Autistic Adults Assemble Your Office Products. Business With A Heart. Stride, Inc.
A Business with a Heart
Autistic Adults Find Equal Employment With Stride, Inc.
After dealing with tragedy and loss, this Albuquerque family chose to improve the world using their experience to change lives.
STRIDE Inc., is a globally recognized office product business known for integrated employment of adults with special needs or autism. STRIDE’s CEO Kerry Brennan Bertram shares her family’s loss but also their positive achievements.
Kerry also shares STRIDE’s commitment to the environment and exceptional office product supplies.
Carl is the marketing executive and he shares his stories regarding his special needs colleagues. James, Marie and Vaden, special needs adults, join the podcast conversation.
For over three decades, Marie has learned every job in the packaging and assembly area. She’s referred to as “the boss” because of her knowledge. Marie is a machine operator and quality assurance agent. The responsibility of mentoring new employees belongs to her.
Peter is in his 70s and he does not speak. He is on the non-verbal autism spectrum but Peter is a genius in math. He has been with STRIDE, Inc. since the beginning in 1981. Peter does not join the conversation but there is a very interesting ‘red’ story about him on the podcast.
James has been with STRIDE, Inc. for eight years. He assembles the multi-pack pens for orders and he works in the shipping department. His humor is in the names that he gives his colleagues. Reading about animals in the Amazon is something he enjoys.
Vaden thanks Kerry and her team for hiring him years ago. He is charged with the responsibility of quality assurance, to build sample packs, and run the blister card machine. He’s thrilled that machines don’t do his job because he loves his work.
Contact Your Positive Imprint host
Autistic employees: Marie, Vaden, James
Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Brennan Bertram
Carl Kinkel Exec Dir. Sales and Marketing
Great story ….with an incredible history! Thanks for bringing us the touching backstory and the impressive go forward path of this company, it’s products and most importantly it’s people!
Michelle, I am so thrilled that you enjoyed the episode. I was thrilled to learn all about STRIDE, Inc.
Catherine, thank you for allowing us to share the Stride Story with your followers. It was our first ever Podcast and we were thrilled to be a part of the process. My favorite part is when you interviewed our Special Needs colleagues, they are such a joy and you captured their essence. Feel free to visit us again and I invite any of your listeners to contact me if they have questions about Stride, Inc!
kerry@strideinc.com
Kerry, Thank you so much for listening. I will continue to share your positive imprint and I will let listeners know that you are available and approachable to chat. Thank you again for your positive achievements that are inspiring positive actions! Catherine
Great podcast Catherine! I’m sharing the Stride story with all my friends and family. They are doing wonderful things from New Mexico.
Thank you for listening Liz and for sharing the podcast. I will send your note to Kerry, the CEO of this amazing company. Catherine, host.
I’m a little late to the party (3+ years) but what a great interview. I’m so impressed with the story of Stride and your employees and love the industry information. (I love office products!) Rock on Pius Alum!