Serving others for a greater good
Providing world-class products and services to customers helps us support upward mobility for the blind and visually impaired.
Our mission. Our promise.
At Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IBVI), our marching orders are straightforward. They can be distilled into five simple core statements:
- Create and grow employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Provide the best, most cost-effective industrial supplies and friendly customer service.
- Be the leading voice in educating businesses on how to create, design, and build accessible workplaces for the blind and visually impaired.
- Balance job creation, capital investments, and profitability while adhering to regulatory requirements. ISO 9001:2015 certified.
- Create an open, collaborative environment that fosters innovative business ideas, engages employees, and adds a true sense of belonging.
– Matt B., IBVI team member since 2014
Our Core Values
Our Management Team
CJ Lange
President and CEO
CJ Lange joined IBVI in 2000 and is the President and CEO of Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc. (IBVI) and the architect of a highly successful career during which he has innovated around technology, consistently implemented and executed strategies successfully, and unified the organization to create business opportunities for the blind and visually impaired. With keen insight for identifying new channels of business development and a talent for building and managing high-performing teams that fuel growth and creative positive change, CJ drives IBVI’s mission to create superior customer products and services, and be a difference-maker in people’s lives.
Patrick Crain
Chief Manufacturing and Logistics Officer
With over 20 years of distribution and manufacturing experience and a dedication for continuous improvement, Patrick is the ideal person to oversee day-to-day manufacturing, distribution, supply chain, and engineering operations. His commitment to his team is evidenced in his close mentorship of managees.
Jeff Madden
Chief Financial Officer
Jeff joined IBVI in 2019 after gaining over 25 years of accounting experience in the food manufacturing industry. In his role at IBVI, Jeff oversees the daily functions of the accounting and finance teams, human resources, pricing, and contracts teams. Jeff brings to IBVI vast accounting and system implementation experience from both large public companies and small family owned operations alike. In looking for a change and a new career opportunity, Jeff was drawn to IBVI by their mission and the opportunity to make a difference. He intends to use his knowledge and expertise to help IBVI continue to grow that mission.
Rich Weigold
Senior Vice President, Product & Channel Management
Rich joined IBVI in 1996 as a Warehouse Shipping/Receiving Manager. In the years since, he has shaped new markets, developed strategies for expansion, and forged key partnerships—all of which have led directly to increased employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired.
Todd Hobart
Vice President of BSC Store Operations
Todd joined IBVI in 2008 after working more than 20 years in retail management, 17 of which in the office supply industry. He oversees the Government Retail Business units, which include the BSC’s, COCESS and COPARS locations. Todd is also the acting Chairperson for the BSC Best Practice Committee, where he works with all AbilityOne BSC Agencies and National Industries for the Blind to improve and sustain the BSC Program. Todd is grateful and honored to assist and collaborate with associates who are blind and visually impaired, as well as support the United States military with the products they need to protect this country.
Through the years
1952
1998
2006
2018
1970
1999
2017
Employment with purpose
In 1948, Paul Fryda had a vision: to provide a job for his brother, who was blind. So he opened Alwin Products Co. Within just a few years, he renamed it Industries for the Blind, and restructured it as a nonprofit to create more jobs for the blind community. Today, 70 years later, more than 75% of our labor on AbilityOne contracts is done by individuals who are blind or visually impaired—continuing our mission to bring new purpose to their lives.
