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Team benefits from Panebianco's hard work and dedication

By Melanie Mowry Etters • special to the Tallahassee Democrat

Richard Panebianco loves the food service business. He has 17 years of experience in the field and has worked in his present position at Fresh Food Co. on the Florida State University campus for more than three years.

Panebianco is an expert at operating the dishwasher and also pitches in to complete general kitchen duties at the busy student food service center.

"Richard is a hard working, reliable guy," manager Jim Bullock said. "He is a contributing member of the team. He works hard when the kids come in for lunch. He gets his apron on and goes to work."

Panebianco receives services from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. APD is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to the work force.

He has positive working relationships with his co-workers and supervisors. Twice in the past year, Panebianco received special recognition from a supervisor for being results-driven and assisting peers and also for demonstrating hospitality and kindness.

When asked about his job, Panebianco says, "I like my boss, and I like the money."

Panebianco may seem shy. However, as a Gator fan in Seminole country, he often engages in good-natured teasing with his co-workers in the kitchen. Ironically, one of his prized possessions is a football autographed by former FSU coach Bobby Bowden.

Before starting his FSU job, Panebianco worked at the American Cafe restaurant for eight years until it closed. He also has extensive work experience at other restaurants in Tallahassee.

Panebianco likes to take his work home with him. He loves to pick up on things he learns from work, then come home and experiment with cooking his own recipes. He and his family refer to his recipes as "Richard's Creations."

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).