Earlier this year, Advertising Specialty Institute announced its 2024 Counselor Awards, with Jed Seifert of Stakes Manufacturing receiving the Bess Cohn Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award was presented by Norman Cohn, ASI Chairman, along with his wife, Suzanne Cohn. The award is named after Bess Cohn, Norman’s mother.

Seifert describes the recognition as an emotional moment for him. “It was an incredibly humbling honor to be recognized in an industry with so many extraordinary human beings who selflessly give back,” he says. “I had to hold back tears when Norman shared how meaningful this award was to him and his family. He expressed how proud his entire family was of me and mentioned that he had been looking forward to meeting me for months. His words moved me deeply and gave me a genuine sense of pride that I rarely allow myself to feel.”

Seifert and business partner, Vince Bartozzi, founded Stakes Manufacturing in 2019. As part of the business model, they worked hard to implement a disabilities inclusion program. Seifert’s brother, Darren, has Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, behavioral and learning challenges, and has various physical characteristics. Not only is it the inspiration behind the work the company does, but it has also spurred Seifert to help other companies in the printing industry build similar programs.

“After my acceptance speech, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of heartfelt support and congratulations,” Seifert notes. “Industry leaders shared how we have inspired them to explore disability inclusion within their organizations. None of this would have been possible without my amazing business partner, Vince Bartozzi, our incredible team at Stakes Manufacturing, and our supportive partners, whose business enables us to provide life-changing employment opportunities. I am also grateful to SEEC, who supports my brother and has taught me everything I know about disability employment, and to the National Fragile X Foundation.

“I share this award with my wife, Niki Seifert, and owe her my deepest gratitude for her support of our mission … And with my brother Darren, who has always been and will continue to be my inspiration.”