A Union of Makers
Adults with disabilities face some of the highest barriers to employment in the country. Too often, they are excluded from the workforce not because of a lack of ability, but because of a lack of opportunity. We’re here to change that.
Maker Union is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Park City, Utah, dedicated to creating a supportive, flexible work environment where our makers can earn wages, build confidence, and develop job skills in a real business setting. Our program is built around people, not productivity metrics. Success isn’t just measured in items completed, it’s seen in self-esteem, community connection, and joyful creative expression.
It all started with one little girl
Founded in 2022 by a single mother of a disabled daughter, Maker Union was built to fill a critical gap: to create a safe, year-round workplace where individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities can earn a wage, build confidence, and become valued contributors to their communities.
We currently employ approximately 25 individuals during peak seasons, and we’re working to expand year-round staffing with the support of full-time supervisors, aides, and outreach into the Latino and rural communities in the region.
Why we believe
Dream it.
It all begins with a little girl from the other side of the world. As we learned about her abilities, we soon realized her path was not going to be ordinary. Thinking ahead to life post high school, we wanted to provide a safe and meaningful center of employment for not only her but her peers. Many people with disabilities are seeking an opportunity to work, earn a wage and be a part of a greater community
Build it.
Our unique community in Park City, Utah provides us with resources to assist in supporting this workforce as well as a tourism, ski and hospitality industry to leverage. The initial employment opportunity is offering a range of gift bundles for sale. This workforce will design, develop, source, assemble and deliver these unique gift bundles.
Grow it.
As we fund the initial concept of employment, we plan to reinvest into the mission and create multiple opportunities of trade, vocation and service to the community. Employees will have the opportunity to expand their skill set and grow as individuals bringing their newly acquired skills to a new division of Maker Union or out into the world.
Gaining social and life skills makes a huge difference to the individuals working here well as their families and the wider community.
— Courtney Caplan
Meet the Maker Union team
Anne Peters, President
As a 24 year resident of Park City, Anne started Maker Union with the desire to create a safe and welcoming work environment for her daughter. Applying 30 + years as a creative and marketing executive, her vision is to create and sell unique, locally based gift bundles. The design, development and assembly will be fulfilled by this talented workforce.
Andrew Caplan, Vice President
A full time Park City resident. Andrew is head of outsourced trading and institutional equities at StoneX. Andrew brings a wealth of experience in finance, community outreach and business organization. He currently serves on several non-profit boards.
Kristal Bowman-Carter, Secretary
A full time Park City resident and managing partner of her law firm, practicing in the areas of estate planning, administration, and business formation. Kristal provides guidance and support in the areas of compliance and structure. She is a member of Park City Rotary, Park City Community Foundation, and the Women’s Giving Fund.
Polly Boe, Treasurer
A full time Denver CO, resident, Polly is a retired CFO and consults for many retail companies. She has extensive experience in finance having held executive positions as CFO for brands such as Levi’s, Gumps, Red Envelope and Sundance Catalog. She is especially passionate about Maker Union, investing her time and talents into creating and maintaining a sustainable business model.
Tara Bacon, Director
A full-time Park City resident and teacher of Special Education at the Park City High School, Tara has extensive experience working with people with moderate and severe disabilities. She provides insight into the abilities, pathways, and best practices in working with and developing this specific workforce.
