All We Do Is Win!

By John Samuel

In 2019, I was named to Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. Not only was I a younger person back then, but our business was just an infant! I remember feeling like an imposter at the time, despite having a successful career prior to launching LCI Tech. That’s because I was measuring my success at the time by the size of our revenue, or lack thereof! What I didn’t realize at the time was that my true accomplishments couldn’t be seen on the Profit and Loss Statement, but they were actually in the development of the people on the team. Although only 1 person remains from the original team, I can say with confidence that all of them have achieved individual success and upward mobility in their careers, which I couldn’t be prouder of!

Over the past few years, the Ablr trophy case has become quite full, starting with Mike being included in Raleigh’s Fearless and Forty in 2021, which was then followed up with our team winning the NC Tech DEI award in 2022! And how could I forget Shannon who was recognized as one of the National Industries for the Blind employees of the year in 2022! Then Liv and Sarah were selected as NC Tech and Business NC’s Next Tech list in 2023 and 2024, respectively! But that’s not all, just this past month, our Team was selected as one of Triangle Business Journal’s DEI leaders, and Kim Casey received a nomination for the IAAP Impact Leader of the year!

I think DJ Khaled says it best: “All we do is win, win, win, no matter what”!

I don’t share this to brag, but rather highlight the culture that we are trying to build at Ablr – not only for our team, but more importantly for our candidates. I want everyone to feel part of a winning team, because it builds confidence, it gives hope, and it inspires people to push through the barriers that stand in the way – which is important for all people on their employment journey, but even more so for those with disabilities.

I’m so glad that we are riding a winning streak into the month of October, because it’s also National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and we can share the spotlight that is on our team. NDEAM is a time we recognize and acknowledge the contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workforce and give appreciation to those who are working to improve accessibility and equity for all people.

It’s not the awards or recognitions that our team receives that makes me proud, but rather it’s the way the team shows up every single day, fueled by our mission to eliminate the digital divide, change the mindsets of people and organizations, and create pathways for employment! It’s because of their commitment and passion for our work that we can say that we are truly helping to make an impact on the employment of people with disabilities and living the purpose and essence of NDEAM. And I know, if we continue to do this, all we are going to do is “win, win, win, no matter what”.

If you want to be part of a winning team this National Disability Employment Awareness Month, reach out to us to learn more about our accessibility services, disability inclusion training, and our amazing candidates in our workforce development program! Take that first step to being part of our winning culture!