Conor Quinn

Briefly describe your daily job duties.
As a commissioner in my community I talk with constituents every day and deal with their concerns. Commissioners run the government in the township, pass budgets, ordinances, and serve as the voice for the constituents. My other job is as a restaurant owner in my township. I help manage the daily operations of the restaurant and deliver the best possible service and food we can.

As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job.
As a stutterer, the most challenging part of being a commissioner and restaurant owner is speaking in public. But I’ve not let that hold me back in speaking up.

Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it and how do you currently disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers, clients and or customers?
Yes, when I ran for Commissioner I’d speak to residents and if I stuttered, then I would let them know that I stutter. Everyone from the residents to my fellow commissioners are very understanding and respectful. That also goes for my job as a restaurant owner.

Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work.
It shows you’re not afraid of being you.

What is your proudest moment at your current company?
My proudest moment was when I won my election. I live in the greatest community and being able to give back is what I enjoy.

What are your long-term career aspirations?
My long-term plan is to best represent the people in my community. Maybe I’ll run for higher office because public service is important to me. I will continue to work at the restaurant and who knows, maybe I’ll own other restaurants too. You never know what life holds.

What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success?
Never shy away from speaking. Embrace it. If you stutter let people know, you’ll find out people are very understanding. Don’t be ashamed.