Merchology is DOBE Certified

What This Certification Means for Merchology

Merchology is incredibly proud to announce that it has officially been certified as a disability-owned business enterprise through Disability:IN’s Supplier Diversity Program. Having been approved by the National Certification Committee, Merchology is a DOBE-certified supplier in the United States. We're proud to join over 400 corporations in this honor and hope to continue expanding opportunities for people with disabilities across industries.

In addition to being a disability-owned business, Merchology team members also come with a variety of lived experiences, which motivate us to work more inclusively and enable us to better meet the needs of our employees, customers, and brand partners.

Joining beloved, trusted, and innovative companies including Cargill, Hewlett Packard, Nike, T-Mobile and over 400 others; Merchology strives to achieve disability inclusion and equality.

What is a Disability-Owned Business?

A disability-owned business enterprise (DOBE) is a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by a person with a disability regardless of whether or not that business owner employs person(s) with a disability. This definition is provided by Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide.

Seeking to show that companies run and succeed on ability rather than be hindered by disabilities, Merchology and the Disability:IN organization aim to expand the scope of inclusivity within the business world of the United States.

What does a DOBE Certification Mean?

A DOBE certification ensures that a company has been vetted and found to be majority owned, managed, or controlled by a person or persons with a disability. This certification is typically researched and certified by a third-party, such as the National Certification Committee, to guarantee transparency throughout the process. 

Merchology Owner Spotlight

Merchology's DOBE certification comes from two of its owner/operators, Dick Ward and his daughter Ally Ward Delgado. This father-daughter duo both have over 50% hearing loss that is classified as "severe" and hereditary.

Dick's loss is concentrated in lower frequency sounds (thunder, a tuba), while Ally's loss is concentrated in higher frequency sounds (birds chirping, whispering). Both struggle more with sound clarity than volume. Fortunately, hearing aid technology has drastically improved their ability to hear and communicate. These days, their hearing aids even have Bluetooth capabilities!

 

Dick and Ally presenting to the Merchology team about disabilities, both visible and invisible kinds.

Disability:IN Supplier Diversity

Disability:IN certifies disability-owned business enterprises, including service-disabled and veteran disability-owned businesses, in order to link them to organizations seeking to diversify their supply chains.

This program aims to exceed commitment goals for disability business and service-disabled veteran-owned business inclusion. By adopting and leveraging inclusion practices, disability-owned businesses gain a competitive edge in the market while raising awareness. This program also helps forward-thinking companies become recognized leaders in the industry for consumers and community leaders who choose to do business with corporations that have a proven commitment to inclusion.

Help Support Diverse Businesses!

As we grow and evolve our business models and our world, let's aim to shine a light on those companies aiming to make the world a better, more inclusive place. From small local businesses and restaurants, to family-run and disability owned companies that are truly on the rise; shop and support a diverse range of organizations to improve the global market!

Keep This Info Handy!

Is your company or organization interested in creating diverse supply chains and building a more inclusive supplier network? That's amazing! Bookmark this page to keep our certification number readily available, or download this convenient PDF to share this news with others in your company. We look forward to working with you!

Expand Your Purchase and Shop with Purpose

• Browse our 48-Hour Apparel & Gifts Collection for a wide range of sustainably-made clothing, bags, and drinkware that can be logo decorated and shipped out fast for your company.
• Check out our Custom Sustainable Gifts & Apparel collection to find more progressive Earth-friendly choices to fit your crew!
• Showcase your pride in our country with our custom Made in the USA Gift collection stocked full of choices your team will love!

Contact Us at Merchology!

From finding the perfect logo-branded apparel or custom tech goodies for your team this year; give the greatest company gifts this year with Merchology. Our expert team is at the ready with tips and advice to help your company gifting order go smooth. Contact us using live chat, email or phone today!