Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities: Bridging the Gap for Businesses / Meet The Small Business Award Winners

Chamber Amplified

About the Guest(s):
Alanna Smith is a dedicated professional working with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), a state agency focused on empowering Ohioans with disabilities in employment and independence. Elena serves as a Business Relations Specialist and plays a vital role in providing employers with a network of services and resources to promote a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Stan and Aaron Doty are a father and son duo from Doty Dental, winners of the 2023 Family Owned Business Award. Stan Doty, the founder, has a longstanding history in the dental practice and community engagement in Findlay, Ohio. His commitment to both professional and civic life is echoed by his son, Aaron Doty, who brings a fresh perspective to the established family practice as he steps into the business.

Episode Summary:
Alanna Smith from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities shares her insights on how businesses can become more accessible for individuals with disabilities while staying abreast of the latest workplace accommodations. Following Elena, Stan and Aaron Doty of Doty Dental join the show to celebrate their recognition as the 2023 Small Business Award winners and discuss the dynamics of a family-owned business.

Alanna's segment provides a thorough overview of the services OOD offers to businesses and individuals, highlighting accessibility in the workplace and debunking common myths regarding employment accommodations. Offering an optimistic view, Alanna underscores that accommodations can be cost-effective, with many resources available to assist employers in integrating a more diverse workforce.

Stan and Aaron Doty's conversation offers a glimpse into the multigenerational management of Doty Dental. They emphasize the continuous learning and adaptability necessary to drive a legacy forward within a family business. Their reflections provide inspiration and guidance for businesses looking to pass the torch to new generations.
Key Points:
0:02:22 | Discussion on the services and resources provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.
0:04:19 | Addressing employer concerns about hiring people with disabilities.
0:06:29 | Accessible Ohio program offers free resources and accommodations for employers.
0:07:30 | Process for employers to connect with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.
0:09:12 | Success story of helping an employee with a traumatic brain injury continue working.
0:11:34 | Benefits of retaining employees with disabilities and eliminating onboarding costs.
0:14:31 | Introduction to Doty Dental, winners of the Family Owned Small Business Champion of the Year award.
0:15:51 | Stan Doty's decision to start Doty Dental in Findlay.
0:18:38 | Aaron Doty's decision to join the family business.
0:19:23 | Sense of community and pride in Findlay and Hancock County.
0:20:12 | Findlay's unique combination of a large enough customer base and a close-knit community.
0:21:33 | Advice for businesses with the next generation joining or taking over.
0:23:21 | Aaron's comfort in asking questions and learning from his father's experience.
0:24:43 | Older generation and new generation challenges in family-owned businesses

Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com