The son of Greg and Linda Short of Tipp City, Alex has Down syndrome and runs the company started during his senior year at Tippecanoe High School as part of Alex’s individualized education program.
“We started the business so that Alex could learn a trade and provide for himself,” Greg Short said.
He co-owns Partners in Recognition Inc., the Fort Loramie business from which Alex Industries operates. Once Alex Industries’ business grows enough, plans are to move it to its own building in Tipp City
In the meantime, Alex continues to grow the business, working both on the product as well as with customers.
The stones and bricks, once ordered, are covered with photosensitive masks in preparation for engraving with a laser. Once engraved, the stones are painted, the masking material removed and the stones/bricks covered with a protective coating.
Others help Alex set up the job and with painting. He is particularly good at the demasking and sanding, Greg Short said. “It is a simple step-by-step process. He can do much of it,” he said.
Alex has completed orders for a number of memorial stones, particularly for pets. Other stones and bricks can be made with inspirational verses, school logo, house numbers and various forms of recognition.
Although limited in some skills, including reading and speaking, Alex overcomes a lot with his personality, affectionate nature and polite manner, Greg Short said. “He is very engaging so when we go out to deliver, he wants to talk to people. He likes meeting the people,” he said.
Sales are through word of mouth and the web at http:alexindustries.org.
As his father explained the business, Alex worked on the order, telling him at one point, “We’ve got to keep moving.”
Alex said he doesn’t view the work as a job because he enjoys it. He said he likes receiving his paycheck and using part of it for lunches and to buy things for his iPad.
When not working, Alex is active in Special Olympics and likes to follow professional sports.
Samantha MacKellar, a Partners in Recognition employee, helped set up the laser for Alex to work on another stone.
“Working with him is so much fun. He is very, very sweet. It makes our day,” MacKellar said. “It reminds you to not take life too seriously.”
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