Marty Mathews:

I’ve spent my life working harder than those around me to make it right.

Growing up, I was considered the “underdog” in my neighborhood—the one who would never achieve success—because of my family dynamics.

Inspiration to go beyond the expected

At a very young age, I watched my favorite superheroes like Underdog, Superman, The Incredible Hulk, and Batman. They would use their skills, along with cool gadgets and powers to fight off the bad guys. They also inspired others to be part of the solution and not the problem. This was my “A-Ha moment” that inspired me to develop my own “superpowers.” It was also the beginning of a lifelong commitment to going beyond what’s expected – and helping others do the same.

Succeeding by working harder

Throughout my youth, I continued to develop these “powers” by working harder than anyone else. I became curious about everything, often taking on difficult challenges to prove my adversaries wrong. Though I was considered too small and not tough enough to play, football was one of my favorite sports. But I proved everyone wrong. I used my quickness, my spin moves, and improved my overall toughness to earn the respect of my teammates and be counted on as a key player.

Never giving up

Another challenge I faced and overcame was during my college years as an industrial designer. I was up against minimal diversity in art school and entering a field dominated by white males. Even though I was blessed with natural talent as an artist, I still had to use my “superpowers” to develop my skillset and rise to the top by learning different sketching techniques, expanding my knowledge of the design field to solve problems, and often working late into the night preparing for daily presentations.

 Paying it forward

Today, I bring my drive and expertise in design to help businesses defy the odds and reach their full potential. I provide innovative solutions to their fulfillment needs through harnessing the “superpowers” of the developmentally disabled community—a dedicated, highly trainable, and traditionally undervalued workforce.

Together, we work to maximize both business and human potential. Together, we make it right.

MartyMathews@makeitrightforall.com