NDEAM Profile: Jeff Hayne, Film Distributor, Paraplegic

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we profiled Jeff Hayne, a film distributor, husband and father of teenage twins from Minnesota.

In the comments, please share if you are ❤ working post spinal cord injury, 💚 when you started, and 💙 what you love most about your job 👍

Name?

Jeff Hayne

Age?

44

Where Do You Live?

Minneapolis, Minnesota

How and When Were You Injured?

“Single vehicle accident, July 1, 2000.”

Were You Employed Pre-Injury?

“I was working as a bartender at a restaurant prior to my final year of college.”

What is Your Current Job and What Do You Do?

“I got my first job two weeks after I graduated from college – which was 9 months post injury. My first job was working for a record and film distributor in Los Angeles and now I work for a film distributor here in Minneapolis.” “I run a division of Alliance Entertainment Holdings called Mill Creek Entertainment. We distribute film and TV content to retailers and digital platforms around the world.”

How Did You Find Your Job?

“The alumni foundation at my college introduced me to a former graduate looking for someone with a communications degree.”

How Long Did You Search for Your Current Job?

“My job found me after I started going to elementary schools to talk about disabilities and self esteem – local paper did a big story about it that my future employer read and he then wanted me to come work for him in California.”

Please Name Any Programs That Supported You Finding or Maintaining Your Current Job:

None.

What Kind of Disability Accommodations, If Any, Have You Requested and Received from Your Employer?

“We got rid of the office chair at my desk so I could roll right up to my computer and get started.”

Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks to Share on Finding a Job?

“Do what you love and forget all the reasons that being disabled makes your life more challenging – employers want happy employees that show up and get their job done consistently.”

Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks to Share on Maintaining Employment for the Long-Term?

“Show up early. Be pleasant to work with. Don’t complain unless you’ve considered a realistic solution that you would like to share. Be reliable as it pertains to your boss’s needs. Smile and have some fun!

If You Could Go Back in Time, What Advice Would You Give Yourself Before Pursuing Your Job or Career Path?

“I don’t think I would – not knowing what the challenges were allowed me to not worry about the future and to assume all would work out as it was intended. All you can do is show up every day and do your best and hope that your contributions help the business run smoothly and profitably.”

Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Add About Your Job Search or Employment Experience?

“Be confident – employers want their employees to be self assured and feel as if that employee will make their company a better place.”

— Follow Jeff on IG at https://www.instagram.com/jeffhayne/