Dubuque Man Discovers Talent And Earns Cash

By Katie Wiedmann, Reporter

Tools

By Eric Stidman

Story Created: Jan 27, 2012 at 9:28 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 28, 2012 at 11:30 AM CST

DUBUQUE, Iowa - A new business in Dubuque is bringing old documents back to life in the digital age.

But the man running that new business might surprise you.

19-year-old Josh Beytien has Autism. He recently discovered he has a special talent that helps him make his own money.

The way Josh works is simple.

In his bedroom turned office, he takes old photos and documents, scans each one, then organizes them in a digital format.

Josh said, “it doesn’t have to run in a factory. But here in the house. ”

Josh volunteeered in an archive department at Loras College when his dad discovered his talent.

Josh’s Dad, Craig Beytien said, “we’d give him these big stacks and suddenly we turn around and they are done. ”

The Beytiens did some research to find there weren’t other business in Dubuque offering that service.and Mammoth Scanning was born.

A company Josh named by himself.

Josh said, “it comes from a famous animal that died off 10-thousand years ago. ”

He’s bringing the past back to life and starting a life of his own. Gaining confidence and financial independence.

Craig said, “it’s the difference between receiving a check and earning a pay check. ”

Josh said, “the trouble is I don’t know what I am going to do with 250 dollars.”

If business continues to pick up, he might need to hire an employee. To work for him, Josh only has one rule.

Josh said, “no disrespectful music. That includes rap, hip hop and techno. They are just not nice. ”

Josh does charge about 20 dollars an hour. But he’ll be the first to tell you, he can scan those documents very quickly and get a whole lot done in one hour.

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