APD > Special to the Democrat
Tallahassee Democrat -- October 28, 2009
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20091028/BUSINESS/910280312/1003/RSS02
Lathrop manages thriving startup
By Melanie Mowry Etters
Ed Lathrop is tackling his next goal in life – business ownership. It is called Ed's On Wheels and began in July.
With assistance, he takes his cart around to various venues and sells snow cones. When winter comes, he plans to sell hot chocolate and cider.
"He has always wanted to make money," says support coordinator Lorraine Bruce.
Lathrop has cerebral palsy. October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time when Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities highlights the successes of people with disabilities in the work force.
Lathrop's health is very fragile. It took almost two years to develop a business plan that would meet his goals. APD and the state's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation contributed to startup and maintenance costs for the business.
"I'm 49 years old and have always wanted to own my own business and be my own boss," Lathrop said. "It feels great knowing that I'm helping myself instead of relying on others. My goal for the future is to grow and someday have more than just one snow cone business. I really like being out in my community and interacting with people I meet."
Bob Johnson, general manager of the Central Panhandle Fair, is helping Lathrop get his business going. He has agreed to let Lathrop be a vendor for various events on the fairgrounds for one year without paying a fee.
"I am proud that he is trying to earn a little money. There are people in a lot better shape than he is that don't put forth that effort," Johnson said.
Lathrop has an assistant help him with making the snow cones, and then he collects the money. He is looking for additional venues to sell his treats.
APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org.
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