Spectrum Designs, a custom apparel and promotional products business, dedicated to empowering adults on the Autism Spectrum through meaningful employment, celebrates a banner year of remarkable achievements in 2024 and unveils ambitious initiatives for 2025. From record-breaking business milestones to sought-after award recognitions to first-in-kind partnerships, Spectrum Designs continues to make its mark while redefining neurodiverse employment and inclusion in the workplace.
2024: A Year of Unparalleled Growth and Accomplishment
Spectrum Designs experienced a year of transformative success in 2024, cementing its position as a leader in autism employment and innovative business practices. Key highlights include:
- Retail Partnership with T.J.Maxx: Spectrum’s custom-designed t-shirts, created entirely by neurodiverse artists, debuted in 500 T.J.Maxx stores nationwide, introducing their designs to a mass, mainstream audience.
- Social Media Success: A viral video created by the neurodiverse marketing team garnered over 25 million views and skyrocketed social media followers by more than 1,200%, driving unprecedented client interest from prominent companies like Microsoft and Home Depot.
- Sustainable Green Printing Partnership Certification: Spectrum earned the prestigious Sustainable Green Printing Partnership certification, becoming the only nonprofit organization in the U.S. to achieve this honor. This recognition highlights Spectrum’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, exceeding environmental and labor standards, and fostering a more sustainable supply chain.
- Award-Winning Campaigns: Spectrum’s "Out of the Box" video marketing campaign won multiple Telly Awards, standing alongside global brands like Microsoft and MTV for their innovative storytelling and representation of neurodiverse talent.
- Record Employment in Westchester: Spectrum hired six new employees at their Westchester location, bringing their total headcount to 77 employees across both locations.
- Rebrand: Spectrum refreshed its branding to reflect the incredible growth and evolution the organization has experienced over the past five years. Led by Spectrum’s neurodiverse marketing team, the rebrand included significant contributions from adults on the autism spectrum, who shared their lived experiences to help shape the new direction. The result was an award-winning campaign and a powerful new tagline that captures the essence of Spectrum's mission: "The best things can be done."
- Financial Milestones: With a record $6.7 million in sales, Spectrum surpassed its previous $5.5 million benchmark, reflecting significant client growth and operational success.
These accomplishments underscore Spectrum’s mission to shatter misconceptions about neurodiverse talent while driving meaningful change in the workplace.
"Our success in 2024 is a testament to the incredible talents of our neurodiverse workforce," said Patrick Bardsley, Co-Founder and CEO of Spectrum Designs. "This year has proven that when inclusion and purpose drive our business, the results can be transformational—not just for our organization but for the broader community. As we celebrate a record-breaking year, we’re inspired to expand our mission in 2025, creating more opportunities, breaking barriers, and amplifying the voices of individuals on the Autism Spectrum."
Looking Ahead to 2025
Spectrum Designs plans to build on its 2024 successes with groundbreaking initiatives and milestones in the pipeline for 2025. Below is a sample of what’s on the horizon:
- Expansion Through Franchising and Florida Presence: Spectrum Designs is preparing to roll out its first franchise location in 2025, extending its mission to new regions. The team is finalizing plans to establish its first presence in Florida, with an official announcement expected mid-year.
- Record Workforce Growth: Spectrum aims to increase its headcount to 80 employees in 2025, its highest ever, with a continued focus on employing individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Currently, nearly 70% of Spectrum’s workforce is comprised of neurodiverse individuals, a stark contrast to the national reality where approximately 85% of adults on the Autism Spectrum are unemployed or underemployed. This growth underscores Spectrum’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and breaking barriers for this underrepresented community.
- Employee Milestones: Two employees will celebrate 10-year anniversaries in 2025, Evan Kuhlmey, who recently moved to White Plains to head Spectrum’s screen-printing department in Westchester, and Bryan Salerno, who was recently promoted to Senior Production Assistant. Their dedication reflects Spectrum’s commitment to fostering long-term growth and professional development.
- Leadership Opportunities: A growing number of employees on the spectrum are stepping into leadership roles, furthering the organization’s mission to showcase their capabilities. This year, Spectrum intends to continue this trend and ensure that neurodiverse individuals are represented at every level of the organization.
Prominent New Clients and Partnerships
- First Order with Marriott: Spectrum kicked off 2025 by adding Marriott to its growing list of high-profile clients, including Google, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.
New Campaigns & Notable Events
- Autism Acceptance Month Campaign: Launching in April, this campaign will build on the success of Spectrum’s award-winning "Out of the Box" initiative, which was recognized with multiple Telly Awards for their innovative storytelling and representation of neurodiverse talent. This year’s campaign will feature commercials and videos spotlighting employees and will highlight their unique skills and inspiring stories, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for neurodiverse individuals while showcasing Spectrum’s supportive and empowering environment.
- Spectrum Open House: Scheduled for March 31 in Port Washington, this event will officially kick off Autism Acceptance Month, offering an opportunity for the public to witness Spectrum’s inclusive workplace in action. Attendees will tour the facility, meet the neurodiverse team behind Spectrum’s high-quality products, and learn about the organization’s mission and impact.
Spectrum Designs invites the community and stakeholders to join in celebrating these achievements and supporting its mission. For more information, visit www.spectrumdesigns.org.