In the aisles of a Walmart in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Dave met his wife, Kathy, during a sales call, and they’ve been happily married for 18 years. Now, their 14-year-old daughter, Kayla, has become a significant chapter in Dave's PepsiCo story, inspiring him to champion accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Dave, a dedicated sales manager for PepsiCo in Thunder Bay, and his wife, Kathy, took on the responsibilities of raising Kayla, who was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Her unique needs propelled Dave to delve into the world of accessibility and inclusion, a journey that eventually led him to contribute to PepsiCo's EnAble Employee Resource Group.
Eight years ago, Dave was scrolling through stories on PEPfeed and discovered that EnAble was establishing a chapter in Canada. Motivated by Kayla's experiences, Dave became a founding member, stepping into a leadership role. One of his key initiatives was creating an inclusive hiring handbook, aiming to showcase success stories and advocate for increased job opportunities for associates with disabilities.
Under Dave's guidance, EnAble has facilitated over 50 hires throughout Canada, spanning roles from the warehouse to the finance department. Witnessing the personal and professional growth of individuals like Robbin, a full-time merchandiser with autism, has been particularly rewarding for Dave. Despite initial challenges during his interview, Robbin seamlessly integrated into the team, becoming an outstanding customer representative.
For Dave, the importance of raising the bar on talent and diversity is evident. Drawing on his 26 years at PepsiCo, he emphasizes that a diverse workforce sparks innovation, encourages different thinking, and fosters new ideas. EnAble, in particular, has become a vital aspect of Dave's life transformation. As a parent of a child with additional needs parent, he finds immense pride in showcasing the abilities of individuals like his daughter, shifting the focus from disabilities to capabilities.
Dave Buttars continues to be a driving force behind PepsiCo's commitment to inclusive hiring, proving that by embracing diversity, we not only transform the workforce but also enrich the lives of everyone involved.