Dynamic Duo Thrive at Lenny Boy

There is a powerful sense of gratification when businesses come together to form a mutually beneficial relationship... 

Staffing shortages have impacted small businesses around the country, and Lenny Boy was no exception.  In August of last year when we were searching for new members of our production team, we found a solution just across the street from our South Tryon St. taproom with UMAR, a non-profit with a mission to promote community inclusion, independence, and growth for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, employment, and cultural enrichment opportunities.

UMAR stepped in with two eager employees ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.  Kenna and Stephanie, roommates at a UMAR group home in Charlotte, have found themselves right at home with their new part-time jobs preparing shipping boxes for our bottled kombucha.

“It worked out perfectly,” Lenny Boy owner Nathan Villaume said. “We couldn’t find someone since it was only a few hours a week and these two were right across the street at the arts center. They’ve been doing an awesome job.”

The two are a dynamic duo working together to label, fold, and stack hundreds of boxes during their two shifts each week. Since starting in August 2021, they’ve quickly become masters of their craft. Stephanie is an ace of label placement, ensuring each box is labeled with impressive speed. Kenna, an expert box folder, sees that each box is assembled and stacked on a pallet before moving to the bottling and packing area of the warehouse.

When asked what her favorite part about the job is, Kenna said “Everything. I like working hard...I like the money.” Stephanie couldn’t agree more; she’s saving her hard-earned money for some snazzy sneakers while Kenna is saving for gifts for loved ones.

Beyond the joy of earning a paycheck, Kenna and Stephanie exude a sense of pride in their work and it's infectious to the rest of the Lenny Boy team.

“It’s an important part of what we do,” UMAR’s Director of Vocational Training Kathy Grant said. “We strive to make sure our residents and participants are able to find meaningful employment and feel like a part of a team. It gives them a great sense of value and purpose.”

Learn more about UMAR here.