The NCAA tournament recently ended and Duke Blue Devils superfan Ryan Hayward is a little disappointed with the way the season ended for his highly touted team. But for Ryan, like most sports fans, there’s always another season. His beloved Chicago Cubs are off to a good start atop their division in baseball. And soon it’ll be NBA Playoffs time, where he’ll watch his friend Allie LaForce report from the sidelines of many games broadcast on TNT.
He got to know Allie through his good friend, former MLB pitcher Joe Smith, who is Allie’s husband. The first time Ryan met Allie, he needed no introduction. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” she told him.
For most of his life, and especially the past 16 years employed at Lott Industries, Ryan has shown the world exactly what it means to live life to the fullest—smiling big, working hard, and never turning down an opportunity to help someone else.
Ask anyone who walks through Lott’s doors, and they’ll tell you—Ryan is the face of Lott. Friendly, welcoming, and full of energy, he’s part of what makes the place special.
So much so that Tim Menke, the Chief Executive Officer of Lott, has given Ryan the unofficial title of Vice President of Community Relations.
“Ryan doesn’t just come to work—he shows up for people,” Menke said. “Many people from our community—SSAs, volunteers, business partners, donors—all love Ryan and how friendly he is during their visits. I always call him the ‘face of Lott,’ and many would agree. He makes visiting Lott a fun and happy experience.”
No matter what the title, for 30 hours each week, Ryan does everything asked of him and then some. Document destruction, filing, data entry, answering the phones, and greeting visitors when they first walk through the door.
“I like coming in every day and trying to put a smile on people’s faces and helping people out as much as possible,” he said.
He’s not just a people-person—he’s a difference-maker.
“The ability to expand my horizons and help people—it’s gratifying to help people and actually make a difference in their life,” Ryan said.
Since 2020, Menke said Lott Industries has saved the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities approximately $700,000 in matching waiver funds by hiring more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In fact, Menke said, Lott employs more I/DD individuals than any other employer in Northwestern Ohio.
“Being able to work gives me more leverage,” Ryan explains. “The money I make allows me to do different things.”
But it’s not just about income—it’s about growth, pride, and connection.
“The reason why it is so important to work is because you gain more knowledge and money, and you can learn more about yourself and develop relationships, too. You get to know people and get to know what you are able to do.”
Ryan knows that when people are given a chance, they often rise far beyond expectations. “It’s a whole different world. You have to realize how capable a person is and what they can do. But no one realizes that until they are given a chance.”
For Ryan, being part of that impact has been incredibly fulfilling. “Yes, it has been a rewarding time in life working for Lott and experiencing the difference we make firsthand in people’s lives.”
Sixteen years in, Ryan’s story is proof of what’s possible when people are seen for what they can do—not what they can’t. He’s not just living with a disability—he’s thriving, inspiring, and helping others find joy and purpose along the way.