MOULTRIE, GEORGIA – August 11, 2026 – One purpose of Project Purpose in the Colquitt County School District is to bridge the gap between talented high school students and thriving local businesses. The success stories coming out of R.M. King Company—led by Jordan and Sharon King—perfectly showcase how this program is connecting schools, students, and industry to build lifelong career opportunities.
Brandon Hernandez: From the Fields to a Permanent Career
Before attending the Project Purpose Job Fair in April, Brandon Hernandez assumed his post-graduation life would mirror his past—working in agricultural fields as he had done his whole life.
That changed when he walked past the R.M. King Company table. Drawn in by an impressive display, Brandon spoke with Jordan King, walked away to gather his thoughts, and returned 10 minutes later with a resume in hand. Having completed the Construction Pathway at Colquitt County High School (CCHS) and Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC), Brandon was initially offered summer work. Thanks to his hard work and preparation, Brandon was officially hired as a full-time, permanent employee upon graduation.
"I didn't really know what I was looking for... but they had a great display, and it was easy to talk with Mr. King. It felt like a great place to start my future." — Brandon Hernandez.
Reese Johnson: Persistence Pays Off
Reese Johnson's journey with R.M. King Company started long before he was even eligible to work there. As a high school sophomore—a full year before R.M. King Company was ready to hire—Reese noticed their sign going up and immediately called to ask about job openings.
He stayed persistent, calling every few months until Jordan King connected him with Steve Moore, leading to his hire as a Work-Based Learning student in May 2025. Reese has completed both the Welding and Automotive Pathways at CCHS and SRTC. While his long-term dream is to start his own business, he is currently thriving in the Work-Based Learning program as an upcoming senior, mastering new skills and exploring an industry he previously knew little about.
Leelan Hall: Building a Future in Ag Mechanics
Senior Leelan Hall also connected with Jordan King at the job fair last spring. Having completed the Ag Mechanics Pathway, Leelan's ultimate goal is to become a full-time ag mechanic.
Through the Work-Based Learning Program, Leelan has spent his summer working full-time with R.M. King Company and will transition to a 20-hour-per-week schedule during the school year—gaining invaluable hands-on experience while completing his high school education.
Taking it Further
R.M. King Company isn't just attending job fairs or hiring work-based learning students. They are developing their future and our community's future. In addition to the job training each of these students has received, owner Jordan has worked with each student to help them build a budget and set financial goals. He is investing in their futures by helping them learn to invest in themselves. R.M. King Company may be new to Colquitt County, but they are establishing themselves in the community for the long haul and partnering with the school district to prepare the workforce.
Why It Matters
The partnership between local employers like R.M. King Company, CCHS Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways, and Project Purpose proves that when students are given the right platform to showcase their skills, local businesses gain dedicated, career-ready talent.
All three students began as Work-Based Learning students. This program, run through the CTAE department, is seeing exponential growth in student placements. During the 2025-2026 school year, 276 students were in the Work-Based Learning program. Those students earned $1,296,954 in wages. Forty of those students were in apprenticeship programs under the state's Youth Apprenticeship Program. If your organization is interested in becoming a partner in Project Purpose, or becoming a Work-Based Learning Site, visit https://projectpurposega.com/industry-2/ or https://www.colquitt.k12.ga.us/schools/colquitt-high/academics/ctae/partners