Ravenwood Construction

Bryon Smith had been working as a finish carpenter for more that 20 years when the many years of physical labor and repetitive movement resulted in a serious back injury. Several discs in his back were eroded, causing numbness in his legs and intense debilitating pain. 

Bryon had double fusion back surgery and went through physical therapy which resulted in some improvement in his condition, but he was unable to work for three years. The large construction firm where he had worked would not take him back because of his lifting restrictions and inability to work the long days required.

Unwilling to give up, Bryon decided to start his own business – Ravenswood Builders. Becoming self-employed would allow Bryon to be selective about the work he did, to take breaks when necessary and to adjust his work schedule on a daily basis to accommodate his disability. He contacted the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Easter Seals for help.

The Easter Seals Self-Employment Specialist provided one-on-one detailed technical business planning services through the creation of a business plan for Ravenswood Builders. After Bryon’s business plan was accepted by DVR, DVR was able to provide disability accommodations and some essential equipment to help Bryon succeed. The most urgent accommodation provided was an enclosed construction trailer. This saved Bryon the strain of loading and unloading tools and equipment every day. The enclosed trailer allows Bryon to easily move his construction equipment from one job site to another while protecting it from the elements and possible theft.