A Special Valentine

Valentine’s Day usually means something very special to those who have been in love and married for many years.  Here’s a story that started out sad, but ended up making a husband very happy–just in time for Valentine’s Day!  

As part of their portfolio of services, Image Microsystems of Austin, TX handles consumer returns and depot repair for major consumer electronics retailers.  One of those retailers is OfficeMax.  Frances Gallup manages the team that works on refurbishing the computers that come in from OfficeMax.  Here is the story she recently relayed to me:  

“Pablo Valle found a beautiful wedding ring in one of the HP returns we refurbish for OfficeMax.  He did not know if it was possible to track down the owner of the ring so he brought it to my attention. I called the store to find out if maybe they had an employee that matched the initials inscribed inside the band. Unfortunately my hunt hit a dead-end. I took the band to my boss Dan Thorne and he was able to reach out to one of his contacts at OfficeMax and in turn he reached out to the General Manager of the store. The trail ended with a search in their system and they contacted the owner.  All I can say is WOW! There were many hands involved in this search but through teamwork the ring now is heading home, thanks to a hard-working  and honest employee–Pablo Valle.  Pablo also happens to be hearing impaired.”  

Pablo Valle Holds the 29 Year Old Wedding Ring He Found

 

I’ve often written about Image Microsystems and how they offer e-waste refurbishment and recycling services to help the environment.  They also help the community by employing many deaf and special needs workers.  Image Microsystems partners with the Texas School for the Deaf by providing paid internships and full-time employment for their graduates.  Last fall the company won the Texas Employer Award from the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.   

This heart-warming story shows exactly how “paying it forward” really works.  Congratulations to Pablo and the rest of the Image Microsystems Team!

Austin Company Promotes Holiday Spirit Year-Round

The holiday spirit of giving lasts year-round at this company!

Ever Returned Electronics Back to the Store? Austin Company Turns e-Waste into Profit–and Helps the Deaf Community at the Same Time

I’m curious as to why more markets haven’t written about e-waste and employing the deaf community. I guess that’s because the world just doesn’t think writing about reducing e-waste, or helping and employing people with disabilities is all that sexy. That’s why I’m doing everything I can to get the word out about these two very important topics.

The Hiring of Deaf Workers Wins Image Microsystems Major Award

I’d like to take a moment to introduce you once again to a fantastic technology company with facilities in Commerce, California and Austin, Texas that diverts over 6 million tons of e-waste from landfills every year and at the same time helps the disabled community by employing deaf and special needs workers. In fact, as of today, more than 40% of Image Microsystems’ workforce comes from the deaf and special needs population.

Real e-Recycling–Plus Help for the Deaf Community Under One Roof–Awesome!

I recently visited an Austin company that I had never heard of before. It’s a real shame that they’re so low-profile, because the work they do should be trumpeted around the country! Not only are they one of a very few legitimate e-waste recyclers in the nation–but they also work very closely with the Texas School for the Deaf helping students and graduates with gainful employment. They are Image Microsystems.