Kevin Webb may be not be a man of many spoken words, but when it comes to letting you know about his business he has a lot to say. His mother Glenna Taylor explains, Kevin does not communicate using phrases, but through the use of a few words, sounds, and gestures he definitely can let you know what he means, and he loves being a business owner. Owning a business gives Kevin the opportunity to do what he likes to do; work on a farm operating Webb and Taylor Horseback Riding and Boarding. In the morning, seven days a week, Kevin gets up bright and early, puts on his blue jeans and boots and starts his work day. First, he feeds and waters the boarded horses. Then he is off on his green utility mule to feed and water the horses in the field. The rest of the day may involve cleaning stalls, exercising horses, repairing fencing, trips to town for supplies, and sometimes helping host a special event, like a birthday party. Then at the close of the day, before the sun goes down, once again Kevin is out to board, feed, and water the horses.

What a difference this has made in his life, but it was not always this way. Just recently, in 2005, fueled by frustration from not being able to find paid employment, Kevin with the assistance of his family members, started the business; hence the name Webb and Taylor.

Before going in to business Kevin worked in a sheltered workshop, where he earned about $300.00 a year. “At the time, it gave him something to do rather than sit at home all day, explained his mother. However, I wondered, how will Kevin ever go to work in society if he is only around individuals with disabilities all day long at the workshop. This was not helping Kevin learn about work in the community or helping the community learn about him and his abilities. In addition, his take home pay was less than what it was costing him to go to and from the workshop. We wanted him to at least have some extra pocket money, not go in the hole.”

We wanted Kevin to have a job in the community, but there were no supported employment services in our area. Then a life coach was hired, who assisted Kevin with locating a job. Kevin was hired as a maintenance person at an automobile rest stop on the highway. There he was responsible for cleaning the bathrooms, removing garbage, and picking up debris around the grounds. He had only worked there for about one month, when the employer asked Kevin to work the late night alone. I had to say “I don’t think so”. Also, the drive to and from work was 88 miles per day. Although the earnings were not bad, it was taking a toll on us.” Not wanting to have idle time, Kevin returned to the workshop setting.

Then a pilot supported employment program was available. Kevin and some other individuals from the workshop went to work in a factory that manufactured automobile parts. ‘He loved it there, said Glenna, but just when it seemed like his ship had come in, the 9-11 tragedy struck. Soon afterwards the company laid-off employees and soon closed down to move to Mexico. Kevin’s job coach started a new job search. Overtime, many employment applications were submitted on his behalf, but there were no job offers.

Meanwhile, the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities and the state vocational rehabilitation offered start up funds for new businesses for 5 individuals a year over a three year span for a total of 15 people. Kevin, his mother, step father, vocational counselor, self employment consultant, Dave Hammis and a representative from the University of Kentucky, sat down and discussed the possibility of starting a business. Glenna said, “We started the process by thinking about Kevin's gifts and dreams. It is important to remember that everyone has talents and can do something. This is a great place to start when considering self employment; dream of what you want to do; then just do it.” Kevin loves to trail ride and has been doing so for over many years. We had a farm and some horses. There was plenty of room for expansion.” The application was submitted and accepted and the business idea was born.

Then we got together to prepare a business plan. Monies from the grant and a fully funded Plan for Achieving Self Support from social security were used to build the boarding stalls and an exercising ring the horses. Today, Kevin has 8 horses boarded; four in the stalls and four in the field.

In his spare time, Kevin likes to ride Blaze, a horse used for riding lessons, and care for his pet dogs ”Pepper”, “Scarlett O’Hare”, and “Rhett Butler”. In the evenings, he enjoys watching the Dukes of Hazzard and Walker Texas Ranger on the television. Whenever, possible he goes down to mingle and dine at the 44 market or the Pedigo’s drive inn. While there locals often come up and ask Kevin about his day and how the business is going. According to his mother he also likes to “aggravate the waitresses”. When asked to clarify what she means by “aggravating” Glenna replies “you know; he’s just like any other man; trying to get a date.” He also spends time marketing while out in the community. He hands out his business cards, posts flyers, and invites everyone he sees to come out to the stables for a ride.

She goes on to share “when Kevin was born he was not expected to live; at his six week check up I asked the doctor how do I care for my son? How will I know what he needs? The doctor said these wise words that I will always remember…. When you are cold he is cold, when you are hot he is hot, and when he is hungry he will let you know. The point was to not treat him any different than any other child. At that moment in time, I became even more determined to give Kevin the best and decided he would have a life just like everyone else. We do not treat him different, we do not look at him as being disabled; we look at Kevin and we see his abilities.”