County Man Overcomes Adversity, Thrives as Small Business Owner with Paper Shredding Service

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) – A County man faced with adversity, created an opportunity to earn money through his paper shredding business. NewsSource 8 reporter Janelle Lopez explains.

October is disability employment awareness month, highlighting what it means for those with a disability to find meaningful work.

“This month and every month we focus on employment and equal work opportunities regardless of your ability. We’re really fortunate to be part of a small community that really opens their doors and welcomes us. We have a couple individuals with our agency that didn’t find the job opportunity that they really wanted. So we have a couple small business owners. They created their own business and it’s just so rewarding watching them be business owners and watching their business grow. There’s so much more to work than just the job you know, feeling of importance, knowing that they matter, and they make a difference.” says Community Programs Coordinator Kim Mclaughlin.

Rusty Davis, owner of RD Shredding shares what it means for him to be a licensed small business owner.

Davis says: “Shredding paper, I work with a, I work by myself, with a shredder. I have a van, with a staff driving it. I have a wheel chair that gets me around and a walker. It earns money, I’m happy when I’m working.”

Davis not only set the bar for himself, understanding his strengths and what he is capable of, he also set an example for his community.

“I love how he works, and being responsible, and taking care of himself. He’s so amazing, what he’s done.” says IAM resident Breann Wright

Independence Advocates of Maine, IAM supports their residents to ensure they embark on employment opportunities in the community.

Copyright 2024 WAGM. All rights reserved.