Martin Garage Door IsAccessible To The Customer AndEasy To Find.
The man behind the packet also showcases something about a Utah company that is trying to reach beyond the normal and illustrate a value system that is inclusive of handicaps.
Dave Longson, 38, has Down Syndrome. In many business circles he would be considered too handicapped to play a role in a progressive company. But not at Martin Door Manufacturing, where he has worked for the past 16 years. Dave's hands are literally on every garage door that leaves the Utah facility. He assembles every packet found on every Martin Door Manufacturing product. It is a thankless task that perhaps could be automated or contracted out, but for Dave it has become his niche---
his means of employment---his means of finding his identity in the workplace.
"This is a company that has heart. Dave's a part of Martin Door," Marty Christiansen said. Marty is Dave's in-house supervisor and helps coordinate his efforts. She supplies the materials that Dave collates at home every week.
Initially Longson worked at the factory and did some custodial duties. He had job coaches on site that helped his transition. With time he was moved to another department. His personality was too gregarious and his attention span too short to add to the chemistry in that role, according to Larry Martin, vice president of the company. MDM found another niche, which worked out better for Longson, his parents and the company.
Using his parents as his job coaches, Martin Door helped set Dave up in a new position where he could work out of his home. The move works out better for Dave's parents as well since they no longer have to transport him daily to and from work. His parents come into MDM once every week or two weeks to pick up supplies and to find out the necessary amount of packets that will need to be assembled.
Dave's father, Frank Longson, says he tells his son each day how many packets and boxes are needed to keep pace with production and he responds accordingly.
Frank Longson said Dave's job at Martin Door is critical in the life of his son. "It's extremely important to him. At times there is a delay between receiving materials and that is hard on him. What's important? The fact that he's gainfully employed," Frank Longson said.
Larry Martin said society needs to recognize the presence of people like Dave and reach out and help provide some solutions. He thinks it is something every company should do.
Martin Door is important to Dave but he does have other passions as well. He's a Utah Jazz season ticket holder and quite an athlete himself. In 20 plus years of competition in Special Olympics he's accumulated over 75 medals in basketball and skiing including a silver and bronze in international Special Olympics competition in 1981.
Dave Longson, 38, has Down Syndrome. In many business circles he would be considered too handicapped to play a role in a progressive company. But not at Martin Door Manufacturing, where he has worked for the past 16 years. Dave's hands are literally on every garage door that leaves the Utah facility. He assembles every packet found on every Martin Door Manufacturing product. It is a thankless task that perhaps could be automated or contracted out, but for Dave it has become his niche---
his means of employment---his means of finding his identity in the workplace.
"This is a company that has heart. Dave's a part of Martin Door," Marty Christiansen said. Marty is Dave's in-house supervisor and helps coordinate his efforts. She supplies the materials that Dave collates at home every week.
Initially Longson worked at the factory and did some custodial duties. He had job coaches on site that helped his transition. With time he was moved to another department. His personality was too gregarious and his attention span too short to add to the chemistry in that role, according to Larry Martin, vice president of the company. MDM found another niche, which worked out better for Longson, his parents and the company.
Using his parents as his job coaches, Martin Door helped set Dave up in a new position where he could work out of his home. The move works out better for Dave's parents as well since they no longer have to transport him daily to and from work. His parents come into MDM once every week or two weeks to pick up supplies and to find out the necessary amount of packets that will need to be assembled.
Dave's father, Frank Longson, says he tells his son each day how many packets and boxes are needed to keep pace with production and he responds accordingly.
Frank Longson said Dave's job at Martin Door is critical in the life of his son. "It's extremely important to him. At times there is a delay between receiving materials and that is hard on him. What's important? The fact that he's gainfully employed," Frank Longson said.
Larry Martin said society needs to recognize the presence of people like Dave and reach out and help provide some solutions. He thinks it is something every company should do.
Martin Door is important to Dave but he does have other passions as well. He's a Utah Jazz season ticket holder and quite an athlete himself. In 20 plus years of competition in Special Olympics he's accumulated over 75 medals in basketball and skiing including a silver and bronze in international Special Olympics competition in 1981.
