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Turning Adversity Into Opportunity
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Several years ago tragedy struck North Carolina native Larry "Tony" Alexander. He was in an automobile accident that left him a quadriplegic. While most people would probably throw in the towel and give up on life in this kind of situation, Tony didn't. Through hard work, determination, and a sincere desire to achieve, Tony got motivated to go into business for himself.
Tony completed a business accounting degree back in 1984. Taking these courses made Tony self-motivated and sparked his desire to learn more. After completing his degree, he sought employment. Unfortunately, he was not able to find work, and, in his own words, "not much transpired" during this period of time.
Shortly thereafter, the tide of good fortune began to turn for Tony. Roxanne Slaughter, a rehabilitation counselor at the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, put Tony in touch with Doug Owens, President of Owens Computer Group. Because Tony was interested in producing artwork, Doug trained him on CorelDraw! Within a short period of time, with the help of Doug's training, Tony became very proficient with this software program, even entering some of his work in a local University of Virginia competition.
Tony then pursued obtaining a business license to market his new computer skills. He designed a card and brochure and began to market himself to obtain funds for advertising. Over these last several years Tony has been successfully doing business in the Charlottesville area, designing logos, business cards, brochures, T-shirt designs, invitations, camera -ready shots of artwork, color separations and design work for the silk screen printing process. In spite of his physical limitations, Tony works close to 9 to 5 job each day with the various clients he serves.
For More Information Contact:
Source: Technology Tamers a the computer services division of Owens Computer Group. They are an award winning business whose goal is to train and employ individuals with disabilities.
Owens Computer Group
Doug Owens
Technology Tamers
1932 Arlington Blvd. Suite 4
1933 Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
(804)293-3377
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