When Mary Angelini looked at her daughter Gabi’s future, she saw what many parents of children with developmental disabilities see – uncertainty. As Gabi approached adulthood, the question that kept Mary up at night wasn’t just “What’s next?” but “How can I ensure my daughter lives a fulfilling, purposeful life?”
This maternal concern sparked an entrepreneurial journey that would transform Gabi’s life and create opportunities for countless others in the Raleigh, North Carolina, community.
Powered by Gabi’s, a fulfillment center that handles everything from Lid Licking BBQ sauce to branded merchandise from Peter Millar, AmerisourceBergen, and Brand Fuel.
Unlike traditional warehousing operations, this company has a unique workforce: adults with developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities.
The statistics tell a sobering story.
According to the CDC, approximately 17% of adults in the United States have a developmental disability. Yet, the employment rate for working-age people with disabilities is just 35%, compared to 76% for those without disabilities.
This represents millions of capable individuals who want to work but face limited opportunities.
Mary saw beyond these statistics. She recognized that many adults with special needs possess valuable skills suited to detail-oriented tasks – essential in order fulfillment and quality control. What they needed wasn’t charity; they required opportunity.
I met Mary and Gabi through my friend, Danny Rosin, from Brand Fuel. When I told him about the new brand’s mission, Lid Licking Sauce, he immediately suggested I speak to Mary for our direct-to-consumer business fulfillment. Since Lid Licking Sauce’s secret ingredient is philanthropy, Danny said the Lid Licking Sauce team should meet with Mary and Gabi.
Say Hey to Gabi
Gabi, the company’s namesake and inspiration, exemplifies this potential. Her attention to detail and dedication to tasks that others might find repetitive make her an invaluable team member. Whether carefully packaging artisanal BBQ sauce or ensuring clothing orders are correctly sorted, Gabi approaches each task with focus and pride.
The company has developed innovative processes that play to its employees’ strengths. Workstations are designed with accessibility in mind, and tasks are broken down into manageable steps that allow each team member to excel in their role.
The result? a fulfillment operation that maintains high standards while creating meaningful employment opportunities.
But this isn’t just about providing jobs – dignity, purpose, and community integration. Every package that leaves Powered by Gabi’s warehouse represents a step toward a more inclusive workforce.
Their clients, ranging from shelf-stable foods to national brands, aren’t just getting reliable fulfillment services; they’re participating in a movement toward more inclusive business practices.
Powered By Gabi’s – Serving An Important Community
I see three compelling reasons why supporting businesses like Powered by Gabi’s is crucial for our community:
1. Economic Impact Through Diversity
Creating employment opportunities for adults with disabilities reduces dependency on social services while generating tax revenue and increasing consumer spending power. Enabling more members of our community to participate in the workforce strengthens our local economy.
2. Innovation Through Inclusion
Powered by Gabi’s, it has demonstrated that inclusive hiring practices can drive operational innovation. Their adapted workflows and systems often result in higher accuracy rates and improved quality control – proving that different perspectives and abilities can enhance business performance.
3. Brand Value Through Social Impact
Companies that partner with Powered by Gabi’s aren’t just outsourcing their fulfillment needs; they’re associating their brands with meaningful social impact. In an era where consumers increasingly support businesses that demonstrate social responsibility, this partnership offers tangible value beyond operational efficiency.
Making a Meaningful Contribution – Powered by Gabi’s
The success of Powered by Gabi challenges our preconceptions about workplace capabilities and reminds us that every individual has the potential to contribute meaningfully to our community. Mary and Gabi’s story isn’t just about a mother creating opportunities for her daughter—it’s about reimagining what’s possible when we build businesses that embrace and celebrate different abilities.
For businesses looking to make a difference while meeting their operational needs, Powered by Gabi offers a compelling model. They demonstrate that social impact and business success aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re mutually reinforcing.
As we look to build more resilient and inclusive communities, supporting enterprises like Powered by Gabi becomes not just a choice but an imperative. They remind us that sometimes the most powerful business innovations come not from technology or automation but from seeing the unique value in every individual.
How You Can Help
Do you know a company that might be open to working with a fulfillment center with a purpose? It can be a one-time project or ongoing distribution to consumers or retailers.
Reach out directly to Mary Angelini at mary@poweredbygabis.org or email me, Jeff Slater, at jeffslater@themarketingsage.com Visit Powered by Gabi’s website to learn more HERE.
Connect with Jeff at The Marketing Sage Consultancy. Interested in setting up a call with me? Use my calendly to schedule a time to talk. The call is free, and we can discuss your brand and marketing needs.
If you want to learn more about my new offering, The Trusted Advisor Board, you can click here to learn the details. Feel free to email me at jeffslater@themarketing sage.com or text 919 720 0995. Thanks for your interest in working with The Marketing Sage Consultancy.
