Pen Lovers - for Lovers of Fine Writing

The StrideWrite Story
	Not too long ago, we received a generous donation toward our on-going Pens for Kids giveaway. The gift of "Base" pens by Schneider, was very much appreciated, and we were struck by both the sturdiness and the writability of the Schneider pens.
		Schneider is a German manufacturer of writing instruments - fountain pens, rollerballs, mechanical pencils, markers, and so on. Schneider pens are interesting in their own right, and we take a look at them here.
	But if you want to purchase a Schneider pen in the United States, you will find a little company with a big difference - StrideWrite. Stride has a relationship with Schneider that gives them distribution rights in the US, and an additional 15% of Schneider's manufacturing is done by Stride, in their Reno, Nevada facility.
And here is where the story gets interesting.
StrideWrite is staffed by special people - people with disabilities. Stride is also, a for-profit company, going head-to-head with the likes of Pentel, Pilot and Sanford. The combination of missions - both to be solvent, and to employ the disabled, is quite unique. And, they make a respectable pen.

		Stride is owned and directed by Barbara Brennan. Her personal experience with a special needs child of her own began a journey into running a business with a higher goal (than just making a profit). Over 200 disabled persons have outgrown the pen factory and moved on to other jobs in the community. Stride continues to offer a place for everyone to succeed - a place where everyone can gain skills, self-esteem, and be productive.
When selecting an American distribution partner, Schneider executives believed in the Stride mission so much that they agreed never to interfere with the employment and development of the disabled. The next time you or your office needs to buy good, solid writing instruments, think about StrideWrite. Their product inventory is available through Office Max and United Stationers Supply Co. You'll find them available online at Passion4pens.com, Deustche Pen, Pen City, Write With Style, and Authentic Expressions GSA information is available at StrideWrite's website.