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Man Takes Stock in his Job

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Ryan Crosby has worked for almost a decade at the Publix on Mahan Drive as a Front Service Clerk. During that time he has taken advantage of an employee perk and bought stock in Publix. "I'm an owner of this store," says Crosby. His boss says he excels at customer service.

"Ryan is a good associate. He knows many customers on a first name basis. He's also funny and likes to joke around," says Customer Service Manager Latasha Anthony.

Crosby's duties include bagging groceries, helping people take them to their cars, and clearing carts from the parking lot. He makes a point to find out if a customer wants paper or plastic bags and is careful in filling the bags. He'll also attempt to help parents out by waving with a smile at young children getting restless riding in the shopping cart.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to their community. APD provides Crosby with assistance through the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid waiver, such as transportation and supported employment.

Crosby says, "I have made friends here. It is a nice place to work. They take care of you here." His job is helping him achieve one of his goals. He is saving up his paychecks to purchase his own home in the future. "I'm working on buying a house." He's hoping to find one in the neighborhood near his job.

The agency currently serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit www.apd.myflorida.com.

CAPTION FOR PHOTO---Ryan Crosby.