# Empowering Inclusion: Drew Ann Long’s Journey with Caroline’s Cart - Link: https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ - Published: 2025-10-18T05:00:00-04:00 - Author: Jeff Bradbury Welcome to The Jeff Bradbury Show, featuring conversations with the creators who are shaping the future of learning. In this inspiring conversation, Drew Ann Long shares her journey as a mother of a child with special needs and the creation of Caroline’s Cart, a shopping cart designed for individuals with disabilities. She discusses the challenges she faced in manufacturing, the importance of community support, and the impact of her advocacy on families. Drew emphasizes the need to own one’s journey and the ripple effect of fighting for inclusion and accessibility. They discuss the journey of building a brand that matters, the lessons learned from[ Specific Challenge Guest Faced], and the strategies [Guest Name] used to create a lasting impact on the world of education. ## **Become a High-Impact Leader:** This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book,“ [Impact Standards](https://www.teachercast.net/standards).” * **Strategic Vision for Digital Learning:** Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported. * **Curriculum Design and Implementation:** Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels. * **Effective Instructional Coaching:** Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage. Purchase your copy of “[Impact Standards](https://www.teachercast.net/standards)” on Amazon today! ## **Key Takeaways:** * Drew Ann Long invented Caroline’s Cart, a shopping cart designed for individuals with special needs. * Raising a child with disabilities requires significant life adjustments. * Community support plays a vital role for parents of children with disabilities. * Drew overcame substantial obstacles in manufacturing Caroline’s Cart. * Corporate America frequently overlooks the needs of the special needs community. * Drew’s story highlights the power of persistence and unwavering belief in one’s mission. * “No” is merely a word—don’t allow it to limit your potential. * Drew urges parents to embrace their journey and advocate for their children’s needs. * Individual advocacy creates ripple effects that benefit the broader community. * Drew’s journey offers inspiration for both parents and entrepreneurs. ## **Chapters:** * [00:00](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Introduction to Drew Ann Long and Caroline’s Cart * [02:12](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Drew’s Journey into Special Needs Parenting * [10:00](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) The Introduction of Caroline’s Cart * [18:48](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Overcoming Challenges in Manufacturing * [25:57](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) The Impact of Caroline’s Cart on Families * [33:29](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Inspiration and Advice for Parents and Entrepreneurs * [34:17](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Introduction to the Jeff Bradbury Show * [34:47](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) The Importance of Amplifying Impact ## **About our Guest:** Drew Ann Long Drew Ann Long is the inventor of Caroline’s Cart, a game-changing, patented, special- needs shopping cart designed to provide an inclusive and accessible shopping experience for individuals with special needs. Inspired by her daughter Caroline, who has special needs and could not use a traditional cart, Drew Ann took matters into her own hands— sketching her first idea on a napkin and eventually bringing the patented design to life. Today, Caroline’s Cart is in retailers across all 50 states and eight countries, used by families, caregivers, senior adults, and stores committed to inclusion, accessibility and dignity. A former stay-at-home mom with no background in engineering or manufacturing, Drew Ann’s journey is one of remarkable grit and innovation. She navigated the complex world of product development, patents, brand building, and production —ultimately launching and leading a nationwide grassroots movement that challenged retailers to think differently about inclusion. Her story has been featured on Today, CNN, Inside Edition, and CBS News, and she has earned recognition from Walmart, Target, Michelle Obama, and advocacy groups across the U.S. Now an inspirational speaker and founder of her nonprofit Caroline’s Cause, Drew Ann brings her story to the stage to empower and challenge audiences to lead with empathy, persevere through adversity, and prioritize inclusion in everyday life and business. Her authenticity, purpose-driven innovation, and ability to connect make her a sought-after voice in conversations about caregiving, special needs advocacy, and real-world impact. ### Links of Interest * Website: [www.drewannspeaks.com](http://www.drewannspeaks.com/) * Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/CarolinesCart](https://www.facebook.com/CarolinesCart) ## **Let’s Work Together** * Contact Me Today: [https://www.teachercast.net/contact](https://www.teachercast.net/contact) ## Follow on Social Media * LinkedIn: [https://www.teachercast.net/linkedin](https://www.teachercast.net/linkedin) * Twitter/X: [https://www.teachercast.net/twitter](https://www.teachercast.net/twitter) * BlueSky: [https://bsky.app/profile/jeffreybradbury.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/jeffreybradbury.bsky.social) * YouTube: [http://teachercast.net/youtube](http://teachercast.net/youtube) ## Subscribe to This Podcast * Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828) * Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/7btbAI5CjqBgLhitJLMM8y?si=7d151287eb574845](https://open.spotify.com/show/7btbAI5CjqBgLhitJLMM8y?si=7d151287eb574845) ## Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming * Digital Learning Today: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310) * Ask the Tech Coach: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243) * The Jeff Bradbury Show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828) ## Book Jeff for your Next Event Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events. * Visit Jeff’s Website: [https://jeffreybradbury.com](https://jeffreybradbury.com) * Contact Jeff Directly: [https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/](https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ## Simplify Your Systems. Amplify Your Impact. Join me every Sunday for my best productivity tips, tricks, and strategic systems delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up today and instantly receive a free chapter of Impact Standards. Δ URL This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. First Name(Required) First Non-School Email(Required) What best describes your role in education?(Required) What best describes your role in education(Required) K-12 Educator Instructional Coach Library Media Specialist Building or District Administrator Higher Ed Public Relations / Marketing Educational Podcaster Educational Technology Company Representative Other How often would you like to receive our newsletter(Required) Keep me updated as soon as something new is published! Send me new podcasts as they are released Send me new blog posts as they are released Send me a weekly email with a summary of everything that is new. ##### Transcript Jeffrey Bradbury (: [00:00](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) camera is your lens, not the screen that we're both staring at your camera. Yeah, so look down the barrel of your camera, not at your picture with me next to you. Drew Ann Long (: [00:03](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) camera. Drew Ann Long (: [00:10](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Okay, look at my, they'll get my camera, gotcha. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [00:13](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) That's like that because because then then if I if this does go out onto video shorts and stuff like that, like you're looking at the audience, not. Yeah, I've been watching all of these, you know, all the other all the news videos and just everyone's looking down at their selves. I'm like, the audience is right there. So just a little thing and let's have some fun. All right. Where did I put everything here? Where's that toggle? Where's that toggle? Where's that? Jeffrey Bradbury (: [00:42](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) So scripts, intro, come on, I had you. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [00:50](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Where did you just go? Drew Ann Long (: [00:53](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Okay. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [00:54](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) There you go. Sorry, when you put this stuff together, like the show notes is just all over the place. And then it comes to some really neat thing. Okay, here we go. My guest today is the inventor of Caroline's cart, a game changing patented special needs shopping cart designed to provide an inclusive and accessible shopping experience for individuals with special needs. She's been featured on today, CNN, Inside Edition and CBS News. And you can find Caroline's carts at stores such as Walmart and Target. I have seen them. all over my retail shopping experiences. are absolutely amazing. And I love seeing parents taking advantage of them. Now she's sharing her story through her nonprofit called Caroline's Cause, where she challenges audiences to lead with empathy and prioritize inclusion in everyday life and business. is my pleasure to welcome onto the podcast, Miss Drew Ann Long. Drew, how are you today? Welcome to the podcast. Drew Ann Long (: [01:49](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Great, I'm so happy to be here. This is going to be a lot of fun. I just know it. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [01:53](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) I am so excited to have you on here, not just as a podcaster, we had a chance to talk as both parents of students that have challenges in this world. And we're going to get into all of that. We're going to talk a little bit about business today. But first of all, tell us a little bit about yourself. You have had an amazing journey. Talk to us a little bit about who is drew and long. Drew Ann Long (: [02:15](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Well, thanks so much. So I'm a married mom of three. I live in Alabaster, Alabama. It's a suburb of Birmingham. I have two typical children and one severely disabled. All of my children are grown now. My youngest is in college. He's a junior in college. Caroline will be 25 next month. So I've been doing this special needs thing a long time. And then my oldest daughter is married in Dallas. So yeah. th,: 2000 child with a disability. It's a major life adjustment. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [03:12](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) It certainly is and you know, we have a lot in common. I'll start with that, not to go into details. We have a lot in common with all of these things. Take us back to that moment. I very always remember of, what happens when, what happens when the doctor sits you down? Did you know, did you not know? How did all of this happen? Drew Ann Long (: [03:35](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) didn't know. You know, she was my second. My first was perfect and all the things. So she's two or like it's time to let's let's have another baby. When I brought Caroline home, she I was told she was perfectly healthy. They I didn't know one thing looking back, you know, that's that's nice and I I like that and I and I'm thankful for that some some find out right then and there and you know, gosh, that's just devastating. What's devastating at any time but didn't know and I brought home this perfectly healthy baby for a couple months and then I was like something's not right something's wrong and no you know because I was a mom before I knew in the depth of my soul that it was bad didn't even want to talk to my husband about it because when you say it out loud it becomes real and I thought I'm just gonna live in Oz as long as I can and pretend that this is not happening but I knew it was bad so around when she was one It just things were really bad and she was regressing and losing function and skills. And we finally got a diagnosis of Rett syndrome, R-E-T-T. It's genetic, completely random. It happens to anyone, anytime. I'm not a carrier. My husband's not a carrier. It just happened. That was the baby that I was just supposed to have and she's precious and we love her in every way. It's been very hard and challenging. But you know, but it is what it is. When she was four, I wanted another baby. You know, selfishly, I was like, gosh, I don't want my typical daughter, when something happens to mom and dad, to have sole responsibility. I mean, and my precious son knows that. He's like, gosh, that's why you had me, Of course, I, you know, I would have had a hundred kids. I started a little late, but then I had a healthy boy, you know, all the nerves and all the, you know, gasps. If you ever have a child, you know, after a special needs child, everybody wants to think you're crazy. but he's perfectly healthy and we got it, you know, we became a special needs family of five and it was challenging. I'm sure you know if your listeners have children with disabilities, but it is what it is and you find the happy and you find the good and you do the best you can and with the cards you're given, with a hand you're dealt. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [05:55](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) What was that like when your son came? And I'm sure in your heart, you had to think, is this going to happen again? Is it not going to happen? I've, you again, I'm saying this from experience also, like, here we go. Drew Ann Long (: [06:03](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) For sure. Drew Ann Long (: [06:07](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Right. Well, you know, Caroline was four, severely disabled, and I wasn't, I became less afraid of it as time passed. You know, when you realize that you love them the same, I had a typical and a special needs, I thought, you know, if I have a special needs child, that's okay. I will, I can't say that enough. The love is no different. Did I want another special needs child? No. Nobody wants that. know, I'll fight anybody that says, gee, I hope I have a special needs child. Nobody wants that. but I was very thankful. I prayed for a healthy baby and I got a healthy baby. And, yeah, I, I, it, and when you have the family dynamic, like I have, you do think of the future way before you have to, way before you should, you know, you may be, you know, a lot of people when their kids are young, it's not even on their radar. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [06:57](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Yep. Drew Ann Long (: [07:03](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) It was on my radar from the second, from when she turned one thinking, my gosh, I've got to, you know. So yeah, that's not what typical families do, but that is on the radar, especially in his family. What's next? What's down the road? What if something happens to mom and dad? And I'm blessed that I have two typical children that love Caroline as much as we do. And I know that she'll be cared for. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [07:11](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Yeah. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [07:32](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) I remember when we were first told that we were expecting and I was driving a Prius and then within a few weeks of that I had to plan for having a minivan and I've got all of these great pictures of my wife and I going down to Delaware because it's tax free and we put you know three cribs and three mattresses and three of this and three of that and and that was trip I mean it was so Drew Ann Long (: [07:42](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) my god. Drew Ann Long (: [07:56](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) And that was your first babies, right? Your first babies. Triplets. Yeah. Unbelievable. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [08:00](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) we have triplets, triplets have us and putting all of that stuff together, right? And so you, and you're absolutely right. You do need to start figuring out, okay, what is this going to look like short term, long term? were 25 weeks. Everybody make it out a long term, would assume, Drew. Drew Ann Long (: [08:16](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Absolutely. Wow, yeah. Drew Ann Long (: [08:24](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Yes, yes, Vermont, yeah. You Caroline? she full term? Yes, Caroline, well, all my kids were, yes. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [08:28](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) All termish? Yeah. And so putting that together, you start to become, you know, parent of student with student with child with challenges, right? And you need to start to find your you know, we always call it trying to find your tribe here. How did you build your support group as life was happening? Whether you're a mom of two or mom of three? Drew Ann Long (: [08:46](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Nothing. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [08:55](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Finding people to support you finding other parents with children who have similar challenges. What was that process like for you? Drew Ann Long (: [09:02](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Well, you know, I think back in when my son was born in 04, social media was just coming out. So I, you know, you hear a lot of bad on social media. I love the fact that social media gave me community. I love all of my friends, of course, but I think it is so important if you have a child with a disability or whatever you're facing, everybody has something, whether it's a child with a disability or something else. Find that core community that is walking the same road as you. You know, when I'm having bad days or Carolyn's in the hospital or her feeding tube falls out. turn to that community before I turn to any other community. know, my friends that aren't, don't walk this walk. So I think, you know, building community from the moment that you can and staying in touch with them and keeping that, that, that those friendships or those avenues. mean, my gosh, we all hold our phones and we have all the apps. I think that is critically important. And it just, sometimes it makes your day better or it makes the walk seem like, Hey, I am not alone. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [10:12](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) And it also gives you that opportunity to contribute to the community. mean, I've I've turned this podcast into doing multiple hospital, NICU based podcasts where I've been able to support because those are the people that supported us. So this is how you contribute to that community. Now, eventually you, what was the story here? You're walking in the, in the shopping center and you said, we need to figure something out here. Take us through the creation of Caroline's Cart. Drew Ann Long (: [10:16](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Sure. Drew Ann Long (: [10:21](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Mm-hmm. Drew Ann Long (: [10:41](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Okay, so I had three littles, my husband traveled for a living. I had to quit my job when Caroline was just so severe. know, there's no daycares for that. So I found myself at home with three little kids, a husband that traveled and Caroline doesn't walk, never has. So I would just carry her in and use what the store has provided. The fun carts, the race cars, you've seen them all, the fire trucks. When she outgrew that, just went to my store manager in my small town and said, hey, you know me. I'm sure there's a special needs shopping cart out there. And he said, I'm sure there is. I said, would you buy it for me? We're to that point. And he's like, absolutely. I circled back in a week. I had done my own research and I couldn't find one. And he said, there's not a special needs shopping cart right then and there. was like, don't, you gotta be kidding me. I mean, Jeffrey Bradbury (: [11:34](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) So for those listening here and on the video, we can put something up on the screen, but can you describe what a Caroline's cart is? Drew Ann Long (: [11:43](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Okay, so here's a picture of it. It is literally just a modification of a traditional cart. So think of the billions of traditional carts that are out there that, you know, that has a little tiny seat. It's just taking that seat out and putting in a much larger seat and adding two more wheels. Caroline's Cart is the only shopping cart you'll ever see with six wheels. And that is just for the weight to support because Caroline's Cart holds adults up to 250 pounds. So it just helps it maneuver better. So it's just a very simple modification to a traditional cart for someone that needs assistance in the store. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [12:25](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) And what was that process like going from I have a need to I have a concept to building this? Where did this thing come from? How who creates this thing for you? Drew Ann Long (: [12:40](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) just going to say it was horrifying. mean, I thought it would be so easy. mean, I talked about it for six months and my husband's like, look, what are we going to do? I drew it on a napkin and I was like, this is not hard. And I knew I didn't have the time or the resources to do it. I wouldn't know. Who knows how to do something like that? So I did some research and there's four shopping cart manufacturers in the United States. went to all four of them with a drawing, just I went from a napkin to a piece of paper. I literally drew this on a piece of paper with a stick figure in it. And they all dismissed me. They all said, not interested. Don't see the need. Go away, lady. And I was like, what? And for your listeners that don't know, and of course I know that you know, the special needs community is the world's largest minority group. Often underserved. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [13:21](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Mm. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [13:35](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Yes. Drew Ann Long (: [13:38](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) always overlooked. And I'm like, wait a second, big corporate America, this is a huge need just because you don't. I mean, I could not believe it. So I thought, you know, my husband and I talked about it another couple of months and I said, I can't stop thinking of this, David. said, if retailers are going to have the fun carts and the electric scooters and the variety, why would they? I mean, those gave me hope. Those gave me hope. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [14:05](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Right. Drew Ann Long (: [14:06](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) I'm like, if they're going to buy those, certainly they'll buy something for the world's largest minority group. So I'm like, I'm doing this. have no idea how, not a clue. And when corporate America shut me down, said, watch this. I I really thought it'd be easy. And it was, it was, it was a very difficult, it was, it, you know, my first prototype, took me like six, eight months to even find a company to make my first prototype. got it out of state. ent to social media in May of: 2011 Jeffrey Bradbury (: [15:03](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Mm-hmm. Drew Ann Long (: [15:04](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) I'm sure you can find it online. And it was instant, instant, instant. We need this. We want this. Where do we get this? We have to shop with this. This would be a game changer. So I just built a demand and started that. So I narrowed the four shopping cart manufacturers down to one. The best, the biggest was in North Carolina. So I took my prototype now. So the first time I went, I had a drawing that they said no to in person. This was in person people. So took my cart. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [15:30](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) you Drew Ann Long (: [15:34](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) This was a year, year and a half later. They told me no twice. They're like, we are not interested lady. And I was like, oh, this it is game on. I mean, this is, you know, that motivated me. That pushed me to be like, you have no idea. So yeah, it was just figuring it out. I continued on the social media and that was good and bad. It was great that I had that. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [15:46](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) course. Drew Ann Long (: [16:03](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) that they kind of confirmed like, yes, this is a good idea. It wasn't just me. And they supported me. it was, you know, and the bad part was there was a little bit of pressure there because I thought, gosh, David, I'm getting emails from out of the country, South Africa. This lady was emailing me all the time. We got to have this and stuff. And I'm like, my gosh, I can't, I don't have a manufacturer. So yeah, then I had to, yeah, I just had to figure it out. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [16:09](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Right. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [16:30](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) But in the back of your mind, you knew that the day was coming where you actually needed this I was I would imagine that while you were going through this process, Caroline was still able to be transported or Drew Ann Long (: [16:43](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) No, no, because she had outgrown everything. you know, now time is just flying and it took me several years to get this off this off the ground. So I either did not bring her or then I was forced to bring her wheelchair in, pull the cart, push the wheelchair, hire a babysitter. So, yeah, during my years of getting this off the ground, Caroline didn't have an option. You know, there were no options for the older, not just Caroline, mean, the millions of older children. that grow into adults, there was no option during that time. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [17:16](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) So let's take a left turn here. Essentially, again, for those who are listening, stand behind a shopping cart, turn 180, and sit down. That's the basic idea here. How does somebody get into this? Is there locks on the wheels? How do you go as a parent if you have a Drew Ann Long (: [17:28](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Sure, yes. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [17:39](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) 12 to 20 year old that is 100 pounds plus. How do you get them from the car into a Caroline's cart? Drew Ann Long (: [17:48](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) So does this person, does the child walk or the adult walk or not walk? Jeffrey Bradbury (: [17:54](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) I don't know. Drew Ann Long (: [17:55](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) So like walking, you mean just walk right up to it. I mean, it does have it does have brakes on it. Most of the brakes usually aren't used, I would say. I mean, they're there if you need them and you literally just walk them up, turn around, sit down and their feet rest on that platform. You know, so there's it is it is so it is so simple. It's almost stupid simple. You know, it is just a big seat with the basket, you know, just so now what if you don't walk? Jeffrey Bradbury (: [17:57](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Okay. Drew Ann Long (: [18:25](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Caroline doesn't walk. Many stores over the years have, they know their customers and you you live in that community and you grocery shop all the time there. The family would park into the handicap, call, and they would bring it out to say, okay, here you go. So then you don't have to bring in the wheelchair and transfer and all that. So that's a tremendous, wonderful service for the older kids and adults that don't walk. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [18:52](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) There you were giving a pitch and eventually somebody said yes. Take us to that moment. Let's start with either. Drew Ann Long (: [18:59](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) the manufacturing of the retailer. Drew Ann Long (: [19:04](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) So if I don't have any manufacturer have all this demand I got to get some carts out there found a guy in Georgia who made Lumber carts Excuse me And he said I've never really made a shopping cart But he agreed he's like I can do it's simple I can do it 100 of my first round of carts cost $100,000. Oh yeah, I have no money. I've, you know, and I've got patents along the way. So we didn't, we'd spent all of our money. were in debt, debt, debt. So we had to go to our 401k. So it would have died if we didn't do that. I know everybody's like, you never touched that unit. We didn't want to, we didn't plan to, but it was our only option. So. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [19:37](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Wow. Drew Ann Long (: [20:02](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) some carts, you know, I finally have some carts to get on. Walmart told me no, everybody told me no, now nobody's gonna buy them. I'm like, my gosh, the need is tremendous. They said, we like it, but we only buy from one shopping cart manufacturer and they're in North Carolina. Well, I didn't dare say that they had told me no twice. So was like, my gosh. I mean, so much crying and just gnashing of teeth because I'm like, what have I done? mean, we're going to lose our house and nobody will buy me. And I didn't know the rules of the game. I'm a mom from small town Alabama, trying to figure this out. So my husband and I were like, we're going to have to go the smaller chain, the mom and pop, the ones that just are locally owned. And that's what happened. We strategically seeded the market with 88 Carolines carts. The first one was sold in Chicago and it was small chains that took a chance that I would call up. and say, hey, I got a small little flyer. People need this. This is for the special needs community or special needs customers. So I got 88 carts. The rest of them burned in a fire. That's a whole nother story. But we strategically placed them throughout the country to build a nationwide demand. I didn't want them all in Alabama. I didn't want just an Alabama demand. I needed a nationwide movement behind this product. So 88 were sold to the small chains that no one's ever heard of and I was done. I was like, okay, well there's nothing else I can do. mean, about a year later, my telephone rings and it was North Carolina saying, okay, now we have Walmart and Kroger and Target calling us saying we want Caroline's cart, but we won't buy from that lady, we'll only buy from you. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [21:43](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Thank you. Drew Ann Long (: [21:59](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) trip to North Carolina I got a manufacturing contract and then it really took off. But they made me work for it! They made me work for it, buddy! Jeffrey Bradbury (: [22:02](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Wow. that And how long how old was Caroline when that moment happened? Drew Ann Long (: [22:13](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) She was 12. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [22:16](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) What are, I'm not completely familiar with her situation. She understands what's going on? Drew Ann Long (: [22:26](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) We don't know. I choose to believe that she does. She doesn't walk or talk, but she's certainly not, I hate this word, but I'm gonna just, she's not a vegetable. mean, she is aware of her surroundings. She will laugh out loud. You know, she, for sure, it has a mental disability as well. So we tell her everything, and I do believe that when we're in stores and we're using it, or we'll see somebody using it. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [22:30](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Okay. Drew Ann Long (: [22:53](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) tell her and I choose to believe that she she knows that this is her legacy. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [22:59](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) As a mom, that is an amazing, well, as a dad, that is an amazing story to hear and one that is very inspiring. look into the camera, talk to the moms and dads that are out there listening to this, that have a story of their own have a challenge of their own have that moment where they say, we have this going on, there's got to be an answer for this. And they keep hearing no and I'm saying for the people who are looking to build their next Caroline's cart who are looking to get their next insurance approval for whatever the procedures are, speak to the to the to the community right now. Drew Ann Long (: [23:40](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) say that no is just a word and don't give it any power. You know, the amount of rejection that happened during the journey of getting Carol Ann's caught off the ground is truly unbelievable. I learned early on that I am the only one that can control the word no and the power that it has over me. just, I just, I knew that these people did not know, did not fully understand the life of the special needs family. How could they? They're not one. I don't fault them for that. I didn't know until I was born into it. What I fault them for was dismissing me so early. Number two, you have to own it. Whatever you're doing, whatever situation you're in, own it. Do not wait for someone to come solve your problems, to come do whatever is it, whether you're facing schools, you're building a business, you're fighting insurance companies, own it, own it, own it. found myself out on an island in Carol Anne's Cart. I did not ever plan to do what I did. Okay? I thought I would draw something on a piece of paper, corporate America would embrace it, give me a hug and be like, lady, what a great idea. Nothing is farther from the truth. So I had to learn while I was on this island to own what I was doing. And that was a very defining moment for me. I don't know if you can understand that. But I think no matter what you're doing, sometimes we don't want to do that. It's hard or we, know, it's blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Stop. Figure it out. It's not easy. You're going to fail. mean, my gosh, how many times did Caroline's cart fail and that I was under the bed sucking my thumb, crying, wishing I had never done it. You just have to believe in what you're doing in the depths of your soul and figure it out. I know I wish I had a better three words to say than that, but that is my whole life story is just, okay, no one's going to help me. It's fine. I'll figure it out. I'll do it my way. had I not done that, I mean, if I had accepted no from day one, I wouldn't be talking to you and there would be no specialty shopping cart in Dubai today. And Caroline's Cart is in Dubai, if you can believe it. So Drew Ann Long (: [26:05](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Just take ownership of what you're doing. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [26:09](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) You've gone from mother of I still have a hard time saying this even though it's my story to mother of child with special needs to entrepreneur to now your public speaker businesswoman. How you feeling? Drew Ann Long (: [26:26](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) overwhelmed sometimes. I mean, it is the most joyful feeling. know, just being a parent is joyful. And so many twists and turns, so many things I just didn't think would ever land me where I am, but I am grateful and I've learned a lot. And I want to be the voice for that person to be like, well, I mean, I don't know if I can do that. Are you kidding? I didn't have a business plan. I didn't have the money. I learned how to accept rejection and failure. So it's a fun place to be first and foremost because I want to inspire people to be like, that was a nobody mom in small town Alabama who refused to take no from answer. She took ownership of it and she figured it out. So I appreciate you saying that I went from this to this to this, but I think the message I want to give is just look at her. Look at that lady from the, my gosh, I ran this company out of my minivan. I didn't have an office. Someone said once, why did it take you so long? Because I'm not corporate America. I worked on this when I could, when my kids were asleep, napping, school, you know, I didn't have the luxury of doing this. I mean, my Honda Odyssey was my office. So yeah, I wanna encourage those people out there to. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [27:51](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Yep. Drew Ann Long (: [27:53](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) It can be done. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [27:55](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) The website is drew and speaks.com. We're going to make sure that we have links to this and all the products and how you can check this out. And certainly some of her other, you know, podcast interviews and videos and stuff over here on our show notes at teachercast.net slash podcast. Drew, the story is extremely inspiring, not just from the entrepreneurial sense, but a lot of, you know, as I said before we started, we have a lot in common with with being a parent of and going through all the different I remember myself going, it's not a double stroller I need. How do we do all of these different things, right? Like we, we never got the triplet stroller. We got the two plus the one and it's okay. Well, what happens if there's only one parent and all of these things going on. But the answer is, is, you know, put it this way. The question I've always gotten is how do you do it? And my answer is there is no plan B. Drew Ann Long (: [28:32](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Ha ha ha ha! Jeffrey Bradbury (: [28:53](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) This is you have. Run. I would imagine your life was the same. Here's Caroline. Go. Right? Like this is going to happen. This is where this is what life is going to look like. There is no plan B. Drew Ann Long (: [29:10](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) when people said, just don't know how you do it. Well, you'd do the same thing if you had it. have you had it? mean, I don't know if you ever heard that. I don't know. I just don't know how you do it. Well. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [29:19](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) I- I don't think week has gone by in 12 and a half years that people don't triplets. How do you, and you're like, you don't have an option. Every day, every single day. And it's always, but that's who we are. Drew Ann Long (: [29:25](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) You still hear it. Drew Ann Long (: [29:32](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) You probably still hear it every day. Yeah. Drew Ann Long (: [29:41](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) I think special needs parents, I think we're made a little different. I think that we have, over time, you develop a thicker skin, or you're not just fighting for yourself. I I have an innocent baby 25 year old who wears a diaper. I'm her voice. have everything she has is because I have fought for it through the system, through insurance, through Medicaid, all the things, you too. So I do think we... We evolved to be a little different than maybe this typical family. I don't know if you agree on that, Jeffrey Bradbury (: [30:19](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Every single day I agree with that. you know, including today when, you know, you're sitting there, literally I've been saying like, I'm going to war against the school district to fight for, you know, you you hear it's the voice of the voiceless. No, they have a voice and they're speaking for you. Your job is to amplify their needs. And that's that's the shield that you pick up. Drew Ann Long (: [30:29](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Mm-hmm. Drew Ann Long (: [30:35](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Yeah. Right. Right. Right. Drew Ann Long (: [30:43](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Yeah. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [30:43](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) and your shield has a know as a handle and two extra wheels if you will right what was it like walking into your first target or your first walmart and there it is Drew Ann Long (: [30:48](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Yeah, yeah. Drew Ann Long (: [30:56](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) to believe, really hard to believe. Almost like I was in a dream or a movie like, gosh, I really just wanted a specialty shopping cart at my own store and I didn't even, wasn't even going to do this. You know, it's just flashbacks of all the sacrifice, all the hard, all the no vacations, all the wondering if we could pay our bills. Just flashbacks. And it never gets old. I mean, I still get emails every single day. Got one today. What app was it? TikTok. I'm new to TikTok, but I'm on TikTok. And I reshared it to someone saying, couldn't do without this. Could not shop without this. And that is, it's powerful. And I feel like that, you know, again, I just want to be out there shouting and screaming that I was not corporate America. Please, you know, wow. If small town, nobody, Alabama mom can do something like this, I hope I can give hope to others. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [32:03](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) If a store is listening to this and would like to purchase one, do they reach out to you? Do they call North Carolina? And could you give it? Okay. Drew Ann Long (: [32:12](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) They just go to carolinescart.com. They just go to [http://www.carolinescart.com](http://www.carolinescart.com). There's a number of how to order. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [32:21](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) And they and do you find that Walmart's again, let's talk about the bigger stores. Do you usually find one of these or do they usually buy half a dozen? Drew Ann Long (: [32:31](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) My Walmart in my small town has four. Four. So I think every Walmart has a minimum of two. But I've heard of one having six. So I think it depends on the footprint of the store. You know, they probably run all the numbers with the population. I mean, they know the foot traffic. So, yeah. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [32:35](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Wow. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [32:53](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Well, I, as you know. in talking to my family here, I said, Yeah, I've got this wonderful person coming on. Do you know about these? And my wife's just like, Oh, yeah, we have one of those. So they've made their way to Connecticut. And and and look, congratulations for all of the success. And it's not easy. You have an amazing, amazing story and an amazing voice. And if anybody wants to find out more information, you can go over to drew and speaks calm and, and of course, again, we're going to put all the links out there. But Drew, I'm going to give you the last word here. Look right into that camera. Speak to mom, speak to the entrepreneur, speak to anybody out there that's saying how can I advocate for my child? Drew Ann Long (: [33:40](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Don't be scared. You know, have to know what you're doing is not only for the, not only for your child, but it's for the greater good. And that's where I came with Caroline's Cart. Yes, it was for Caroline, but it was for the greater good. So your battle that you're fighting for whatever it is, whether it's your child, business, whatever, there's going to be, it's going to springboard. You know, you don't see, I couldn't see, and you probably can't see, All of it, it's gonna come, the ripple effect. The ripple effect is always good. When you do good, I believe there is a ripple effect on that. So stay focused and remember, yes, I'm fighting for my child, but this could, there's gonna be, this is for the greater good, there's gonna be a ripple effect of that. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [34:29](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) I'm going to take a timeout there because I'm going to then do the closing and stuff and we'll wrap up there. Was this okay for you? 100%. And I was asking a lot of I'm going to put a marker here. I'm asking a lot of questions that could easily be turned into shorts and reels and whatever else you want to call those things. So that was perfect. Now seriously, you had me going back to like 12 years ago. Drew Ann Long (: [34:36](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Yeah, was it okay for you? Okay, good. Drew Ann Long (: [34:54](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) I love doing these. These are always so much fun. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [34:56](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) every single look, what are the two things you think I get asked often? How did you do it? And how did it happen? Drew Ann Long (: [35:07](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) gonna ask I'm like I wonder if that was natural or if they took like fertility Jeffrey Bradbury (: [35:11](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) You know, I have answers that I give when the doors are locked and no one's around and I have answers that I give when they're gone. And the public answer is, you know, science is amazing. And I just let that one fly. Let's see if people understand that. But no, I have two boys. And yep. And today we were frightened like hell for her. So. Drew Ann Long (: [35:20](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) Right. girls, you have girls or boys? both? Two boys and a girl. Drew Ann Long (: [35:36](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) my gosh. All right, are the boys twins? I don't know how this works. Can you have twins or do the, so nobody's a twin. Okay. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [35:42](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) they know when to I don't want to say these things out loud, but no, they're they're all unique and amazing. And you know, one. Well, I don't know if people are listening like they're all 11. They're going to be 12 next month. One is physically 13. One is fourth grade. So like, there's your there's there's your we're all around there. Drew Ann Long (: [35:48](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) individual. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [36:13](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) And so yeah, there's a whole bunch of stuff. And that's why when I got the opportunity for the Ted, I'm like, I'm doing that. Like this is the video that I'm going to hand out for my entire life going, look at this. And all of those things. there's Look, I'm gonna get this up as quickly as I can you do with it, whatever you need. Do you have a team working with you? Like, who's doing your site? Who's doing like, who are you doing this all yourself to? Okay. Drew Ann Long (: [36:45](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) to do my website. Like I said, I'm just getting started doing this. I've done a TEDx. That was a couple years ago and fun. Am I recording? It doesn't matter if I'm recording. Yeah, fun fact on that. Jeffrey Bradbury (: [36:57](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) No, we're all. I'm here. Let me turn this off. I didn't need to this going, Drew Ann Long (: [37:02](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep81-drew-ann-long/ void(0);) you can record. just didn't know if my voice, I didn't know.