Employee Focus: Art

Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Author: Jonathan Kraker
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At MidWest Enterprises for the Blind we believe in the inherent value of all people, specifically people who are blind. Art was voted 2018 Employee of the year and will be representing MidWest Enterprises for the Blind at the Annual Conference in Washington D.C. He’s excited to share some of his story with you:

How did you get connected to MWEB? I found out about MWEB through one of my friends who was picking up MWEB employees and giving them rides to work. After hearing about the organization, I called in and got the interview in less than a week. I started working a few days after the interview. It was a quick process! May of 2019 will be my 5-year anniversary of working here.
What is it like to work at MWEB? Being visually impaired it’s hard to get out. I used to spend my day hanging around the house unless family came to come pick me up and take me out to do things. Being here has given me a community to bond with because we all have so much in common. We spend time with each other at work, but more than that, I spend a lot of time with friends I’ve made here outside of work. We support each other, it’s like a family.
What would life be like for you without MWEB? Life was and would be boring and aimless. I’ve had this visual impairment for a while. I felt like I was losing friends because I was homebound. I used to be a foster parent, which gave me a deep purpose, but when that ended, I needed something else. I wanted to have a community of likeminded people who understand what life is like for me. Because of MWEB I have that now. Working here has given me my purpose back. I don’t miss days of work, I don’t want to miss work, I look forward to being here.
What does it mean to you to be Employee of the Year for 2018? It feels really good to have the recognition for the work I put in and the way I approach my work. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done and I strive to work hard in everything I do. Even if there wasn’t the award that would still be my mentality. That’s just part of who I am, I guess. But it feels really good to be recognized.

MidWest Enterprises for the Blind specializes in subcontracting, throughput reduction, lead time reduction, and cost reduction. Our specialties include kitting, packaging, assembly, warehousing and distribution. We are a 501C3 (Not for Profit Organization) and by partnering with us companies add value to the community by providing labor hours for people who are blind. Similar companies in our field include MRC Industries and Goodwill. We do all of this with our up to date ISO 2015 Certification.

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MWEB is more than just a job, it’s a community. A place where no idea is too big or too small and there is always someone to help out. You can feel the mission of the company in all that it does and as a member of the team it’s very satisfying. Everyone here is expanding their skills through production efficiency, learning new jobs, and continuing their education.

The company really turns the mission into a reality by providing not just skills and work for employees, but a quality product for customers as well.

Gage Campbell, Quality Coordinator

Our mission is to find work and employ blind individuals so that they can become economically independent. The people we employ want to work, be independent and earn their way. But people should know that we are also a manufacturing facility that focuses on quality. We’re ISO certified and customer-focused.

Glen Mackey, VP of Operations

My passion is helping people and that's exactly what MWEB is all about. From employing members of the blind community to serving our customers, I couldn't ask for a better place to work.

Jonathan Kraker, VP of Marketing and Business Development

Working here is exciting, because I was able to take my degree and put it to use. The company provided an opportunity to go to DC to participate in National Industries for the Blind’s Public Policy Forum. I meet legislators and advocate for people who are blind. Being a champion for people who are blind has really sparked my interest.

It’s a wonderful investment that the company has made, where employees can learn lifelong skills that they can use in their personal lives, and also apply to their profession.

Misty Stenberg, Public Policy Liaison

I believe in what this company provides. Our mission, to provide employment to people who are blind, and to provide quality products and services to our customers, are what motivate me.

I’m proud of working with such great people.

Vicky Hickok, Administrative Manager

Our mission statement is to employ people who are blind, but it’s so much more than that. We are giving people an opportunity, that they can not only work and have their independence, but they can also grow and equip themselves. This company will help people develop skills, even if they want to move on to other employment.

When losing my vision, I felt that my options were being narrowed, but MWEB was a new beginning.

William Drain, Business Development Coordinator