Scott Clements had his entire future planned out. He expected to attend college on a full track scholarship and pursue a career as a physical therapist. But everything changed one night during his senior year of high school when Scott suffered a life-altering accident. While walking home, he was struck by a car and sustained a traumatic brain injury that required months of hospitalization and rehabilitation.
The road to recovery was long and filled with obstacles. One of the most difficult challenges Scott faced was accepting that his ability to run had been taken away. He felt a strong passion towards running track and cross country, setting league records and earning college offers, losing that part of himself sent him into a period of doubt. He questioned his ability to overcome his disabilities, succeed in college, and build a meaningful career.
Scott never lost his determination, he set his mind to earning a degree, and he did. Scott graduated from the New England Institute of Technology with a degree in Architectural Building Engineering Technology. This led to a 25-year career in engineering, but dealing with unpredictable layoffs and constant obstacles, the work never felt truly fulfilling.
About 6 years ago, Scott connected with our Employment Services program through Mass Rehabilitation after struggling to find the right job fit. Lyse, one of our Employment Services Program Coordinators, began working with Scott to help him rediscover his strengths, rebuild his confidence, and pursue work that aligned with his goals. Scott began interviewing and he successfully got a job. Scott recalls that every time he walked through the door of Tempus Unlimited, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders, a sense of positivity, and possibility. Scott has remained connected with Tempus and with Lyse, often checking in and receiving continued support.
Although Scott worked hard to build what he thought would be his long-term career, another setback came as he was laid off in 2019. He received advice from Tempus and his wife, encouragement to go after what he wanted to do; he wanted to be in control of his own work. He began to do research on how to start a painting company. Painting gave him a sense of pride and independence. He began taking small jobs, and as his reputation grew, so did his confidence. Scott decided to paint full time, and Clements Painting, LLC was officially born.
Despite the challenges Scott faced, his determination never wavered. Through hard work and endless support from the people around him, he has been able to build a company from the ground up. Clements Painting represents independence and redefines what success looks like, one step at a time.
Scott often thinks to himself, “If Mass Rehab never introduced me to Tempus Unlimited, where would I be today?”
“I now can proudly say I own my own painting business, Clements Painting, LLC. Looking back, something truly positive came out of all of it. The experience taught me to never give up on my dreams, no matter the detours or obstacles life throws my way. Nothing in this world is handed to you on a silver platter—you have to grab the bull by the horns and give it everything you’ve got if you want to succeed”
Scott Clements, Owner of Clements Painting, LLC.