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In this webcast, you will find out how despair was replaced with hope when Ray Steffy learned about self-employment as an option for his son Joe. Joe has multiple complex developmental disabilities. Ray purchased used, kettle corn equipment and began working with Joe. In October 2000, they began producing and selling popcorn on weekends when Joe was 15. In April 2005, Joe became the owner of the Poppin Joe's Kettle Korn. Joe is directly involved with the operation of the kettle corn business. He knows the popping process and has mastered all skills of the operation. Selling is the present task Joe is working on. Ray and Joe share how the family researched the business and developed a business plan. Ray talks about how they explored the idea of giving Joe the opportunity to own his own business while he learned to develop a good work ethic, despite "professionals" telling them that Joe could not work.

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PowerPoint Handout

PDF | FlashPaper

File Resources

Poppin Joe's Kettle Korn Business Plan:   PDF

2005 Sales Projections:   PDF

PASS:   PDF

Without a PASS - Cashflow:   PDF

2005 Startup Funding with a PASS:   PDF

Benefits Analysis:   PDF

Cash Flow 2005 - 2007:   PDF

Profit and Loss:   PDF

Link Resources

KC Community News Article - Kettle Korn venture proves golden for Joe - Business is source of fulfillment for 21-year-old Louisburg man with Down's Syndrome & autistic disorder
http://www.kccommunitynews.com/articles/2007/02/28/louisburg_herald/news/lh_news02-28-07a.txt

FastTrac - FastTrac is a practical, hands-on business development program designed to help entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to create, manage and grow a successful business. FastTrac participants don't just learn about business, they live it. They work on their own business ideas or ventures throughout the course - moving their ventures to reality or new levels of growth.
http://www.fasttrac.org/

Joe Steffy's PPT - Joe created this PPT.
http://www.worksupport.com/documents/joe_slideshow.pps