Robert Mazza Inc. (“Mazza”) is a wine, spirits, and craft beer producer with operations in northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York. Established in 1972 with a single vineyard, Mazza now operates three primary locations in the Lake Erie AVA: Mazza Vineyards in North East, PA; South Shore Wine Company in North East, PA; and Mazza Chautauqua Cellars in Westfield, NY that also serves as home to Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing – making it New York State’s first combination winery, distillery, and brewery.
When The Resource Center approached the company to consider hiring people who have different needs and abilities, Mazza quickly adapted and met with ownership to figure out how to make it happen. At their Westfield location, they now employ three dedicated staff members with developmental disabilities who are making a positive difference. OPWDD asked Mazza about their employment.
What interested you in employing people with developmental disabilities in your workforce?
Mazza: As we have significantly grown and expanded our operations, we have also had to grow our workforce and were willing to open employment opportunities to anyone who would be a good fit. We wanted to cast a broader net for our employment pool to diversify and strengthen our team as we grow.
What has surprised you most about employing someone with a developmental disability?
Mazza: Our team members with developmental disabilities have been dependable and hardworking, and are a great fit for our operations, but we wouldn't say that's a surprise.
What advice would you give to another employer considering employing people with developmental disabilities?
Mazza: We would certainly recommend it! Providing opportunities can be beneficial both to employees and employers as long as the employee, just like in any instance, is the right fit for the job. Working with OPWDD is helpful in this regard and is a great resource.
What difference has the employment of people with developmental disabilities made in your organization?
Mazza: Aside from them being great employees and hard workers, employing people with disabilities helps to keep our company as a whole more diverse and open-minded to different opportunities and abilities.
Responses provided by Vanessa Mazza, Creative Director, Mazza Vineyards, and Mario Mazza, GM and VP of Robert Mazza, Inc.