Bruce Williams

What do Thomas Edison, Ted Turner, and Bruce Williams have in common? They are all disabled entrepreneurs. Thomas Edison, one of the world's most famous inventers, was deaf for most of his life. Ted Turner, media mogul and philanthropist, has a learning disability and has been treated for depression. Bruce Williams contracted Hepatitis C, underwent a liver transplant, and is currently receiving chemotherapy to continue to treat the Hepatitis C. Despite these disabilities (or maybe because of them), these three men have the characteristic initiative, persistence, and drive that exemplify true entrepreneurs.

For 25 years, Bruce Williams worked in radio and television selling advertising. He loved his job and was quite successful. In 1986, his whole world changed when he contracted Hepatitis C; a blood borne virus that's disabling effects were so severe that Bruce was forced to quit his job as General Manager at a local radio station. Over two years ago, he received a liver transplant and slowly began to put his life back together. Due to his life-long independent nature, Bruce knew that he never wanted to be restricted to a desk job, following someone else's orders. He wanted to start his own advertising and marketing agency for local small businesses in the Mendocino County, California vicinity. However, despite his 25 years of experience in advertising, he knew little about running his own business and he was well aware of the small business failure statistics.

Bruce turned to West Company; an organization dedicated to supporting microenterprises through a variety of programs, including Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). He completed their business development training series and is currently attending the economic literacy training program. With the combined guidance of Tola Levinson, West Company's Welfare to Work, IDA, and Abilities Program manager, and Paul Lane, a skilled and committed Department of Rehabilitation counselor, Bruce developed a well-crafted business plan. The only accommodation that Bruce required for his disability was the flexibility and understanding that some meetings had to be rescheduled because of his health. He also benefited from the combined experience of both Tola and Steve's knowledge of disability benefits rules and restrictions.

Bruce will complete the IDA program in June of 2004, and then he will be eligible to make his asset purchase. While matching funds received through an IDA was an incredible incentive, his positive experience with the West Company extends beyond the IDA program. Bruce believes that one of the biggest challenges to budding entrepreneurs is not knowing about the variety of valuable resources that exist to help microenterprises. West Company facilitated Bruce's connection to these resources, as well as simplified many of the complexities that small business owners (especially those with disabilities) face. The classes offered also provided the opportunity for networking and support with fellow entrepreneurs

In the end, Bruce's hard work and willingness to accept change hold the keys to his success as a small business owner. He credits his disability for his positive attitude and persistence. He believes that to be successful operating a small business, entrepreneurs have to know how to learn from mistakes and to recognize that obstacles help you grow personally and as a businessperson. Despite the challenges of his disability, Bruce has survived the storm and now he is ready to reap the greatest reward small business ownership has to offer people with disabilities- freedom and a sense of control over their own destiny.