| Craig Bryden, of Western Massachusetts, is the first hearing impaired owner to be awarded a Rhino Sports, Inc. dealership. As a dealer, Bryden builds backyard game courts, such as basketball courts, tennis courts, putting greens and batting cages to promote healthy and active lifestyles for kids. "The courts encourage family togetherness, which is what attracted me to Rhino Sports in the first place," said Bryden. Craig and his wife, Rita, are both hearing impaired and have 2 young boys, Daron, 4, and Jaxon, 1. Neither of the boys is deaf. Bryden came across the Rhino Sports dealership opportunity while doing research online about installing a backyard court for his boys. "Playing sports gives me great self esteem and the chance to make friends and meet people. I have been involved with sports all of my life and I wanted to share that with my kids," he said. Bryden is driven to succeed in all facets of his life. An accomplished athlete, Bryden was one of the top 25 deaf basketball players in the U.S., and the number one golfer on his team at Lenoir Rhyne College, where he graduated with a B.A. degree in Sports Management. He challenges himself on a daily basis by coaching a "hearing" JV basketball team, and working as a Residential Counselor for at kids who have emotional and behavioral needs American School for the Deaf. Bryden joins Rhino Sports' nation-wide network of dealers, as the Western Massachusetts Rhino. Bryden will face new challenges building his Rhino Sports business and dealing with "hearing" customers. "Deaf people use relay services to call hearing people, so I will have to educate my customers about how relay works and why I use relay. I can read lips and speak to communicate with people, so I will tell my customers to speak slowly," he explained. Bryden also has advantages as a member of the close-knit deaf community. His dealership will raise awareness about entrepreneurship and careers in sports, and provide inspiration for others to pursue their dreams. "Nothing can stop me from accomplishing what I am passionate about, not even being deaf. Deaf people can do anything they dream of. We just have a few extra obstacles to overcome,"he said. Rhino Sports, Inc. is the world's fastest growing supplier of backyard courts. To learn more about Rhino Sports' products and dealership opportunities, visit their website at www.rhinocourts.com or contact Byrden at rhinosports@cox.net or by calling 860-741-7377. |
