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Once upon a time a few years ago, there was a handsome guy named Jason. After working as a computer engineer at Disney Feature Animation, Jason decided to pursue his passion, Assistive Technology, working with children with disabilities, teaching them to use computers. Despite a dramatic cut in pay, Jason was happy in his new field ... well mostly happy.
One day Jason met a pretty woman, Cecilia. Cecilia also worked with children with disabilities as a pediatric occupational therapist. Two years later, they were married. In no time at all, Cecilia gave birth to a baby girl, and Jason jumped for joy.
Faced with the prospect of putting their baby in daycare, they both quit their jobs and started a business together. They bought a small, older house and converted a nook behind the kitchen into "THE OFFICE." Jason got contracts with several school districts to teach special education students to use computers. Cecilia started going house-to-house doing therapy with children in their homes. And they both worked part-time so they could be home with their baby girl. They were happy ... well mostly happy.
A couple years and one more baby girl later, is when our story meets with the present day. Without a background in business, the learning curve is steep. Cecilia, who is occasionally prone to worry at night, thinks about "Websites? Brochures? Advertise? Incorporate? Non-profit? Insurance?" Jason, who is occasionally prone to stress during the day, thinks about, "Employees? Balance sheets? Office space? Taxes?" But they both continue to work hard and the business is always in the black.
Jason dreams of becoming a manager. Hiring staff to do the ongoing work with his current clients would free him up to do business development. He also dreams of having a facility that children and adults with disabilities can come to for assessments, education and training. A facility would allow people with disabilities to "test drive" computers, software and other specialized equipment, and to determine if it is right for them.
Cecilia also dreams of becoming a manager. She knows that children and adults with disabilities need access to multidisciplinary teams -- occupational, physical and speech therapists, and a psychologist -- all working together. She dreams of having a gym space, where children with disabilities can swing, climb, jump, do art, ride bikes, sing songs, run and laugh. A facility can be a space for classes -- mommy and me, yoga, social skills, parent or sibling support groups -- a place where kids can have fun, parents can get help, and families can be supported.
So at the end of our story, Jason and Cecilia win the Kiplinger's contest. They get the help that they need to grow a business that supports not just their own family, but also the families of the community, while still maintaining the balance between work and family life that inspired them to start a business in the first place. And they are happy ... absolutely happy.