Mike Ziegler came to Nevada County from San Francisco over three decades ago, shortly after meeting his soon-to-be wife, Debby. He jokes that he wanted to marry her just two minutes after meeting her. “It was pretty instant,” he says with a laugh. He left behind a successful career in sales, and soon took on a new role as CEO and president of PRIDE Industries (prideindustries.com), a nonprofit that creates jobs for people with disabilities. For the first time, Ziegler saw how he could apply his talent for sales to helping his community. “It changed my life,” he explains. “Now when I sell something, somebody gets a job because of it.”
PRIDE is currently the largest nonprofit employer of people with disabilities in the U.S., and Ziegler is passionate about PRIDE’s mission. He emphasizes how we often take for granted the dignity and self-esteem that comes with working. “Ten percent of people in this country are people with disabilities of working age,” he explains. “Of that group, 74 percent are unemployed. It’s the largest disenfranchised population in this country.” In addition to his work with PRIDE, Ziegler participates in numerous other community groups, including serving as a board member for the California Chamber of Commerce. “PRIDE is owned by the community,” Ziegler states. “It’s important for us to stay connected. Our successes are everybody’s success.”

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For more about Mike Ziegler and other local happenings and information, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style – Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin edition.