Cause and Effect
Lisa Knoppe Reed has a very unique work force. "They feel lucky to have a job, and I feel lucky to work with them," she says.
Her company, Art For A Cause LLC, employs people with mental and physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and autism. "We don't employ them because we feel sorry for them but because everyone deserves a chance to work, and they do a great job," she explains.
Knoppe Reed, 45, started the company, which creates and sells hand-painted tools and furniture, in her kitchen in 1998. She had just left the corporate world and was looking for a career that could make a difference in the lives of others. During her time off, she started painting furniture and tools, selling them and donating a percentage of the proceeds to charities.
Continue reading this article - and everything on Entrepreneur!
We make some of our best content available to Entrepreneur subscribers only. Become a subscriber for just $5 to get an ad-free experience, exclusive access to premium content like this, and unlock special discounts.
Entrepreneur Editors' Picks
-
Crypto Doesn't Have to Be Serious. Just Ask This Comedian Who Organized a Conference About Failure in the Industry.
-
Want to Succeed? Turn Your Fixed Mindset Into a Growth Mindset.
-
Google's CEO Is Asking Employees 3 Simple Questions to Boost Productivity
-
'Greatest Storyteller Wins.' Katy Perry on the Surprising Link Between Pop Stardom and Entrepreneurship.
-
How to Unleash Your Creativity and Transform Your Marketing Strategy
-
The 5 Personalities You Meet in a Coworking Space
-
'Man's Best Friend' — and Investment: The Thriving Industry of Pet-Related Franchising