On a sunny morning in a Georgia coffee shop, our founder, Mike Schugt, recognized something bigger as he watched an individual with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) working with a kind of joy that seemed to shine a little brighter than everyone else in the room. He would later learn that individuals with IDD often face significantly higher barriers to employment, with unemployment rates more than twice that of the general population.
That workforce reality struck a chord with what he knew from
decades in the hospitality industry, which itself faces ongoing challenges
attracting and retaining talent. And in that moment, in that coffee shop, a light
came on there was a clear opportunity to bring the two together. That spark led
to the creation of INNclusivity, and today, across 13 cities and growing, ,
that vision is helping people not just find jobs but step into environments
where they can truly shine.</p
Mike fell in love with hospitality at age 15, washing dishes in a local restaurant. Captivated by the energy, pace, and people, he pursued a degree in Hospitality Management from Penn State and went on to build a 30-year career in the hotel industry. From front desk roles to global sales, to launching his own consulting firm and serving as President of Teneo Hospitality Group, Mike experienced hospitality from every angle.
That realization sparked INNclusivity, the nonprofit Mike founded in 2023 to help adults with IDD find purpose and employment in hospitality. What began as a side project quickly became a calling, and on January 1, 2025, Mike left his corporate career to lead INNclusivity full time.
The name "INNclusivity" is a purposeful play on words that combines "Inn" symbolizing the hotel industry, with "Inclusivity" reflecting our mission to create a welcoming environment for all.
To create pathways for adults with IDD to build meaningful, sustainable careers in the hospitality industry through comprehensive training, job placement, and ongoing support.
A world where every person, regardless of ability, has access to dignified employment that provides financial independence, personal fulfillment, and community connection.
We're building a movement where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) don’t just find jobs—they build careers, gain independence, and transform the hospitality industry. And in doing so, we’re helping hotels and restaurants overcome labor shortages with capable, well-coached talent.
Every person deserves meaningful work that provides purpose and pride. We believe that individuals with IDD bring unique talents and perspectives that deserve to be recognized and valued in the workplace.
Through comprehensive training and ongoing support, we help participants develop the skills and self-assurance needed to thrive in their chosen careers and become confident contributors to their teams.
All abilities have value and deserve to be celebrated in the workplace. We create environments where diversity of thought and ability strengthens teams and drives innovation in the hospitality industry.
We are honest, transparent, and accountable in all our relationships. We build trust through open communication, realistic expectations, and reliable follow-through with participants, families, schools, and employer partners.
