"We make our popcorn with love."
Hetty Marion, drizzling strawberry sauce onto a fresh batch of Strawberry Ice Cream-flavored popcorn, doesn’t just see her job as work. It’s personal. The movie theater hums quietly below her, the aroma of caramel wafting through the concession area. What’s her favorite flavor? “Belgian Chocolate Toffee,” she says proudly. “It’s our best seller." Hetty loves to bake, but she also loves how her job is helping her socialize with colleagues her age, "That was one of my biggest fears... but it's helped me make new friends."
The Prospector Theater, a movie theater nestled in the heart of Ridgefield, Connecticut, isn’t just a place where people come for entertainment. It’s a testament to what happens when a vision of inclusivity becomes reality—a place where individuals with disabilities, like Hetty, are given opportunities that extend far beyond the usual boundaries society often imposes on them. They call themselves Prospects.
For Dillon, another Prospect, the job has been life-changing. “I used to work at [a grocery store] as a bagger,” he says. “I wanted to do more, to learn more, but I wasn’t given the chance. Here at the Prospector, I’m learning every day.”
The Prospector Theater could easily be mistaken for a typical movie house. But behind the scenes, it serves a much greater purpose: creating jobs for individuals with disabilities, fostering an environment where they can thrive in ways they never imagined. And at the heart of that mission is popcorn—gourmet, handcrafted, mouthwatering, Prospector Popcorn.
Popcorn With a Purpose
"We’re an untapped workforce,” says Elizabeth Gallo, Director of Popcorn Operations at Prospector Popcorn. “People don’t expect much from us at first, but we prove them wrong every single day.”
Gallo has been with the Prospector since its inception, helping to build a kitchen that produces more than just snacks. The gourmet popcorn operation, born out of founder Val Jensen’s dream to make the theater a hub for employment, serves to fulfill the organization’s mission: to show that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
On any given day, you’ll find workers like Hetty or Dillon overseeing the production of flavors like Cheddar & Caramel, Maple Walnut Ice Cream, and a crowd-favorite, Belgian Chocolate Toffee. Each batch is meticulously crafted—not just for taste, but for the sense of purpose it provides.
“I love the kitchen,” Dillon says, his eyes lighting up. “It’s my favorite place to work. That, and events. And HR, too.” His pride in his work is palpable, and for good reason. His time at the Prospector has led to personal growth, far beyond the gourmet popcorn-making process. Two years ago, Dillon moved out of his parents’ home and into his own apartment. It’s a milestone that, for many, might seem ordinary. For Dillon, it’s monumental.
“I’m learning to be independent,” he says, the gravity of those words hanging in the air. “I pay my own bills, I do my own grocery shopping, I cook my own meals.” He pauses, smiling. “I even make my own turkey chili.”
“Every time you purchase our popcorn, you’re not just buying a product. You're supporting people like Dillon and Hetty who’ve been told ‘no’ too many times.”
—Elizabeth Gallo, Director of Popcorn Operations
The Untapped Workforce
There’s an inherent beauty in what Prospector Popcorn does. In an industry where many employers struggle to find staff, Prospector has built a thriving business by embracing those who are often overlooked. Seventy-five percent of their workforce self-identifies as having a disability. It’s a staggering statistic that shouldn’t just be impressive—it should be a wake-up call.
The hospitality industry, particularly hotels, has long been in the business of making people feel at home. But what if hotels could do even more—by using their purchasing power to make an impact beyond their own walls?
“Every time you purchase our gourmet popcorn, you’re not just buying a product,” she says. “You’re supporting people like Dillon and Hetty. People who’ve been told ‘no’ too many times.”
Hoteliers who stock Prospector Popcorn popcorn for their minibars, gift shops, or VIP amenities are choosing more than just a snack—they’re investing in human potential. The popcorn, undeniably delicious, carries with it a weight that’s far more satisfying than its flavors alone. It’s employment. It’s community. It’s dignity.
“We create ripple effects,” Gallo says, explaining how the revenue from their popcorn sales has not only kept Prospector Popcorn running, but has them planning to expand their kitchen operations. “When we started working with Procure Impact, the orders started coming in faster than we could keep up. The demand grew so much that we’re now moving into a bigger space just to keep up.”
The Hospitality of Inclusion
In a world where profit margins often dictate choices, the Prospector Popcorn stands as a reminder that businesses don’t have to choose between quality and impact—they can have both. The hospitality industry, with its constant need to curate experiences for guests, is perfectly positioned to lead that charge.
“There’s so much stigma,” says Gallo. “But when people meet us, when they hear our story, they realize how much they’ve underestimated this community. Popcorn is just the beginning,” she says. “It’s not just about giving people jobs—it’s about giving people the opportunity to live the lives they deserve.”
“It’s not just about giving people jobs—it’s about giving people the opportunity to live the lives they deserve.”
—Elizabeth Gallo, Director of Popcorn Operations
An Invitation to Make an Impact
At Prospector Popcorn, it’s clear that the magic extends beyond the movie screen. It’s in the way Dillon grins when he talks about his HR duties, how Hetty’s confidence has blossomed through socializing with colleagues, and how Elizabeth Gallo speaks with conviction about changing the narrative around disability in the workforce.
The next time you consider what products to offer your guests, remember that a bag of gourmet popcorn can do more than satisfy a late-night craving. It can create opportunities, build confidence, and, above all, remind us of the beautiful potential in every human being.
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