By Alex Garrett (7/19/25)
Earlier this week, 10 talented disabled entrepreneurs had been given the opportunity to pitch their brands and innovative ideas to three judges during the IdeaSpark Pitchfest!
Pitchfest was the culmination of an intensive workshop presented by The Viscardi Center and the Hynes Institute at Iona University! During this 10 week workshop, all of us learned how to bring the vision for our brand TO LIFE through the teaching of Holly Blondin and four truly amazing peer mentors!
To me, IdeaSpark continues the legacy of Dr. Henry Viscardi by allowing people with disabilities to expand their business and creative minds and truly become successful in the world! I want to thank both Dr. Chris Rosa , President of the Viscardi Center and Dr. Christoph Winkler for creating this platform for disabled entrepreneurs only a few years ago! Together they are continuing the work Dr. Viscardi began when he built then-Human Resources back in 1952, with support from Eleanor Roosevelt!
My journey with IdeaSpark began in January when I wanted to scratch this itch I have to grow OneLegupAlex as a brand and not just as a podcast or blog ! After encouragement from my family, my fianceè Gabby, my friends Karina and Asher and Caleb, my friend and frequent guest Lou Terminello, as well as Eric Ryan (2024 winner and Trippr Owner) and Lauren Marzo of the Viscardi Center, I applied ! After a couple months I found out in March I was accepted into the interview process and was interviewed by Dawn of the Viscardi Center WHILE IN COMMUTE ! In April, I got the letter I was approved for the program!
After an orientation , it was down to business as Holly gave us different strategies and motivations to start out. As the weeks went on, I felt all of our ideas and brands were elevating to new levels and I appreciate how all of us grew our business models and were able to vocalize each our missions for our brands through this course! There were a few things we were asked along the way. The biggest one was ‘What is the problem our brand is solving? and ‘how do we solve it?’
For me, I noticed there is not enough awareness that resources to support the disabled community exist! My solution? We have to bridge the gap between the disabled consumer and the businesses that serve the community. How do we do that? Well I’ve promised myself and now IdeaSpark to utilize the podcast as a way to get people to this One Leg Up Sponsor Portal which will truly make a HUB of connectivity. I also believe these types of issues are better discussed on RADIO with a larger reach! To bring One Leg Up with Alex Garrett to radio would be combining my passion to be on air and my passion to help others have One Leg Up On Life! That passion to help others have One Leg Up on Life grew when I realized this podcast and brand doesn’t have to just be me opining about the news or sports of the day, it can serve a bigger purpose! The passion also grows when I see challenges that organizations like Viscardi Center or Digest Disease National Coalition face when securing funding to help those with disabilities thrive! The passion grows when I see my fiancée struggling to get on and off subway cars and overcome other accessibility hurdles. THINGS NEED TO CHANGE!
My pops, my dad, Vic , and my mom all helped me realize that what I started on Spreaker 11 years ago and WQMC Radio 15 years ago could be more than just me yapping. This brand could truly be used to do good for others and at the same time make this a livelihood for myself!
IdeaSpark taught me a couple of things. This workshop taught me that OneLegUpAlex can be more than just a podcast, but a true brand that brings people together! Re-branding the website was a brilliant suggestion by my dad, Vic, and mom and it’s such an honor to own ONELEGUPALEX.com after being given this opportunity by IdeaSpark to create and grow more!
With classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays while managing a full time job , this entire process fills me with pride that I have successfully launched my own brand while being a full-time employee! I encourage you, the reader, to pursue your passions even if you have a day-to-day job, it is so worth it!!!
I want to also thank my mentor Jared and our team leader Marisol !
Jared coached me through putting together the presentation and the required pitch video which had to be just 4 minutes! Marisol also was there every session to help make sure our ideas were on the right path! That last week of creating the Pitch and telling the story of OneLegUpAlex felt like such a rush!
While I am very grateful to have been awarded the top prize, I feel there is so much more to do now with this brand! It was so special to share this win at Iona with Lauren as well as Kim Brussell of the Viscardi Center whom I’ve known for so many years! When we got back to campus I also shared the win with my Viscardi coach, Joe Slaninka!
I also hope to welcome the participants of IdeaSpark because all of their ideas are worth shining a spotlight on as they are also working to help people with disabilities have one leg up on life!
You can hear my recap from Iona University this past Wednesday here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/onelegupalex-recognized-on-july-16th-at-ideaspark-2025-pitchfest-published-7-17-25–67020221
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