Lynn Reynolds
Lynn Reynolds was born in Phoenix, Arizona. She was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of 18 months. Her family moved to New Jersey when she was 10 years old. She finished 2 years of college earning an AA degree in Liberal Arts. Her background prior to Randolph-Sheppard was working in retail in a department store. After marrying, she raised 2 children. Lynn attended the state rehabilitation center to learn more blindness skills, as her vision was deteriorating due to her eye disease.
In 1998, due to unforeseen circumstances, she needed to work. After learning about the Randolph-Sheppard Act and the NJ Business Enterprise Program, she went through training and was awarded her first location in Oct. 1999 in a Post Office. It was a small snack bar/dry stand, and through her dreams of improving her business, she was able to double the size of her business and added coffee, sandwiches, ice cream, etc. which made the customers in the Post Office happy. Eventually she was able to take over the servicing of the vending machines in the building. In 2004, she moved to a larger Post Office, which is all vending. She has employed 2 blind people who have eventually entered training in Randolph-Sheppard and are currently running their own successful businesses.
Technology has certainly played a large role in helping Lynn become more independent in doing the day-to-day operations of her business. While at the snack bar, she had a talking cash register, a bill identifier, and talking calculator; all which were important aids. For the vending business, Lynn has a talking bill and coin counter and an item called the Double Talk which, when plugged into a vending machine, will read the screen to determine machine totals, errors, etc. And of course, the use of Braille, which she uses for labeling and making quick notes when necessary, has played an important role. Excellent customer service is important in running a successful business. Having a pleasant demeanor and a positive attitude has helped Lynn to strive in the positive relationship with her customers and her employees.
Lynn has been a member of the National Federation of the Blind since 1999. Being a part of this organization has taught her that being blind is merely a characteristic and that as a blind person, she is able to speak up in an advocacy role to promote the rights of blind individuals and to promote equality, security and opportunity for blind people. Being visible in the public eye, in business and in public awareness opportunities, is important in showing that blind people are more than capable of living independent lives.
Other areas in which Lynn is active include the Lions club and being active with the blind entrepreneurs in her state, while currently serving on the Committee of Blind Operators. On a personal level, Lynn enjoys travel and spending time with friends and family, especially with her grandchildren. Owning her own business has taught her self confidence and has shown her that the right attitude will make you a winner.