Tell us a little about your business. – Ryan’s Market (RyansMKT.com) is a small local store that sells wild bird feed, feeders, houses, heated bird baths, raw honey, jams, maple syrup, gift cards, puzzles, quilled earrings, ornaments and cards, silicon jar openers and trivets, hook latching products, calendars and candles.
How did you get started in the business? – I started raising compost worms so that I could sell them and the Vermicast, which is used for fertilizer. I then added rabbit feed and afterwards opened the store. Eventually, I want to produce my own line of bird feeders and houses so that others with disabilities can have a place to work. I also want to share this model with others around the country so that they can do the same.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I know that our location isn’t in prime retail space so getting customers has been the most difficult challenge. We are working on more marketing to let others know where we are located.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Learning about the products and how they are used. I am trying to learn what birds like about certain types of feed so that I can help customers choose the right feeder and feed.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have a mother, father and 8 siblings that I love very much. My siblings are scattered around the country, so I use Facetime to connect with them.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Learning about God and God’s word.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – When I can, take a trip to visit my brothers and sisters’ home. I also like to go on business trips, which for me is like a day off.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am a person with Down syndrome, and I have dreams just like everyone else. I like to build things. I love animals, especially when I can take care of them and pet them.
Who inspires you? – The Lord.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Loving.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I would like to learn to box. Due to a stroke, my doctor won’t let me, but they said I could when I turn 90 years old. So, for now, I’m working out at a gym.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I really love people and try to help them.
Which talent would you most like to have? – To be able to play music and sing songs better.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I would like to make a living being a musician.
What is your favorite movie? – Here Comes the Boom.
What is your favorite TV show? – I Love Lucy and I named my favorite rabbit after Lucy.
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – I can’t list just one so I will say Chick-fil-A & Hu Hot, Outback Steak House, Texas Roadhouse, Red Robin and I like to get coffee at Scooters and Rose Cat Coffee Company.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Email at Ryan@ryansmkt.com.