This month’s Spotlight is on DSB's Business Enterprise Program (BEP). The Program offers a way for legally blind adults to become business owners and works with businesses and facilities seeking vending. Vending opportunities include automatic vending machines, micro markets, cafeterias, snack bars, counters, etc. Visit the Business Enterprise page on DSB’s website for additional information on the program, and blind vendor priority within the Randolph Sheppard Act.
BEP Partners with Vocational Rehabilitation to Create an Immersive Internship Experience
One of DSB’s Vocational Rehabilitation customers is interning with the Business Enterprise Program and has already become a highly engaged participant. Tanner Deck, a current BEP Licensee, has been very active with the Program, contributing to multiple subcommittees focused on shaping the future direction of BEP. His committee work spans the development and refinement of program procedures, the expansion of continuing education opportunities for participants, and the planning and coordination of the annual All State Conference, a signature event that unites BEP participants from across the state.
What makes Tanner’s contributions so valuable is the fresh perspective he brings to a program with a long-standing tradition. He approaches every challenge with sharp business instincts and sound judgment, offering practical, forward-thinking solutions grounded in lived experience. But his impact goes beyond strategy and problem-solving. He is equally focused on the people around him, working to foster a positive and productive environment where fellow licensees feel supported and empowered to succeed.
Tanner knows that a truly strong program is built on more than good policy — it is built on a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and shared ambition. That understanding, combined with his genuine passion for seeing BEP grow into something bigger and better, is what sets him apart. His story is a powerful reminder of what our customers are capable of when given the right opportunity and support.
Cafe Madeline Adds New Concept to Downtown Seattle Store
Cafe Madeline (on Yelp), owned by John Chang, is already known for its Korean style menu throughout the office buildings along the Westlake corridor in Seattle. The US Courthouse staff, Amazon neighbors, and local business employees stand in long lines daily for the experience.
John had a vision to expand his menu and take advantage of a new trend called K-Bap & Ramen bars. He partnered with BEP to remodel a portion of unused space in the cafe to launch his concept this past winter. So far it is gaining momentum, and customers are excited about the new items on offer.
BEP Cafe Story Included in Naval Newsletter
Patricia Maloney took over the two locations at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard this past year after long time owner Alan Madderra retired. DSB has enjoyed a great relationship with the Navy for many years and to help get the word out about the new owner, they created a fantastic article on the grand re-opening of the stores. The manager of the Anchors Aweigh Cafe located at the main gate location is quoted in the story, “We work hard to give the workers more than a bad cup of coffee. They can get one of those anywhere in town. We want to make sure our customers leave here with something they are happy with.” Read the full article about Maloney and Anchors Aweigh.
New BEP Vendor Committee Chairperson Shares Their Vision for the Program
The BEP Vendor Committee established for this year includes chairperson Shannon Warnke, vice-chair Mark Erickson, and representatives Robert Miller, Billy Albertson, Stephanie Hilton and John Chang. The committee is looking to create additional training opportunities for vendors and licensees in the year ahead to further enhance professional development. DSB will assist by utilizing the many self-employment platforms available to entrepreneurs. Shannon Warnke shared the following vision for the program:
“As current Chair of the Blind Vendor Committee for Washington’s Business Enterprise Program, I take on this role with a deep understanding of the very real challenges our vendor community has faced and continues to face. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the landscape of government building food service — with dramatically reduced building populations, reduced foot traffic, and shifting workplace habits that have yet to fully recover. These changes have hit our vendors hard, as many of our facilities depend on a steady flow of government employees and building occupants to sustain their businesses. I am committed to honestly confronting this new reality and leading our community through it with both compassion and purpose.
Central to my vision for this term is the restructuring of our outdated food service model into one that is viable, adaptive, and built for today’s climate — and for future generations of blind and visually impaired entrepreneurs who aspire to be part of this program. The old model simply no longer reflects the world our vendors are operating in, and clinging to it does our community a disservice. I am also personally committed to stepping in to operate and support facilities that currently lack an operator of record — locations that have gone unoccupied not because of a lack of interest, but because the existing model made them unworkable. By partnering closely with program staff, I am working to preserve the rights to these facilities while we develop innovative and sustainable business opportunities that will make them attractive and profitable for the blind vendors of tomorrow. This program’s legacy depends on our willingness to evolve, and I am honored to help lead that charge.”