Governor 'Outboxed' Tuesday During Business Tour

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker took a step away from his duties as the state’s highest elected official to try out another person’s job. He found himself outmatched.

Walker stopped out at Tailored Label Products along Ridgewood Drive in Menomonee Falls Tuesday as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Walker worked alongside Tailored Label employee Patrick Young. Young is a mentally challenged, 8-year Tailored Label employee who also volunteers on the Wisconsin Board for People With Disabilities.

Young can fold roughly 180 square label boxes into form in an hour. He and Walker squared off in a folding match, and Walker was clearly the less competent folder. Young is a valued contributor at Tailored Label, and is an energetic spark for his co-workers.

“With more employers like this across the state we can have more individuals with developmental disabilities play a very productive role in our society and also help the profitably of a company,” Walker said. “It’s a good example that with the right work environment and relationships, it’s not only a win for people like Patrick, but also his employer.”

Tailored Label produces customized label and adhesive products and fulfills short-run to long-run orders. They’ve been providing this service for more than 25 years, and ranks as one of the top businesses in the state. Tailored Label President Mike Erwin said the company has doubled its revenue over the past decade. Erwin said he values Young’s contribution to the company.

“It’s something that we value immensely as part of the culture and to make jobs available for those that are a little challenged,” Erwin said.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month has roots tracing back to 1945 with the United States Department of Labor. Business can participate in the movement by simply hanging a poster to implementing a full disability education program. Walker visited another employee at a Piggly Wiggly in Lake Geneva later Tuesday morning.