Matthew Morreale’s goals are simple. He wants to go to Disney theme parks in Paris, in Tokyo, in Orlando – so he works.
His mom hopes for more. She dreams of independence for her autistic son. She imagines that he someday will live in his own apartment, earning enough money to pay for it himself. She wouldn’t worry so much about dying someday if she knew Matthew could do all that.
As the autism boom ages its way through the education system, thousands of Orange County children with autism will soon enter adulthood. Matthew Morreale, 24, could help answer a question that vexes advocates, politicians and parents of autistic children: Can we help these adults be more than a tax burden?
Matthew is thought to be the first local example of a statewide trend. He runs a microenterprise, a small niche business that can be launched with minimal funding yet make a steady profit.
Matthew runs the Matthew James Co., a shredding business that began this year with a single client but is already looking to hire additional employees. His brochure promises that he’ll “shred the competition.”
His first client was Atria Woodbridge, a senior living center in Irvine. Once a week he takes his shredder – about waist-high, and about 50 pounds – and shreds junk mail, old bills and business documents for residents and staff.
For Matthew, the money means fulfilling his own dreams of taking his family to Disney theme parks around the world. For now, he has to be content with his weekly visits to Disneyland on his days off.
Photo by Morreale Family.
Angela on July 29th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Stories like this one are very inspiring. It’s always good to hear about someone overcoming a problem to do something big.
cassy on July 29th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Well… if this autistic man can make it, why not the others. Autism is not a hindrance, we family must be supportive with them.
Reginald on July 30th, 2008 at 5:58 am
I enjoyed this post as it illustrated how far a determined mind can take you in the business world.
It also emphasized the concept that there is a business suited for every individual. It just needs to be properly identified for each individual.
Self-employment is no longer the far-fetched dream of a small percentage of the working class. There are some business experts who say that now is the time to invest in your own business.
With numerous business consultants predicting that the stock markets are in for a rough ride, an online business with its lower costs appears to be the more sensible choice.
Well-known journalist and television host, John Daly, utilized his expertise to create an online series of interviews with creators of online marketing programs with a track record for turning some people into millionaires.
The obvious benefit of this approach is that individuals actually get to see and hear the people behind these successful programs.
‘The Real Money Show’ is designed to help anyone, with the interest, to find an online business well suited for them and give them the opportunity to live the lifestyle they decide.
annalaurabrown on August 2nd, 2008 at 8:29 am
I love hearing stories like this. As someone who has struggled with a minor form of autism and yet is also a part time entrepreneur, it makes me realize if he can do it then for sure I can keep going and do it too.