2007 DDSD Statewide Awards
The Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) honored the following people and agencies for demonstrating excellence in Meaningful Day services.  Awards were given in the areas of Best Employer and Employee, Individual Accomplishment, Professional Achievement, Provider Excellence, and Best Community Membership practices.

Daniel Madrid with His Mobile Newsstand

2007 ddsd statewide directors meeting award winners

Business Owner of The Year: Daniel Madrid

Daniel Madrid owns and runs a business called Daniel’s Mobile Newsstand. Daniel greets customers by name using his voca device. Customers come to his mobile cart advertised with colorful signs, and enjoy his smile as well as the interesting things he has for sale. Daniel remembers his customers’ purchasing preferences.

His business started out exclusively selling newspapers for the Roswell Daily Record. Then, using ideas his team helped him think of to carry his newspapers, they came up with the idea of a mobile newsstand. He began adding items his customers liked, for example CornNuts, candy, granola bars, gum and even umbrellas. Now Daniel makes more money in the same amount of time.

Daniel picked out his own logo and a business name. He figured out what he wanted to wear to identify him with his business and got a sign for his stand. He is an outstanding employer according to Carmen Lasiter, Daniel’s Job Coach, who refers to herself as Daniel’s employee. Carmen said that “it gives Daniel independence and a sense of accomplishment in his life. He likes selling newspapers and earning money. He has been encouraging others, too. They see all the interesting things he has to sell and they want to get started too.”

Daniel made plans to grow his business. Again, his team helped Daniel plan how to get more customers, take money for what he sells, give change, and use his communication device. Daniel’s business route has expanded from five to ten businesses. He also features specials for holidays like Valentine Baskets that have increased his sales. Daniel also uses business cards, pens and letter openers to market his business.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Brenda Bachman, job developer for Tobosa’s Micro-Enterprises business program. Brenda states that “Daniel has done really well. I think that his business can just continue to grow. And his mother is also pleased with how far her son has gone.”

March-2008 - Judy Stevens

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