Joel Wegener, of Loveland, Ohio, knew that finding work would not be easy for Josh, 18, and Mary Kate, 21, both with Down syndrome. So in April, he decided to buy an ice cream truck and create the job that no one was offering them.
They called it Special Neat Treats, a nod to its special employees. Joel teaches them how to handle money, talk to customers, smile, and greet anyone who approaches. Josh already understands it clearly: you have to make them smile because everyone screams for ice cream.
The business exceeded all expectations: nearly 5,000 desserts sold and plans to add more trucks next summer. Joel, the father of eight other children, sums it up this way: no matter what skills you have, there is always something you can do to bring joy to others.
