Totally Paralyzed Since Childhood, Now an Internet Business Success
There is a new world of hope and promise, where literally anyone - even with severe physical disabilities - has an equal opportunity to succeed in the world of virtual business. Even though he is completely paralyzed and needs a respirator to live, Ray Fox, 26, has found business success in a world where he can compete in spite of his disabilities -- the Internet.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (PRWEB) January 6, 2004 --It has been a long, challenging, often emotionally overwhelming recovery for Ray Fox, but at only 26 he has accomplished far more than most others his age. Totally paralyzed from the neck down, Fox has not let that stop him -- and he has only just begun.
Fox was a happy, care-free 7-year-old when he was hit by a car on his way to see his brother play Little League Baseball. He lay near death, but his will to survive was strong, and after seven long months he was able to come home from the hospital.
He was alive, but Fox would spend the remainder of his life dependent on a respirator and a wheelchair. There were challenges growing up, but he graduated from Decatur Central High in Indianapolis, Ind. on schedule in 1995.
Most high school graduates struggle with finding out who they are, and what they want to do with their lives. Fox had the added difficulty of learning what he could do in spite of his physical limitations.
Using a special device he controls with his mouth, Fox learned to surf the Internet, where he quickly recognized the endless opportunities and possibilities that awaited him. From the very first time he went on-line in 1998 he recognized that this was a new world where he did not have a handicap.
The Internet became an extension of his mind, where he could use technology to create services needed by others. He studied and learned, and before long he was ready to start his first business.
I knew this was where I could achieve my goals, my dreams. I learned everything I could about running a successful business on the world wide web. I finally knew exactly where I was headed and where I wanted to go," explained Fox.
He became a net-entrepreneur. For the first time, he was able to discern a true and viable future for himself through the Internet, but he needed help and guidance. A volunteer from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) helped Fox with experience and guidance.
Bob Bailey helped me in ways no business course could," said Fox. He taught me about the nuances of business and helped me to plan carefully, step by step."
That first Internet business, an on-line book seller, was a great learning experience, but he formed it right at the time Amazon.com was becoming well-known. Fox recognized he was up against stiff competition, so he decided to find a better opportunity. Rather than sell books he saw a great need and decided to fill it -- he would help struggling authors get their books published.
Fox has a love of fantasy, science fiction, and horror books. He decided to create a unique way for authors of those works to get their books published. WriterPublishing.com enables authors to actually e-mail their finished manuscripts to Fox. If he likes the submission he will publish it, at no cost to the author, distribute it to normal retail outlets, and pay handsome royalties - helping others to fulfill their dreams.
In May 2002 another event took place that changed the direction of his life. Fox fell in love, and best of all, the feeling was mutual. He and Sheryle are now working on living happily ever after.
I never thought this could happen to me," said Fox with a big smile. and so I thought if it can happen for me, it can happen for anyone. I wanted for find a way to create the ultimate method for people to find each other. I knew the technology existed, so it was just a mater of putting it all together."
Another Internet business was born out of Foxs creative mind. He wanted to help people find a better way to meet, and he learned by searching the web that the many dating services that were springing up were all failing because they were not providing the one thing that was needed for people to learn about each other -- a truly safe way for people to get to know each other before they meet in person.
Fox operates HotNewDate.com where men and women of all ages can actually see and hear each other live over the Internet. It is extremely easy to use, and there is no software to install. They can even create a special video of themselves, load it onto HotNewDate.com, and let others see their recorded video.
Profiles and pictures arent enough," said Fox. People want to talk and see each other without the risk of meeting a stranger for the first time out in the real world."
HotNewDate.com is growing rapidly because it has found a need and filled it in a way no one else has thought of, all because of the creativity of Fox.
What advice does he have for others with disabilities?
I give the same advice to everyone, disabled or not," explained Fox. On the Internet we are truly all equals. There are no limitations beyond the limitations of your own mind and your own creativity. The success formula is the same on the Internet as it has always been in business. Find a need and fill it in a way that is better than anyone else, and people will beat a path to your door to use your service or buy your product."
Availability: By phone, short-notice requests welcome
Contact: Bernie Furshpan, agent: 1-800-261-1636
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