Thorndale, PA — Handi-Crafters Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities through vocational training and employment opportunities, is pleased to announce that Dan Hughes has joined its team as Sales and Business Development Representative. In this role, Hughes will help expand regional and national business partnerships that support meaningful employment opportunities for more than 200 individuals annually throughout Chester County and the surrounding region.
“I like the idea that I can be a part of something that truly makes an impact in our community. I am thrilled to join the team at Handi-Crafters.” — Dan Hughes
Hughes brings extensive experience in relationship-driven sales, brand development, and strategic growth. A longtime West Chester–based on-air host with QVC, he spent 34 years contributing to more than $5 billion in national and emerging brand sales, building trusted relationships with audiences and business partners across the country. He later founded Dano Sales & Marketing, where he supported organizations with partnership development and modern sales strategy. His background provides both strong regional relationships and national visibility, positioning him well to expand awareness of Handi-Crafters’ unique production capabilities and mission-driven business model.
In his role with Handi-Crafters, Hughes will focus on expanding contract packaging and assembly partnerships, strengthening relationships with existing production customers, and identifying new regional and national opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission. These partnerships directly support the continued growth of Handi-Crafters’ production operations as a pathway for individuals with diverse disabilities to develop skills, earn wages, and move forward toward competitive integrated employment.
Through this work, Hughes will help advance Handi-Crafters’ unique business model—one that integrates real production work with vocational training opportunities—allowing individuals to build transferable skills, gain confidence, and broaden their employment potential.
“Dan brings a remarkable combination of relationship-building experience, regional credibility, and national visibility to Handi-Crafters,” said April Ennis-Pierson, Executive Director. “Expanding our production partnerships directly strengthens our ability to provide meaningful work experiences for the individuals we serve. Each new contract helps create opportunities for people with disabilities to build skills, gain confidence, and move forward on their path toward competitive employment.”
Handi-Crafters is excited to welcome Dan to the team and looks forward to the impact he will make in advancing its mission. His addition reflects the organization’s continued commitment to strategic growth, innovation, and building strong partnerships that translate directly into expanded employment opportunities.
Businesses interested in making an impact while meeting their production needs are encouraged to connect with Dan Hughes to learn more about partnership opportunities with Handi-Crafters. Dan.Hughes@handi-crafters.org
Handi-Crafters is one of the largest employment and disability-focused nonprofit work centers in Southeast Pennsylvania. Each year, the organization supports more than 250 individuals in accessing meaningful vocational training and employment opportunities both in the community and at its Thorndale-based production and training center. Since 1961, Handi-Crafters has remained committed to helping individuals with disabilities build skills, expand independence, and achieve their goals through vocational training, community participation services, supported employment and through its active day center. For 65 years, Handi-Crafters has served as a trusted regional resource supporting individuals with disabilities throughout Chester County and surrounding Counties.
