By Kim Hill, Economic Security Client Services 

Nicholas Goodman, has been working with Elder Law of Michigan for almost five years. During his time with Elder Law of Michigan, he has been a member of the Intake and Referral team for the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, as well as working for the National Council on Aging Call Center for Reverse Mortgage counseling. Currently, Nick serves as a Network Specialist with the MiCAFE Network, while also working on various Elder Law of Michigan projects.   

Before working at ELM, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?  

My parents own a carpet cleaning and flood restoration company. I worked for them growing up until I was in my mid-twenties. One time we went to a house where the water line to the ice maker in the freezer burst. Their Michigan basement flooded under the kitchen.   

After we extracted a few feet of water through a trap door in the kitchen floor, we discovered a possum that got trapped at one point. It hadn’t been there long since it was still furry, but it was waterlogged and as big as a Maine Coon cat. Because it was a Michigan basement, you couldn’t stand up. My dad lowered a trash bag down the hole while I had to pick up the heavy thing with a shovel and get it into the trash bag while stooped over. We jokingly asked the homeowner if they had a permit to own an exotic animal.  

How did you first learn about ELM?   

I first learned about ELM through Lansing Community College as a work-study position. After I graduated I was asked to join the team full time!  

If you could switch your job with anyone else within ELM, whose job would you want?   

I would want to switch jobs with one of the attorneys because I only hear their side of the conversation. I’m always curious what information garners the advice I hear.   

Best vacation you’ve been to?  

My favorite vacation is a road trip my mom, sisters, and I took when I was a freshman in high school. I had just gotten my driving permit and we went to 10 states in two and a half weeks. Because I had my permit, I had to keep a driving log, which totaled over 2,000 miles just myself!   

What is on your bucket list?  

I have quite a few things on my bucket list, but a few of them are: going to Germany, going to a hot air balloon festival, and going to a Broadway show.  

What is your hidden talent?  

I’ve been teaching myself origami since I was in third grade.