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There is a reason Justin Caine talks a mile a minute and with such enthusiasm for the “Be Our Own Motivation” (BOOM) awards, held in November at re:con, The Convention of New Beginnings. Justin had a cancerous brain tumor hemorrhage at age 10. He had to re-learn everything since his toddler days. He was Sparrow Hospital’s 1994 “Miracle Child”.
Justin decided he was going to be independent, earn a living as an entrepreneur, advocate for the disabled to be recognized for excellence in sports, employment, education and creating entrepreneurial opportunities. He was also intent upon competing in the Paralympics, starting a flag football fundraiser, getting married and having a family.
He’s exceeded those goals and more. He co-owns Good Fruit Video, which assists companies, organizations and individuals in telling their stories through video. The client comes with an idea and a message. Good Fruit deploys trained video journalists to record the story and conduct interviews. The footage is edited and a professional video is ready for the client to use.
Justin has also created a website – Beyond Our Barriers (BOB) – that invites employers to post jobs, and individuals with disabilities to post their video resumes. This includes those born or with acquired disabilities and veterans.
Among BOB’s supporters are the Autism Alliance of Michigan, Dean Transportation, Good Fruit Video, MARO, Michigan Rehabilitation Organization and MSU Federal Credit Union. Employers join for free to list jobs, and search through video resumes to find the right job candidate. A video resume costs $600, which can be paid in installments. Contact http://bob4mi.com
What really gets him pumped are the BOOM awards, which he designed to recognize role models that have not allowed their disabilities to keep them from achieving excellence. Three awards are given at re:con, The Convention of New Beginnings, in Traverse City, Nov. 2-4 —
- Employee of the Year – Individual has made
significant contributions at their place of employment, displaying initiative and drive. - Entrepreneur of the Year – Individual has started and run a successful business for at least one year, showing inventiveness, tenacity and determination.
- Athlete of the Year – Individual who competes and excels in a
team or individual sport, with a high skill level, continuous improvement and
exceptional performance in a series of competitions.
To nominate a candidate for any of these awards, go to: BOOM Awards (Be Our Own Motivation) Facebook Page or call (517) 484-5588. Award sponsors are MARO and the Michigan Rehabilitation Organization.
Along with the awards, a Micro Enterprise Mall is an opportunity for small business exhibitors,
owned and operated by those with disabilities, to sell products and market services. A scholarship fund supports these entrepreneurs, and contributions help create opportunities for those experiencing barriers to employment. MARO had a relay team run in the Capital City River Run marathon in September. The team raises scholarship funds, which covers re:con, The Convention of New Beginnings exhibit fees a
nd overnight accommodations at the Grand Traverse Resort for micro business owners.
Justin is always in motion. He started Battlefield Brawl, an all-day flag football fundraiser that benefits several charities. This event pits amateurs with professionals, with teams of 8-10 raising $500 or more for the chance to play. Check out the 2017 event scheduled for late April.
He serves on the Small Business Association of Michigan’s Leadership Council. He’s also a Paralympic athlete, ranked #1 in the U.S. for shot put, discus and long jump. He attributes much of his success to his wife, Meaghan, and his inspiration to his daughter, Felicity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
BOOM Awards
What really gets him pumped are the BOOM awards, which he designed to recognize role models that have not allowed their disabilities to keep them from achieving excellence. Three awards are given at re:con, The Convention of New Beginnings, in Traverse City, Nov. 2-4. They are:
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Employee of the Year
Individual has made significant contributions at their place of employment, displaying initiative and drive.
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Entrepreneur of the Year
Individual has started and run a successful business for at least one year, showing inventiveness, tenacity and determination.
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Athlete of the Year
Individual who competes and excels in a team or individual sport, with a high skill level, continuous improvement and exceptional performance in a series of competitions.
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To nominate a candidate for any of these awards, go to: BOOM Awards (Be Our Own
Motivation) Facebook Page or call (517) 484-5588. Award sponsors are MARO and the Michigan Rehabilitation Organization.
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