When Marcus Moore, 29, was denied a management position due to his autism, he decided to channel his energy into becoming his own boss, resulting in the establishment of Moore Crunch, a pretzel company.
Moore had previously worked at local grocery stores, but he had always had the passion and desire to not only grow, but also to own a business, according to WSAZ 2 News.
“I know some jobs may not offer those supervisor positions, manager positions, because with autism I may lack some of those leadership skills,” Moore told WSAZ.
His parents influenced his decision to start a snack business. According to his father, Walter Mills, the entrepreneur came home one day upset because he wanted to know if what he made for a living was enough to support him as an adult.
After considering how much their son enjoyed snacks, they encouraged him to start his own pretzel business, which Moore did right away. Moore has sold over 600 bags of pretzels since starting his business.
“Just to see how people have embraced him — the social life that he never had, and the opportunities that he never really had growing up, they’re coming to him now,” Mills said.
His father has been his biggest supporter, since tasting his snacks. “Being a father is one of the most amazing experiences I think anyone could ever ask for. Being a father of an autistic young man has its challenges,” Moore’s father said. “But you’re always there for your child.
“You never stop fighting. You never stop loving them. You never stop pushing for them. And to see Marcus just push through and find something that he loves and for people to embrace him is one of the most incredible experiences any dad could ever ask for.”
Moore is now looking into expanding his business to a larger commercial kitchen and hiring other people with autism or disabilities to help him.
“Just helping to expand and show them how to do this gives them that chance and opportunity,” Moore explained, adding that it feels great to inspire others.
For the time being, he can be found selling his pretzels at Makers of Maryland in White Marsh, Crofton Farmers Market, Fells Point Farmers Market, and Eddie’s. Tidal Salt in Sykesville, Mama Mish’s Homemade Dishes, Cheers and Spirits in Arnold, and a pop-up store are among the others.