as it was suggested it had.

[@justa-ie7hb]

"No one ever said that at NASA " 😂

[@sengwietjhin1844]

C'est La Vie !

[@izziestevens5835]

@@sengwietjhin1844 Esa es la vida!

[@jerryschneider145]

"You may leave for four days in space, but when you return it's the same old place."

[@bonitawright9680]

What a sweet story about a sweet man. I love these stories

[@dianemoonstone4715]

Agree!

[@joebaumgart1146]

I'm a janitor. It sounds like you're talking down on us. Its very hard work and a very important job. Everytime you walk in a building and you don't get hurt or sick, thank a janitor!

[@fashiondiva6972]

Joe Baumgart I think you missed the point entirely. The message was what an important job it is. Try not to look for the negative. They were trying to break down a stereotype. It helps if you don’t perpetuate it and try to see something negative in what was intended as the exact opposite.

[@indragunawan205]

Couldn't agree with you more. My office janitor was sick for 2 days and the place became a trash pile. Not to mention the toilet, and that made me realize that even though the majority of the office workers are highly educated, they are disgusting.

[@bill944]

As long as it's an honest living, nothing to be ashamed of. Hold your head high! I respect you and what you do.

[@sinthailim4848]

Yes sir. Thank you for your service and know that there are others who appreciate your hard work.

[@adamofblastworks1517]

"Janitors are the first line of defense against total anarchy" -MandaloreGaming about Space Station 13

[@suzanne4504]

The beauty is that he is touching lives with his character and whole life experience. BTW... a janitor is an honorable and needed profession.

[@d0t_DoT_dOT]

He’s an angel

[@brians7419]

My dad was a mechanic who never graduated from high school. He is one of the smartest guys I know. Great to see these school kids appreciating the treasure they’ve found!

[@magu9841]

He’s so happy and that’s all it matters! 😭

[@michellemarie1197]

I was ALWAYS appreciative of the janitors and school lunch ladies, those and the teachers are what make schools great

[@janedoe805]

Awww, when he eyes filled with tears it almost broke my heart. What an incredible gentleman.

[@sengwietjhin1844]

C'est La Vie !

[@sugarycookie6044]

I'm best friends with my school's former janitor, he retired after he turned 70 and is a hidden gem in this world. I can't even tell you how amazing he is, he always makes time to talk to me and support me

[@catash7247]

This was the most humble heartbreaking thing I have ever heard.

[@alison4316]

Just proves you can't judge folks ❤️

[@MilesCobbett]

"The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love." -William Wordsworth

[@DanKirchner5150]

my dad was a janitor as well as an extremely intelligent man

[@manuelgonzalez3644]

The best gift those kids can get is someone with so much wisdom yet with so much humility. Those kids will be enriched with advice that will bring them fulfillment in their lives.

[@Paris__Michael]

Manuel Gonzalez 🎯🎯🗣🗣🗣⚡️💎⚡️💎‼️ 😃😃!

[@ajayreddy8732]

Beautiful man, beautiful story. Thanks for bringing a beautiful story to light

[@yup5581]

Ajay Reddy rip he died on August 14th

[@nadiac6042]

@@yup5581 MAY HIS BEAUTIFUL SOUL REST IN PEACE.🙏

[@RM-bf7to]

He lives in the present, with gratitude, and without sorrow over his past life. ❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@fatimahakim5210]

What a beautiful man and beautiful soul God bless him

[@keeshabrown7353]

Wow. The "I love you"s. I can wholeheartedly relate. After working corporate jobs, I now work in Pre-K with 4-5 year olds. They have an undescribable level of social and emotional maturity, compassion, love, freedom and Joy. And so sweet it's contagious. I simply adore them and recognize the blessings they truly are. It's like I get to do what I love while being around people I love. and just so happen to get all of my needs and some of my wants provided for.

[@darrellschultz4121]

I want more stories like this I'm sick of the negative ones thank you for putting this out there

[@katarzynamariamuszynska2811]

Exactlly No job is not important Someone have to clean that school taking trash Bury dead people Every job is needed I am living in uk 15 years educated have history master degree And i was doing all kinds of job to pay for roof and support my parents I was nursing elders in nursing home and even cleaning streets and working night shift in bakery I admire that guy that his job is appreciated and he still has purpose in life

[@zarakikenpachi-iy1nz]

keep up the good work!

[@alison4316]

Good luck to you 💕 You sound like a very humble person yourself 😃

[@Ladygaga4047]

I work in nursing home too, all my friends think it's not a job for a young guy I should either do something else or live on benifits like them but at the end of the day my soul is enriched by what I do and theirs isn't. Every job is important

[@jordanleclair7111]

@@Ladygaga4047 you have integrity...which money can't buy!

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

You say you have “history master degree” and yet your comment is full of grammatical errors end misspelled words. Where did you get your degree? Tesco’s? Walmart? Online school of degrees? Pay fee get degree. Also, you claim that you “I am living in uk 15 years” yet you still speak in broken English. I’m not a troll I simply get tired of people claiming all sorts of things that simply can’t be true.

[@amandag7299]

This made me cry. What a beautiful and resilient soul!

[@sonjasisneros-chavez9824]

Your humbleness in history is absolutely beautiful. I love you.

[@janedoe1146]

Kids are good company. I'm happy for that man and the kids are lucky to have him too.

[@elianah8803]

I’ve always loved the custodial staff at school and at work. Never take what they do for granted, improve our quality of life.

[@monicaperez2843]

Recall a teacher fell in love with a head custodian. Her friends told her that he's beneath her. She married him anyways and was very happily married for decades.

[@luisaymerich9675]

I wonder if any of those friends were happily married during that same time. 🤔

[@monicaperez2843]

@@luisaymerich9675 Luis, great question! Also, if any of them were married, did their marriage last?

[@mikayla7260]

Her friends obviously weren’t her friends, status and positions has no meaning when it comes to love

[@cooperparts]

I fell in love with the head nurse with the dirty knees ten to fifteen minutes at a time

[@monicaperez2843]

My father, may God rest his soul, was an engineer and scientist, told me, you meet the same people as on the way down. He would always thank workers like custodians, as he said no engineer or scientist could work in a dirty laboratory. He also emphasized teamwork, and that no person worked truly alone.

[@donnawoodford6641]

He found a second home! Touched to feel appreciated and loved by those around him, he realizes that most jobs, including his old one, does not offer this opportunity to bond. The kids are lucky to witness his experience, and know that an unexpected loss is not always a tragedy, but can yield something unexpectedly wonderful. A great life lesson to learn, along with other lessons, in school!

[@Paris__Michael]

Donna Woodford BEAUTIFULLY put 🗣⚡️ 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾!

[@becausehelivees4672]

these On The Road series are bringing me to tears.

[@rachelschwebach7566]

What a sweet man. He has such a great attitude despite his cognitive loss.

[@marcelmoulin3335]

Mr. Forrester epitomises 'success' in my book. Kind, compassionate, selfless, and humble, he is that colossal role model that all would be wise to follow.

[@sinthailim4848]

So full of respect for you Mr Maury Forrester. Wishing you many more happy years.

[@garyviejogringo9486]

I want to hug all those kids for their compassion.

[@nicolas2970]

America needs to learn to Always Respect our Elders. And to don't judge a book by it's cover!

[@tedfurlo2268]

I love you too Maury! And I RESPECT YOU AND ADMIRE YOU! You're the embodiment of DIGNITY!

[@sengwietjhin1844]

C'est La Vie !

[@elizabethkane6665]

Love, love, love this story... those kids are so lucky to know this man

[@katrinkasanfranciscobayare7364]

What a Beautiful Soul! When you look up humble man, you'll see his picture right next to it. This man is absolutely beautiful! Much love and respect from, Katrinka in the San Francisco Bay Area

[@FarmerFpv]

What a beautiful soul this young man has. These students truly love his presence! 🙏🤘

[@patd6370]

His humility touches all.

[@imfpredicts]

I once ran into a big shot boss of mine (retired) working a supermarket checkout because he just liked it and wanted a reason to get up in the morning and talk to people. He sure inspired me to do the same.

[@ryleeroseborough7885]

Too often, teens are taught to believe that success is found by getting a 6 figure job and a college degree. Being successful isn’t a job, but your attitude towards it. A janitor is no less than an aerospace engineer and a McDonald’s worker is no less successful than a president. It’s ok to be content with a lower paying job if you enjoy it

[@eligebrown8998]

Truth

[@lukasahs6064]

A janitor and mcdonalds employee is less than an engineer. You have to go to college and obtain a degree, read a bunch of advanced courses to become one. Janitor doesn't really require any experience since it's all about cleaning.

[@xaenon]

@@lukasahs6064 Congratulations. For such a 'smart guy', you've learned absolutely nothing. That's pretty impressive... though not in a way you should be proud of.

[@lukasahs6064]

@@xaenon Ok boomer.

[@stuffofmaking]

@@lukasahs6064 Big difference between being less educated and being a lesser person. I have recently obtained a master degree in mathematics, and whilst some of the people I studied with are amazing humans, others are certainly not. I much prefer my friends from high school, of which one became a janitor (was the smartest guy in class, just troubled by mental illness and might go for higher education as a medical doctor once that blows over), another went for retail and one got a career as a daycare worker. If your value in a person, our yourself for that matter, is in what profession they have you should really take a look at your priorities.

[@iwnunn7999]

We all have an innate need to love and feel love. Sometimes it comes from the most unexpected places and people. Maybe life's purpose is as simple as that.

[@RomyMacias]

I believe it is.

[@sengwietjhin1844]

C'est La Vie !

[@mwhitelaw8569]

That man Is a pillar of that community In the most humble position possible I'll comment everytime I watch

[@RHTeebs]

There was an old man that was our school janitor. A couple people made assumptions about him, and judged him. Saying he was addicted to drugs and that stuff. Crazy thing was that he was actually once mayor of the town. From 1974-1982, he was our mayor. He was responsible for saving the old post office when the state wanted to demolish it and build a new one. On top of that, he had it refurbished. He also met Bob Newhart and Robert Kennedy. He showed me pictures. This janitor who was once mayor, and here he was mopping floors. Very nice guy. We actually talked quite a bit, and he gave me pointers on debating when I signed up for debate club and Model UN. He's retired now. I see him walk his dog every now and then.

[@RichardASalisbury1]

What a lovely man!

[@chrismalcheski9232]

I'm extremely surprised the concept of this segment hasn't gone nationwide. It's such a direct opposite of the negativity that all news reports. I love these videos.

[@SafffOneee]

yea it's a shame cos it makes vids like this relatively hard to find on yt, like since lockdown i became interested in learning about the world so startd watching docs here but all the full lenght ones well most are pretty grim (tho saw an interesting & relatively positive one recently about north korea)

[@SafffOneee]

i mean vids like this there's quite a few of (still a fraction of the negative news) but longer vids are rare

[@mr.x8880]

I’m a school janitor and can certainly relate to his perspective, although it’s not what I plan on doing forever and the pay is no better than just ok but the job itself can be so rewarding that I’m in no hurry to stop doing it.

[@toonmama6]

Incredible touching story. Love this man and ibdont even know him.

[@nerida3347]

janitors are always such great people. my old elementary school janitor made Moroccan tea for every student!!

[@dessertman1181]

A wonderful story I am proud of those school kids for respecting there elders god bless

[@keyringer]

People like Maury are such a rare breed! He would be such a blast to hang around with and talk to. People like that with such great personality bring the best out in everybody. We need more like him!!!!

[@starling9172]

He is excellent at everything he does,my kind of man

[@laurie1536]

The saddest thing of all is he still has to work at age 77. Life isn't fair but we must go on.

[@laurie1536]

@thegrandfinale2 Taking a little part time job to get out of the house or for social reasons is not the same as being forced to work in your old age due to necessity. That's what's sad, not having choice.

[@hydrobuu]

@@laurie1536 part time is not the same as full time. Working is what is keeping this man alive.

[@bildfluss]

1:27 „he originally took this job solely fo the exercise“

[@Geo-st4jv]

I don't think he has to, some people work to live longer and it kindof works ww

[@peterpengproductions920]

He doesn't need to work for sure, if you work at NASA for decades you surely made enough money to retire for life.

[@chetankhope4348]

Much respect for this man

[@mikegradidge2835]

Wow, what a man. Bless his heart

[@TomCrosman]

Very touching. Something we need more of particularly right now.

[@eagleman3624]

Thanks for being Maury...I just found this and as a worker right along side of you for ABM located in the Pacific Northwest I thank you for your compassion...Its good to know that we are well represented all the way across the country!!!

[@justus8040]

This is one of the best "feel good" story EVER what a guy! Sometimes if we're lucky we get just what we got coming

[@naludragneel5371]

THAT WOULD BE AMAZING!!!! TO GO TO SCHOOL EVERYDAY AND SEE THIS MAN ! I would live to go to school

[@abbigalish39]

Well Steve.... You did it to me again.... you made me cry.....

[@jennifermartinez5616]

I want to hug this man and the children who surround him daily and show him worth. ❤️👍🏽🥰🤟🏼💝

[@beehive5835]

What a sweet, amazing man!

[@defythem9537]

It's great that he finally found some honest work.

[@Fcope-p4w]

Humble man w/ heart ❤️ for kids!

[@sweetbeeluvera1450]

Why is it that all his interveiws stories gets me to cry like a baby all the time!! Love to watch all his interviews and stories and findings of good souls around this great country!!

[@shevetlevi2821]

Ram Dass said, "We're here to walk each other home." Maury is such a person.

[@missyvohnne]

Such a sweet man. Such a sweet story.

[@cnb4110]

Mr.Hartman you are killing me,your stories make me cry!

[@robincourtney9459]

God bless this man!!! This is a BEAUTIFUL story!!!

[@marystrenke3050]

My dad became a part time janitor after retirement! He said any job is honorable and to do your best. Words to live by!

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

What a blessing to both him and them. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to find our place in life!

[@dessertman1181]

What a wonderful story and a great man looks like those kids have their head on their shoulders for being so nice to him

[@chrisadkins2527]

Okay, I squeezed out a tear on this one, it's a great story about a great man.

[@marilynjones5749]

Awe, Adorable!

[@normandecaesen286]

Thank You CBS.... I needed to see/hear this.

[@FlyingChime]

growing up I worked every summer for my school district as a custodian. most are vets or just really down to earth people. the work isn't difficult, but we never cut corners and man did our schools sparkle. surprisingly satisfying work. i totally understand why he'd take a "simple" job after working on apollo. great story!

[@juandelacruz9510]

Whatever it takes to feel human again.....best feeling ever.

[@muffs55mercury61]

I wish CBS would put out dvd compilations of these since many are either not posted or are eventually taken down. I can watch these all day (& chop onions at the same time) It's nearly impossible to have a dry eye watching these. For Maury, it's like he has a school full of grandchildren and best friends. He knows their names which kids love that. And what a background that he had with NASA helping to get a man on the moon.

[@VictorCharlesEvans]

Beautiful people have beautiful hearts and beautiful minds. Love has no limits. What we do only matters if it is beneficial to others!!!

[@bonetaparrish1714]

Wow! What a great story!!! He's an inspiration. And you told it so well too!

[@WhatILoveAboutMusic64]

@Boneta Parrish I couldn't have said it better.

[@tyrannyterminator4179]

No one should ever be afraid to mop a floor, no matter what you have ever done...

[@purselmer5931]

There is an inherent dignity in all good work.

[@EGee-tc1si]

I hope this man is okay until now. People you'll be proud of to learn their stories.

[@murphykurphy2620]

Kids can be an incredible source of kindness and inspiration. Keep you down to earth. 😉

[@brianbogholtz9485]

Anyone putting effort towards bettering their community while earning a living is a success. Good job sir!

[@johnw.peterson4311]

What a wonderful man.

[@scottday1988]

My best friends in school were the custodians they taught me a lot of things

[@kyabagyeesther3278]

So Humbling and fulfilling.

[@ErrorPagenotFound-ig1cy]

God Bless this man I learned something from him in this video alone..

[@sengwietjhin1844]

C'est La Vie !

[@nooranazzal656]

He is so humble and kind. I wish we can all learn from him. Titles shouldn't mean anything to us. What matters is the core of a person. ❤ and his core is pure gold ✨ 👌

[@KennTollens]

So many people that retire wish they could go back to work. He has the best type of job. He gets to exercise, visit people, in a low stress environment.