Cindy Ali is a survivor of domestic violence and values the kindness of strangers and the importance of community. After leaving an abusive marriage, the single mom of three children found a new home in Denton, Texas. By Nancy E. Williams
Cindy Ali is a survivor of domestic violence and values the kindness of strangers and the importance of community. After leaving an abusive marriage, the single mom of three children found a new home in Denton, Texas. She fell in love with the small town full of artists, musicians and business owners. Ali pursued her master’s degree while raising her children and working several jobs. After graduating, she obtained a job in the local school district, diagnosing children with special needs. What led her there? Her youngest son, Amr, has Down syndrome.
In 2020, Amr was aging out of the school system and the process of securing a job was challenging. “Although my son is considered ‘high functioning,’ the waiting list for the work placement program for adults with special needs is very long,” explained Ali. With that, she began exploring franchise opportunities she could operate with Amr as well as her daughter, Emily, and son-in-law, Matt. She was introduced to Runningboards Marketing (RBM) by a consultant and immediately knew the flexible, home-based business was the right choice.
“With RBM, my son and I can be out in the community meeting people and having a direct impact on local businesses,” she said. “My son fell in love with DAV® – RBM’s digital mobile billboard – with its bright shiny lights and fun messaging.”
Because of her life experiences, Ali also knew she wanted a franchise where she could give back to the causes and community she loved. “We’ve been able to work with so many nonprofits, including Autism Speaks; Giving Grace, which assists families who are currently homeless or are in danger of becoming homeless; and Denton Freedom House, which employs homeless individuals, just to name a few.” Ali also attends many of the new business ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Denton Chamber of Commerce, donating free advertising for the day to those businesses.
Moving forward, Ali has plans to expand her RBM business with territories in Frisco and Plano. “Between my son working side-by-side with me and the organizations we partner with, the community sees how important it is to embrace disabled children. We need to come together and do more,” she said.
Nancy E. Williams