A budding entrepreneur is defying all odds while running his own business.
Marcus Moore, who is autistic, created his pretzel company, Moore Crunch, after companies wouldn’t hire him for management jobs due to his disorder, WMAR 2 News reports. The CEO runs his business in his home in Annapolis, MD.
“I just want to make a life for myself,” Moore told WMAR 2 News.
According to Moore Crunch’s website, the pretzel brand started when the 29-year-old’s mother got him a booth at a local farmers market. Since then, he has balanced working at a grocery store from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and making his pretzels for customers.
“I have autism and didn’t like that I couldn’t take care of myself without the help of my parents,” Moore said about himself on the company website. “They love me and I love them but I’m also trying to live on my own and fit in where I can.”
He continued, “It’s a lot but so much fun. I have met very nice people that don’t laugh at me or make me feel like I’m weird.”
Moore Crunch offers mini pretzels in multiple flavors including Maryland crab, garlic ranch, buffalo, smokehouse ranch, and cinnamon sugar.
Moore’s father, the first taste tester of his pretzels, has also supported his son.
“Being a father is one of the most amazing experiences I think anyone could ever ask for. Being a father of an autistic young man has its challenges,” Moore’s father said in the interview with WMAR 2 News.
“But you’re always there for your child,” he continued. “You never stop fighting. You never stop loving them. You never stop pushing for them. And to see Marcus just push through and find something that he loves and for people to embrace him is one of the most incredible experiences any dad could ever ask for.”
According to the outlet, Moore aims to expand Moore Crunch, as well as to hire employees with autism to help them have the means to provide for themselves just as he has.
WMAR 2 News notes that Moore’s pretzels, as of this writing, are sold at Makers of Maryland in White Marsh, Crofton Farmers Market, Fell’s Point Farmers Market, Eddie’s, Tidal Salt in Sykesville, Mamma Mish’s Homemade Dishes, Cheers and Spirits in Arnold, and a pop-up store.
