 Steve Vincke is pictured with his wife, Karen Whalen.
After more than 33 years as a Business Enterprise Operator, Steve Vincke, retired at the end of October 2022. “I have retired after a very successful career with the Business Enterprise Program,” Steve explained. “This is a great program, and I would recommend it to others who are blind. I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Steve was a vendor in the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Business Enterprise (BE) Program, which recruits, trains, and licenses Ohioans who are legally blind to have entrepreneurial careers in food service management. These opportunities include the management of cafeterias, convenience stores, snack bars, and vending in state and federal buildings, as well as interstate highway rest areas, where licensed operators have bidding priority on vacant vending facilities under the Randolph Sheppard Act and Ohio Revised Code. Operators also run businesses at state universities, colleges, and county buildings. OOD Business Enterprise Consultants provide ongoing support, technical assistance, and training to operators.
Steve explained, “Around the age of 18 or 19, I realized I had an eye problem and started getting in car accidents and running into things. I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. I didn’t know what I was going to do for a career.”
In his twenties, Steve tried working different jobs. “I bounced around but had a good family behind me to help support me,” he explained. Eventually, Steve connected OOD, known as Rehabilitation Services Commission at the time, and received employment support from a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Thinking the BE Program might be a good fit for Steve, the counselor gave Steve a list of BE locations to visit in downtown Dayton.
“When I started looking at facilities, I’d walk in, get a cup of coffee, and visit with the operators. I was amazed to find that they had specialized equipment to help them do their jobs. They even had talking cash registers, which was major technology in the 80s,” Steve said.
In 1988, Steve completed training to become a BE Operator and started his own business. “Being your own boss, making your own decisions—it was great! I was offered all of the independence that you could want,” Steve explained. While he managed several facilities during his tenure, Steve spent most of his career operating the I-70 EB Madison County rest area.
If you would like to learn more, visit the BE Program webpage. If you have questions, please contact Christy Hauck at 614-312-1271 or Christine.Hauck@ood.ohio.gov.
 Brad Crouch from Toledo, Ohio worked as a desk analyst, software quality assurance analyst, copywriter, and author. After several disappointing jobs in information technology (IT) and repeated attempts at job interviews that didn’t go the way he planned, Brad reached out to OOD and began working with Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Cari Arellano in August 2021. Brad, who holds a bachelor’s degree, has autism and struggles with understanding social cues. He feels that the part of his disability that causes him to interpret language literally also makes him awkward, especially in job interviews.
“When he came to us, he was feeling discouraged and desperate,” said Cari. “Brad wanted to work at a job that would utilize his highly developed analytical skills. He wanted to contribute to a company that would appreciate his talents and make him feel valued.”
Cari arranged services for Brad that included providing a computer tablet to participate in virtual meetings and interviews. In February 2022, she connected him with Alanna Smith, OOD’s Talent Sourcing Coordinator and Internal Job Developer to update his work history and specialized knowledge on his resume and begin looking for employment opportunities in line with his experience and skills.
“Brad was very active and hands-on during the job search process, and he put in the time to find the right fit,” said Alanna. When they found a promising position at ProMedica Senior Care, Brad learned that he would be required to go through several levels of interviews. He was worried and overwhelmed about this next step because he felt he didn’t do well presenting himself in the past.
Alanna helped Brad practice his interview skills and work on appropriate responses to tough interview questions. In preparation for virtual interviews, Alanna provided pointers to keep Brad on track and use beneficial language.
Brad succeeded in all three interviews and got the job. He is now a full-time Quality Assurance Analyst for ProMedica Senior Care with full benefits and a competitive salary. He completes most of his work remotely.
“I respect every one of my team members. They are so helpful,” said Brad. “I've never had such a good support structure as the one I currently have, and I wouldn't have it without OOD keeping me on task and giving me the resources to get past the initial interview,” he added.
Cari said, “We are so happy that we were able to offer him support and that he has obtained a position that is a good fit and allows him to use and grow his skills.”
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, reach out to OOD today. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can help you explore your options. Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.
Let’s keep all our Ohio families healthy by keeping immunizations up-to-date and getting our flu and COVID-19 vaccines!
The Washington Post recently published an article titled, “Holiday Gifts for People with a Disability or Chronic Illness” that covers a variety of gift ideas for people with different needs and conditions. By considering others’ unique needs when selecting gifts, the author suggests others “feel seen and supported.”
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