The centerpiece of this new venture is the We R Randolph-Sheppard Podcast. It is an idea that has been talked about for years. But finally in 2022, Nicky and Terry took the plunge and launched the first episode of the podcast. They were blown away by the response by the community. It seems Nicky and Terry’s fun-loving back and forth combined with the presentation of meaningful information struck a chord. And Nicky and Terry love bringing the podcast to the listeners each month.
But We R Randolph-Sheppard is not just a podcast. Through this website and other means, WRRS plans on being a depository for information and a tool to communicate important news.
Nicky Gacos
After graduate school, Nicky went into the restaurant business, both in Colorado and New Jersey. Nicky owned and operated over 6 restaurants during this period. In 1991, looking for something new, Nicky, who was blind since 18, entered the Business Enterprises Program of New Jersey and became a licensed blind entrepreneur. Nicky has operated numerous vending facilities, both in the private and public sectors. He currently manages the vending account at the Jersey City Post Office, which is the largest Post Office in the country. His business includes a Dunkin franchise, as well as multiple vending and Micromarket accounts in the private sector. He thrives on providing quality service at reasonable prices while always focusing on providing outstanding customer service.
Nicky has dedicated himself to creating opportunities for blind entrepreneurs and promoting a positive image of blindness. Nicky was the first blind entrepreneur in the country to partner with Dunkin Donuts. He was also a driving force behind the first Randolph Sheppard military dining contract in Louisiana He has served as the Chair of the New Jersey Committee of Blind Vendors for over 25 years. Nicky is a past chair of the State Rehabilitation Council for the New Jersey Commission for Blind and is also a past chair of the Middlesex County Workforce Investment Board (WIB). Nicky currently serves on the State Employment and Training Commission, and is the president of the National Association of Blind Merchants, a division of the National Federation of the Blind. Nicky is also the co-founder and present coordinator of BLAST (Business Leadership and Superior Training) conference. More recently,
Recognizing that the blind vendor program is part of the larger convenience service industry, Nicky works tirelessly to promote and protect the industry. He is a current member of the National Automated Merchandising Association Board of Directors having been re-Elected to a 3-year term in 2023. He participates in NAMA’s advocacy efforts in D.C. and mobilizes blind vendors to assist NAMA in fighting threats on the state and local levels. He has done more to promote micromarkets in state business enterprises programs than any other individual In the country. Toward that end, he has worked diligently to assist kiosk manufacturers in making their kiosks accessible.in recognition of his efforts, Nicky was named the National Automated Merchandising Association’s Industry Professional of the Year in 2020.
Nicky’s passion for this industry is infectious. His high energy and commitment to excellence are motivation to everyone who knows him.
Terry Smith
Terry Smith, a graduate of the University of Tennessee ,is the former Director of Tennessee Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He was presented many awards and recognitions during his 28+ years in that position. Terry served as President of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Association of Workers for the Blind (AAWB) and nationally served as the President of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind and chaired that organization’s Randolph-Sheppard Committee for more than a decade. Since leaving state service in 2011, Terry has been self employed as a consultant and advocate for blind entrepreneurs. He contracts with the National Association of Blind Merchants and serves as its Director of Randolph-Sheppard Training & Technical Assistance. Currently, 43 states subscribe to these training and technical assistance services. Terry also served as President of the National Federation of the Blind of Tennessee for 3 years.
Terry is one of the most respected professionals in the field and is generally regarded as one of the nation’s foremost experts on Randolph Sheppard. He routinely is called upon to provide training on the law, has advocated on behalf of the Randolph-Sheppard Program in D.C. has served on federal arbitration panels, and has served as an expert witness in various judicial settings including federal courts.
Terry is married and resides in Chattanooga. He and his wifehave two sons and four grandchildren and when not hard at work on behalf of the blind, his favorite role is that of Pops which is what the grandkids call him.