A Mercer University student started a gourmet peanut business in April. Now, he's looking to hire people who have disabilities to help him run it. Mac Brydon has a big heart and big dreams to match it.
"You have the regular salted, you have a butter toasted with a nice butter sugar glaze, and then you have Cajun spice," said Brydon.
Those are just some of the flavors he sells in his peanut business, which he calls "Bear Food." Now Brydon wants adults with special needs to help with his business.
"So I've grown up with the special needs community my entire life. I love them to death. I think they are great people and just have so much life to them," said Brydon.
Miller, Brydon's older brother, has Down syndrome. He and the rest of the family inspired Brydon's business. Now he wants to give people with special needs a chance to gain work experience and build relationships.
"A lot of companies are hesitant to work with those special needs adults just because they don't know how capable they are or what they are able to do," said Brydon.
Brydon says they are capable. He partnered with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to interview people who would be responsible for labeling, shipping, and handling.
"This is not a cause. This is empowering them and getting them involved with a real life business. They just happen to be benefiting," said Brydon.
Brydon says Bear Food gave him a chance to combine a product, a niche, and a passion.
"I want everyone to know that this is the reason why I want to work with special needs adults. It's because of him," said Brydon.
Brydon gets to see Miller and the rest of his family for the business ribbon cutting on Friday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. in the Mercer Innovation Center, Smisson Complex.