It is a bittersweet week for Two Frogs.

Wednesday afternoon, a small party was held for Tommy Martin, who retired after spending approximately 25 years as an employee for the Ardmore restaurant. Martin began working at Two Frogs on Sept. 7, 2000, through a program sponsored by Sunshine Industries.

“He has been here a long time,” Two Frogs Owner Aubry Harris said. “He has been the most consistent employee that we ever had. Thanks to you guys (Sunshine), us helping and everybody else helping.

“It is not just the fact that Tommy worked here, it is the fact that he elevated people, and he never caused a problem.”

Martin was presented with a cake, cotton candy and a plaque for his time spent at Two Frogs. He said that he liked working with everyone at the restaurant.

“I like my job, cleaning up, mopping the floors,” he said. “I liked working here at Two Frogs, making a lot of money.”

Martin said the time flew by fast and that he also enjoys working at Sunshine Industries.

“I am a busy man,” he said.

Now that he is entering retirement, Martin said he is ready for a change and plans on going on some vacations. He has a sister in Norman he is looking forward to visiting. Martin is also looking forward to going to the movies and taking friends out to eat for their birthday.

“I am happy,” he said. “I have friends, good friends.”

Many of those friends joined Martin for the celebration on Wednesday to a lunch of cheeseburgers and stories.

“He is amazing,” Harris said. “He is such a highlight when he comes in. And, the whole program, having him here, and he really enjoyed what he was doing.”

Sunshine Industries Residential Services Director Sandra Stevenson credited Two Frogs for being supportive of Martin, ensuring there was transportation for the job and working with him on his schedule.

Sunshine Industries provides opportunities through its vocational workshop in addition to a Daily Living Support Program. Sunshine works with residents on daily living skills.

Aubry and Angeila Harris have sponsored events, whether it be fundraisers or two drives to give back to the community. That includes providing support to employees when needed. When Martin arrived at Two Frogs, he fit well into the family atmosphere and touched lives for over two decades.

“A lot of people know Tommy here and after 25 years of coming and going, everybody knows him,” Aubry Haris said. “He touched a lot of lives and a lot of lives at the home.”

Martin’s personality was on full display Wednesday as he greeted people with a hug and made introductions when needed. Harris described Tommy as a person with a love gene.

“When you are having a bad day and Tommy walks in, it changes,” he said.

Angeila Harris said she was shocked when she received Martin’s letter announcing that he was retiring.

“It’s hard to believe he is leaving,” Angela Harris said. “I was like, what are we going to do now? What are we going to do without Tommy here? There is an element of joy when he is here.”

Aubry Harris said Martin would be hard to replace as he was the best employee he had.

“You have said that 100 times,” Stevenson said. “That if you had 20 Tommys you would be so much better off.”

Martin is one example of the type of employee Sunshine Industries has helped land a job in Ardmore. Stevenson said another person that Sunshine serves has worked at Wal Mart for over 27 years. The key is finding a job that is repetitive and structured.

“Once they learn, they never forget it,” she said.

Both Angeila Harris and Two Frogs Manager Justin Harris talked about Martin’s strong work ethic.

“He will work from the time he gets here and will not leave until his stuff is done,” Justin Harris said. “If you try to rush him out the door because it is time to leave. He will say no; he had to finish.”

“He is a great help. I am going to miss him for sure.”