CABVI and Route Join Forces to Fulfill a Mission and Grow Together
Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI), one of Cincinnati’s oldest nonprofits, acquired Route Transportation and Logistics, Inc., a third-party logistics and freight management company serving the U.S. and Canada.
CABVI operates a variety of Social Enterprises (businesses that operate to further a social mission) in order to help provide employment across a range of enterprises for people who are blind or visually impaired in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas. The association also offers them a variety of vision and information services that foster independence and inclusion.
Overall, 70% of those with vision loss are unemployed. Acquiring Route Transportation and Logistics supports CABVI’s mission to empower people who are blind or visually impaired with opportunities to seek independence by opening access to knowledge-based, full-time jobs with living wages and healthcare benefits. Between Route’s adaptive, accessible software and remote work opportunities and CABVI’s government and nonprofit customers and stable, motivated workforce, both organizations can grow together.
“It [acquiring Route] is one of the biggest moves we’ve ever made as an organization that will allow people who are blind and visually impaired greater access to employment,” states Teri Shirk, CABVI president and CEO. “Nonprofits really need to be willing to take these kinds of risks in order to serve our communities in new and different ways. It’s going to be limitless to where we can grow together.”
Fulfilling a Quintessential Mission
Craig Cappello, president of Route, wanted to grow and create as many career opportunities as possible. Once he met Teri, he quickly realized CABVI and Route were a perfect fit. Route could grow, and have a company mission beyond making charitable financial donations or sharing profits.
Route’s leadership will continue to oversee day-to-day operation of the business. CABVI will help connect Route with the highly qualified talent they need to keep their business moving and customers satisfied. Together, they will provide training and support to CABVI clients/Route employees. It’s a win for all.
Teri explains, “Having people working for Route, doing the jobs they want to do, earning the money they want to make and having the independence they deserve. Quintessentially, that’s the mission.”
Watch Teri and Craig discuss the acquisition on YouTube: CABVI and Route Join Forces
The Deal:
The transaction closed in May of 2022, facilitated by DVS Group. We have deep experience navigating acquisition deals for nonprofits who provide employment resources for the blind, including matching them with companies that fit their specific goals and needs. Bringing CABVI and Route Transportation and Logistics together has massive potential to impact communities and lives for the good. While selling or acquiring a business is a dramatic change, it’s our goal to Make Change Positive.