Word has it that Poppin Joe’s Kettle Korn is some of the best tasting kettle corn you’ll find, made with only the finest ingredients. In four flavors, it can be found at fairs, festivals, events, convenience stores, online, and even Walmart! You find all the places to buy this outstanding kettle corn by going to Poppin Joe’s website. However, what is most amazing about Poppin Joe’s Kettle Korn is the young man who runs this this business (with a little help from Dad). Joe Steffy is a man in his mid 20′s with Down Syndrome and Autism.
Poppin Joe’s Kettle Korn was officially launched in April of 2005 to provide Joe the means to support himself. Joe now has an excellent work ethic, has learned the value of hard work and most of all, has a feeling of accomplishment. His business is on track to make $100,000 a year by 2012, making $50,000 in 2008.
Joe Steffy has always had the loving support of family. His parents also knew that Joe could accomplish and do much more than the assessment his school district had given him, saying that he would never be able to work or live independently. Parents can usually see what their kids are really able to do and Ray and Janet Steffy were no exception. They knew that Joe loved to work, and on a trip to Alaska, they noticed kettle corn and thought it might work. His father worked closely with Dave Hammis, an an advocate for self-employment for people with disabilities in Middletown, Ohio, who trains business owners, government employees, and parents on how to make use of state and federal programs. They helped him write up a business plan and secure $25,000 in grants from programs like PASS ( Plan to Achieve Self-Support Program).
The first year Poppin Joe’s Kettle Korn made $16,000, and business has grown every year. It’s hard work, but his parents have no regrets. Ray Steffy, in his late 60′s, is quoted:
“It’s been hard work, from the standpoint of physical work. But a parent with a child like Joe has a choice. You can either kick in and do this kind of thing, or you can sit and fret emotionally with the amount of energy, worrying about what’s going to happen to them.”
The rewards for the Steffys have been priceless. They see the deep satisfaction in their son when he make a local delivery and puts the payment in his pocket. His dad says when Joe walks back to the vehicle, he looks 3 inches taller than when he walked in.
Watch how they did it
You can watch a full online presentation of Joe and his dad explaining exactly how they went about starting Poppin Joe’s from the very beginning. Understanding what is needed to accomplish a task like this is very possible when taken one step at a time. Understanding exactly what tasks Joe needed to be able to do was a critical component, and you can see how that was determined here. You can also view the PDF version if you have trouble with the video. The information is valuable for anyone wanting to learn more about how to write a business plan and get a business started from scratch.
I really love this story, and would like to broadcast it everywhere. Attitudes towards those with disabilities have changed dramatically in the that last 20 years, where it was once believed that children with Down Syndrome would probably never walk or talk-let alone work a job or own a business. Of course, it probably has nothing to do with the fact that we have a 17 year old with Down Syndrome that wants to have his own business someday, too!
I found your site while doing research for an upcoming book on preparing kids for the future; just happened to see this article. We too have a 17-year-old with Down syndrome. Thank you for sharing this great story about Joe and his dad
Thanks for stopping by and saying ‘hi’! The story on Joe and his dad is one of my favorites, too.
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