News October 20, 2025
Spectrum Designs Expands Nationally With Planned Florida Facility
The New York-based apparel decorator, which has 70% of its workforce on the autism spectrum, has reached a licensing agreement with Global Connections to Employment to open a franchise location in Pensacola, FL, next year.
Key Takeaways
• Spectrum Designs, a New York-based decorator employing more than 80 people – 70% of whom are on the autism spectrum – is expanding its inclusive employment model through a licensing partnership with Global Connections to Employment (GCE).
• The partnership will launch GCE Designs, an 8,744-square-foot apparel and promo manufacturing facility in Pensacola, FL, in early 2026, creating 10 to 15 jobs for autistic and neurodiverse adults in its first year.
• Spectrum Designs, a Sustainable Green Printing Partnership-certified company, plans additional expansion beyond Florida, including a prospective New Jersey location, as it continues promoting inclusive workplaces within the print and promo industries.
A New York-based apparel decorating firm with a mission to provide meaningful work for individuals on the autism spectrum is expanding to bring its inclusive employment model to Florida.
Spectrum Designs is expanding its model of inclusive employment through a licensing partnership with GCE. Branded merch firm GCE Designs will open in Pensacola, FL, in early 2026.
Spectrum Designs, which has locations in Long Island and Westchester, NY, employs more than 80 people currently, with over 70% of its workforce on the autism spectrum. The decorator says it’s replicating that model through its first franchise location and licensing agreement with Global Connections to Employment (GCE), one of the nation’s largest private employers of people with disabilities.
Together, the two organizations will launch GCE Designs, an 8,744-square-foot custom apparel and promotional products design and manufacturing facility in Pensacola, FL, with an anticipated opening date of early 2026.
“With the launch of GCE Designs, we are not just opening a new facility – we are expanding a proven pathway to meaningful employment and inclusion that transforms lives, amplifying our efforts to shatter misconceptions about the capabilities of individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Patrick Bardsley, cofounder and CEO of Spectrum Designs. “I am incredibly proud of this milestone. This is the first time our model has been adopted beyond New York, and we couldn’t imagine a stronger partner than GCE to bring it to scale.”
GCE Designs will create 10 to 15 jobs in its first year for autistic and neurodiverse adults, a population that faces an estimated 85% unemployment rate in the U.S. Spectrum said GCE Designs will have room to grow to 40 employees as business expands.
Spectrum Designs, with two locations in New York, employs more than 80 people, 70% of whom are on the autism spectrum.
“As we introduce GCE Designs to the Pensacola community, we’re expanding on our mission by bringing an innovative work environment where creativity meets purpose – where individuals of all abilities can thrive, contribute and grow,” said Dwight Davis, president of GCE. “Together with Spectrum Designs, and with nearly four decades of experience connecting people with disabilities to meaningful careers, GCE is uniquely positioned to lead this new venture and deliver both impact and quality service.”
Headquartered in Pensacola, GCE is one of the country’s largest private employers of people with disabilities. With operations and partnerships in 14 states, GCE helps match team members with fulfilling careers, ranging from custodial services and facilities maintenance to food services, information technology and contact center support.
GCE Designs will offer branded merchandise while fostering a workplace culture that supports skill-building, career advancement and personal development for people with disabilities, according to Spectrum.
Spectrum notes the GCE Designs project is making progress, with renderings of the facility complete, hiring plans underway and embroidery machines delivered to the site. Mike Craney, a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, advertising and business development, has been appointed general manager of GCE Designs.
“Mike is known for his results-driven approach, creative vision, and ability to build and scale operations from the ground up,” said Davis. “His strong ties to the Pensacola community and proven leadership, combined with expertise in branding, program implementation and team development, make him the ideal candidate to lead GCE Designs as we launch a business that blends purpose, creativity and opportunity.”
The Pensacola launch with GCE is the first of several future expansions that Spectrum Designs is pursuing, including a prospective New Jersey facility in the pipeline for the second half of 2026.
Spectrum Designs, which is certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership, was founded in 2011 in a Long Island backyard barn and has since grown into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. The organization has been nationally spotlighted on The Kelly Clarkson Show, following a viral social media video that gained 25 million views. Its clients include Google, T.J. Maxx and Marriott.
Spectrum and other firms, including Stakes Manufacturing (asi/88974) and Oowee Products (asi/75126), have championed the benefits of creating an inclusive workplace in print and promo.