| Evolution of an Artisan
By Marie Westfall, Organizational Consultant
at The Rural Institute
Gene arrived in Missoula, Montana in the mid-1980s
with his wife and children, after years of traveling around the
country, performing a variety of jobs in many states, and being
unemployed more often than he was employed. Welfare was his safety
net when he was between jobs, and jobs were getting harder for
him to find. By the time he was 40 years old, his degenerative
hip disorder had become a chronic source of pain, making it difficult
for him to walk, stand, or even sit for extended periods. And
after years of being “in the system,” stress was also
getting in the way of Gene’s job success; sometimes he would
misunderstand employer comments, feel stressed, and end up in
a conflict with people.
Vocational Rehabilitation
In 1994 Gene was on Welfare and Vocational Rehabilitation
determined he was eligible for assistance because of his physical
disability. This was the beginning of a vocational discovery process
that lasted several years. After paying for a traditional vocational
evaluation, Vocational Rehabilitation hired a community rehabilitation
agency to assist Gene in exploring areas of interest and do job
development, with a goal of a traditional job placement. But having
Gene apply for whatever jobs were available in town wasn’t
working; he was still unemployed most of the time.
Gene needed to discover what he wanted to do
before he could focus on a work goal, plus he needed to work around
his physical limitations and stamina issues. He also worked best
independently. Exploring options and building trust took time.
The verbal brainstorming that job developers do with job seekers
was arduous for Gene. He didn’t have a clear idea of what
he wanted to do. Vocational Rehabilitation and his job developer
didn’t give up on Gene. After nearly three years of discussing
employment options, Gene, his job developer, and Vocational Rehabilitation
counselor decided self-employment was a viable option. Gene’s
job developer discovered Gene had an interest in music and had
a musical background dating back to 1965. The job developer also
learned about Gene’s ability to work with his hands, and
his experience with wood and tools. In 1997, with the assistance
of Vocational Rehabilitation, Gene enrolled in a violin-family
instruments repair school with the goal of becoming a violin making
artisan and opening his own instrument repair business.
After graduating from this school, he returned
to Missoula to open his own repair shop. He currently sells and
repairs violin-family instruments, acoustic guitars, and mandolins.
He also restores and builds violins and offers violin classes
for adults who want to learn how to play a musical instrument.
He works out of his home and can adjust his work schedule to accommodate
his disabilities.
Blending Resources and Supports
Since returning from school, Gene has received
supports in various forms and business development funding from
several sources. Together, supports and funding have helped him
get his business off the ground and expand his earning potential.
Initially Gene received financial assistance from a Montana state
Welfare program ($2,000) to purchase supplies for his business.
During the seven years Vocational Rehabilitation served him, Gene
received tuition for school, career exploration, a computer, supplies,
software, and phone services, totaling over $24,000 towards his
employment goal. Most recently, while Vocational Rehabilitation
continues to keep Gene’s case open, the Rural Institute
at the University of Montana, through MontanaWorks and a grant
with the Montana Job Training Partnership, has been able to provide
invaluable support including $3,000 in business development funds.
In addition to funds for business development,
Gene has received a variety of supports from the many professionals
who have helped with his business development. Some of the help,
financial and other, he has received includes:
• assistance writing his business plan and developing his
business idea
• expansion ideas for reaching beyond the local market to
state and national markets
• price comparison research in the local community, so he
could set competitive prices
• managing daily operations
• web research, web page design, and listings on various
luthier web sites
• designing and purchasing advertising in local musical
programs and newsletters
• developing an instrument inventory, parts, and supplies
• researching and buying business insurance
• designing and purchasing phone book advertising
• buying a business phone line
• individualized small business and accounting software
instruction from a CPA.
Evolution of an Artisan
Self-employment is working for Gene because it
was a great match of his interest and abilities. By owning and
operating his own business, he is able to work when he feels good,
work independently, and take pride his work. But more that just
a small business owner, Gene is now a “luthier”—a
violin artisan. His customers recommend him highly for his fine
quality work. His work has transformed his life. He can take care
of himself and be there for his family. He isn’t wearing
himself out in jobs he hates. He has built successful relationships
with community resources and knows where to go for help. He has
goals and wants to keep expanding his business.
The differences in this man, since 1994 when
he did not have any idea of what he wanted to do or what he could
do, are absolutely amazing. In 1994, his spirit was beaten and
on his good days he would have to drag himself in for meetings.
Today, he walks with difficulty, but there is a spring in each
step. His eyes sparkle and his pride shows in his smile. His voice
on his business answering machine is professional and upbeat.
Gene enjoys life as an artisan and small business owner.
Contact Information
Marie Westfall,
Organizational Consultant
The Rural Institute
52 Corbin Hall
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-4852
westfall@selway.umt.edu
|
