GCE Designs, a new venture from Global Connections to Employment, is opening an 8,744-square-foot facility that will create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities while delivering high-quality branded merchandise to customers nationwide.
Background: GCE is an affiliate of LifeView Group, which serves as an umbrella organization for GCE, Lakeview Center, and FamiliesFirst Networks. GCE is one of the country’s largest private employers of people with disabilities, with more than 1,700 team members across 14 states and Washington, D.C.
“With the launch of GCE Designs, we’re expanding on our mission by creating a space where creativity meets purpose—where individuals of all abilities can thrive, contribute, and grow,” says Dwight Davis, GCE’s president.
A Proven Partnership
GCE Designs isn’t going it alone. They’ve partnered with Spectrum Designs, a New York-based brand and merchandise company where nearly 70% of staff members are on the autism spectrum. Spectrum’s impressive client roster includes Google, J.P. Morgan Chase, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, and J.Crew—proving that inclusion and excellence go hand in hand.
This marks Spectrum Designs’ first strategic partnership outside New York, and co-founder Patrick Bardsley couldn’t be more enthusiastic: “We couldn’t imagine a stronger partner than GCE to bring it to scale.”
Local Leadership
Leading this venture is Mike Craney, a seasoned Pensacola business executive with over 30 years of experience in marketing and business development. His deep community roots and proven leadership make him the perfect fit to launch a business that blends purpose with profit.
GCE Designs plans to hire 10-15 team members in its first year, with growth potential as the customer base expands. It’s a powerful reminder that when businesses prioritize inclusion, everyone wins—employees gain meaningful careers, companies access dedicated talent, and communities grow stronger.
Learn more at GCEdesigns.org.
Awesome that they are creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities in our community.
Thank you for sharing this positive news for Pensacola, Rick!