Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Tolson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been intrigued by customer service and sales. I started my career in the restaurant industry and loved that I could get immediate gratification by making someone smile within an hour or two. Not to mention, I would receive a good tip if my service was good. I have an easy and light personality with a desire to make people feel good.
Over the years, I went from waiter to bartender to manager in the restaurant business, then transitioned into the hotel industry, which led me into sales and marketing. I reached the top of my career in luxury vacation rentals by 2017. I held other positions prior to that, but after entering luxury rentals in 2007 and fine-tuning my craft, I secured a position with a luxury travel company as their Guest Services Manager, catering to the top 5% of the population with rentals up to $25,000 per night.
This position required me to travel several times a year to Hawaii, where most of our high-end properties were located. While this was exciting, it was also a grueling schedule. I was responsible for inspecting, filming, and taking notes on 6,000–10,000 square-foot homes to create sales packages that accurately represented the properties. I also created and managed communication between the guest, the property manager, and the owner. The role required extreme attention to detail, anticipation of guests’ needs, and the ability to communicate the wants, needs, and aspirations of all parties involved in a single vacation transaction.
The money, schedule, and travel perks were good—until COVID crashed the entire travel industry. The position I held was not one that immediately returned as travel restrictions lifted.
During lockdown, I noticed that everyone was going online. I have some blind friends and realized they were not able to fully participate in many of the videos being shared for entertainment. I thought it would be interesting to visit my friend Jane, who has been blind since birth, and ask her questions about being blind.
Jane invited me over. She made fresh-baked bread and pumpkin bisque soup and allowed me to film both of us while I asked her questions and she taught me how to make bread. I spent a few hours at her house and learned about her diagnosis, where she went to school, and how she navigates daily life. I filmed the entire process with the hope of having it edited in a documentary style so I could share it online.
I had been a private contractor for the previous 10 years, and this was the first time I was able to collect unemployment due to COVID. I began researching organizations such as the American Council of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, the Lighthouse for the Blind, and others. After reviewing more than 300 websites and their social media, I found they had one thing in common: their general audience represented approximately 3% of the population—the percentage of people who have low vision or are blind.
I saw an opportunity to share my video with 100% of the population by educating the sighted community about the blind and low vision community.
As my unemployment benefits were running out, I applied for and received a small business loan. I gave the unedited video content to an editor and began searching for additional stories. I found a blind-owned and operated coffee company and a pharmacy that provides medication to blind and visually impaired individuals with braille or speaking labels at no additional cost.
While finding these stories was exciting, I discovered that the editors I hired were expensive and, after months of back and forth, produced final products that were very depressing rather than uplifting. My goal was to share what people can accomplish when given proper support and opportunity.
While waiting for my first story to return from editing, I took a course in audio description, which is comparable to closed captions for the hearing impaired. Audio description provides brief narration of what is happening on screen that is not verbally expressed—for example, when someone enters or leaves a room, describing facial expressions, or noting background scenery—so someone listening understands what is happening without visual cues. It is similar to old-time radio shows prior to television.
After completing the class and receiving the final edited video, I thought I was ready to move forward. However, the final product was put together so poorly that I could not use it. I eventually found another editor who edited the White Cane Coffee story and agreed to help with the remaining stories.
After eight months of little progress, I realized I needed to become my own editor. I learned to edit and improved my filming techniques. In 2022, I filed for 501(c)(3) status, and it became official in June 2022.
I became more active in connecting the blind and sighted communities through online videos and community outreach. I worked regularly with blind individuals to learn as much as possible. I took a class with the Department of Homeland Security on Accessibility and learned the importance of audio description, embedding alternative text in photos (which can be read by screen readers), and ensuring digital content is accessible to blind users.
During this time, I learned that there is approximately a 70% unemployment rate within the blind and visually impaired community. The stories I had produced up to that point featured professionals who had jobs or created jobs. This discovery motivated me to become more of an advocate through social media and storytelling.
In October 2024, I was appointed by the Moore Administration to the Maryland State Rehabilitation Council (MSRC). The MSRC is composed of individuals interested in the success of public vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs, which help people with disabilities go to work. Members are appointed by the Governor and include representatives from education, rehabilitation, employment, industry, and consumer advocacy groups.
The MSRC takes an active and visible role in how Maryland’s public vocational rehabilitation program, DORS, is administered. The MSRC:
Reviews, analyzes, and advises DORS regarding performance and quality of services.
Ensures that the needs of individuals with disabilities are identified and addressed by legislators, service providers, employers, and the community.
Collaborates with organizations and other state councils to promote services to underserved and unserved populations.
Develops and reviews state goals and priorities and assists in preparing Maryland’s State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation.
Because of the length of time it takes for individuals to complete vocational programs and secure employment, I decided to use my marketing skills to create projects that educate, communicate, and connect communities while also providing paid opportunities.
I helped a local poet compile her poems into a book. I created animations and accompanying videos for YouTube to support the book, “Who’s Who in the Poetry Zoo” by Anna Sheinberg. The book is published on Amazon and includes voiceovers for each poem. I hired blind voice actors for the project, creating a first-of-its-kind collaboration. The actors were paid well, and the proceeds went back into the foundation.
Those funds allowed me to sponsor a group of blind and low vision actors who performed a play at Busboys and Poets. The play was based on the Courtesy Rules of Blindness by the National Federation of the Blind, which educates the sighted community about myths and appropriate interaction with individuals who have vision loss.
After filming the play, we contacted community centers and churches to show the 40-minute production and spark meaningful conversations. I serve as master of ceremonies, encouraging questions and engagement with a panel of actors and sometimes other blind and low vision individuals. The purpose is not to create sympathy but to foster understanding. Our most recent event was at a megachurch, where we presented to the usher ministry to help them better support blind and low vision members.
The Blind Muse Foundation also produced a documentary about a blind mother and son who teach CPR, First Aid, and AED training through the Red Cross. Following that story, the foundation became an authorized provider of Red Cross CPR, First Aid/AED training and certification, with a lead instructor who has been blind since birth. We have conducted several classes and traveled to the National Federation of the Blind headquarters to certify five sighted and two blind individuals in CPR.
We also published a first-of-its-kind book on inclusive first aid written by our instructor: “First Aid Ally: A Guide for Everyone” by Christine Faltz Grassman. The book is available on Amazon and is now also available in Braille.
Another significant story is the “Out of Sight Dragons,” filmed at the DC Wharf, with an audio-described documentary available on BlindMuse.org. We also produced a story on accessible firearm training with a local firearms training company.
All content on our website is audio described and designed to educate the sighted community about the blind and low vision community.
Our mission is to connect communities. Fundraising has been minimal, and the nonprofit has largely been funded through my sales and marketing skills, where I sell services to support the creation of education, communication, and connection initiatives. Just this week I was asked to be on an advisory council for the city of Rockvile in reference to accessibility.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggles have been financial. While I am able to fundraise and have had some minimal donations. I have been to the sole supporter of my endeavors. I have invested now 4 years of my time and a lot of funds but still not making the mark I would like too. My goal is to help people understand that when someone is given the proper tools, and opportunities they can flourish. This is a great aspiration but does require financing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I will provide my resume which will sum of my skill set. I want to help level the playing field with individuals who are disabled and make a difference as technology advances. Currently there are outdated structures in place to help the disabled and we can set an example of how technology and access can now be used to help individuals become employed or business owners themselves.
What sets me apart is that I have accomplished all of this with little to no help of anyone else because I believe that we can make a difference. If I can show success through examples then other people will want to get on board and create opportunities for individuals that are generally overlooked. While my focus has been the blind and low vision, I am open to assisting people with all disabilities.
Here is my resume:
Todd Tolson
Location: Silver Spring, MD 20910 Email: todd@blindmuse.org
SUMMARY
Business Director with 20+ years of experience driving operational transformation, organizational development, and fundraising for small businesses and non-profit organizations. Strategic leader and certified expert in digital accessibility, trained through the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Tester Program, ensuring public websites meet federal accessibility standards.
Working with small businesses as a resource through local Chambers of Commerce, offering education and support in implementing accessibility practices through wrap-around services. A trusted advisor, dedicated to fostering long-lasting relationships through accessible, inclusive solutions, while advancing the awareness of the blind and visually impaired communities.
SKILLS
● Accessibility: Audio Description, Author of Microsoft Accessible Documents, Alternative Text, Accessibility Website Testing
● Business Development: Operational Transformation, Organizational Development, Policy & Procedure Design, Program Development & Execution, Forecasting, Contract Negotiations, Strategic Partnerships, Performance Improvement, Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, social media, Staff Management, Training & Development, Risk Management, Regulatory Compliance, Inventory Management, Resource Allocation, Loss Prevention & Asset Protection
● Customer Experience: Guest Safety, Customer Advocacy, Customer Service & Support, Client Requirements & Preferences, Client Relations, Long-term Relationship Building, Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution, Personalized Guest Interactions, Conflict Resolution, Staff Liaison, Facilities Inspections, Professionalism & Trustworthiness
● Leadership: Strategic Planning & Execution, Project Management, Program Development, Prioritization, Process Improvement, Change Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Coaching & Mentorship
● Author/Publisher: ISBN: 979-8895906910 The Sissy, The Alchemist, The Man, by Todd Tolson
● Publisher: ISBN: 978-1965261736 Who’s who in the Poetry Zoo, by Anna Sheinberg
● Publisher: ISBN: 979-8895906880 First Aid Ally, A guide for everyone, by Christine Faltz Grassman
● Software: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Canva, Hubspot, Google Suite
● Video Production: Audio Description, Directing, Filming, Editing and posting to various social media platforms
● Languages: English (Fluent), Spanish, French, and Greek (Conversational)
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Founder/Director, Blind Muse Foundation 2021 – Presen
Founded and lead a 501(c)(3) organization focused on accessible communication, digital inclusion, and community education connecting blind and visually impaired individuals with the sighted community.
• Lead community education and outreach on digital accessibility, inclusive communication, and disability awareness, informed by a background in high-touch customer service, sales, and relationship-driven service delivery.
• Design and propose digital accessibility and communications frameworks intended to help disability-focused organizations strengthen accessibility, improve clarity, and communicate impact more effectively.
• Conduct accessibility-focused reviews of websites, digital content, and social media to identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop strategic recommendations for improving website structure, accessibility practices, and consumer-facing communications.
• Present concepts and approaches for translating complex disability-related systems (e.g., vocational rehabilitation, state disability services) into clearer, more consumer-friendly information.
• Apply analytics, audience behavior, and platform dynamics to inform early-stage digital content strategy across Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Deliver presentations and facilitated discussions on accessibility and inclusion to local Chambers of Commerce, community organizations, and professional groups.
• Mediate informational and educational activities with sighted community centers and churches to increase understanding of blindness, visual impairment, and inclusive engagement.
• Serve as a resource and advisor-in-development for organizations seeking to strengthen accessible, inclusive, and consumer-centered communications.
• Successfully secured and manage a $120,000 annual Google Ad Grant supporting outreach and awareness initiatives.
• Produce accessible multimedia content, including audio-described videos highlighting blind and visually impaired businesses and community members.
Digital Engagement & Strategy — Applied and Proposed Work
• Public Council Application: Presented a digital engagement strategy to a state-level rehabilitation council, sharing early performance metrics and demonstrating how accessible, mission-driven content can support public awareness and engagement.
• Proposed Organizational Framework: Developed a structured digital accessibility and communications framework intended to support disability-focused organizations in improving accessibility, service clarity, and visibility for consumers and funders.
Guest Services Manager, Exotic Estates International 2017 – 2020
● Managed reservations generating $9MM in annual revenue with nightly rates up to $25,000 by serving as a liaison between 800 luxury villa owners and guests across the United States and the Caribbean.
● Maintained an outstanding guest experience and coordinated all concierge services while proactively identifying issues, resolving problems, and mediating disputes with less than a 2% annual refund rate for all stays.
● Oversaw and transformed the travel agent department to increase the number of deals by 29% in 2019 as compared to 2017 and improve annual income by 46%.
● Negotiated and secured the largest deal in the company’s history, a $260k contract with a major motion picture company renting one of the villas for a nationally syndicated reality show for 45 days of filming.
● Established strategic relationships with travel agencies to increase the number of partnerships by 43% by attending national travel agent expositions and securing referrals from existing customers.
● Oversaw interdepartmental relationships by managing and maintaining staff accountability, resolving conflicts, customizing villa interactions, recommending improvements to villas, and streamlining collaboration to drive strategic decision-making.
● Gathered and reviewed all guest feedback via surveys, email, and phone to identify potential issues, improve the guest experience, and recommend asset improvement projects to property managers and owners.
● Reduced response times and streamlined guest and owner inquiries by gathering travel agent feedback and restructuring the travel agent program to help build stronger partnerships, provide guidance on client communications, and close sales.
● Navigated stay changes and cancellations due to natural disasters and pandemics with a focus on loss prevention, guest satisfaction, risk mitigation, and compliance with changing legal regulations.
● Audited and inspected luxury villas to ensure adherence to strict quality and guest safety guidelines.
Owner/Principal, TET Consulting 2014 – 2017
● Launched a consulting company to train small business owners and their staff on customer service, sales, and marketing best practices that increased lead generation, customer acquisition, client retention, and revenue growth.
● Achieved cost reductions of 20-30% and revenue increases of 5-10% for 15 small businesses each with 3-5 employees.
General Manager, Headlines Hair Designers 2011 – 2014
● Led daily operations for a high-end hair salon generating $1MM in annual revenue with 10 stylists and 6,000 active clients.
● Hired, trained, and managed a team of 15 staff with a focus on building long-term client relationships, providing outstanding customer service, and anticipating customer needs to retain staff and build a positive brand reputation.
● Prepared and processed payroll while managing general bookkeeping to analyze sales and customer retention.
● Developed strategic partnerships with luxury buildings and local fitness clubs to provide marketing materials to new tenants and members, increasing lead generation and customer acquisition in the local community.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Governor Appointed State Rehabilitation Council Member 2024 – Present
• The role of the Maryland State Rehabilitation Council (MSRC) is to review, analyze and advise on plans, needs assessments, policy issues, reports and consumer satisfaction studies to enhance the quality of and access to vocational rehabilitation services provided by Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) in order to promote the employment, economic self-sufficiency and independence of individuals with disabilities.
UniDescription – Descriptathons 9,10 and 11 2022 – Present
• Volunteer, UniDescription Project (3 years) – Partnered with a university-led accessibility initiative to expand equal access to over 200 National Park brochures, enhancing public engagement for blind and visually impaired audiences.
Board of Directors, YMCA 2013 – 2016
Volunteer Coordinator, YMCA
● Developed a partnership between Headlines Hair Designers and the YMCA by creating mutually beneficial ad campaigns and events including educational formats on personal care onsite that generated conversions for both partners.
● Assisted in the coordination and execution of multiple fundraisers including golf tournaments and family days and personally developed a fundraiser between Headlines and the YMCA that raised $5000.
Parent/Child Advocate, New York City Board of Education 2004 – 2007
● Served as a dedicated liaison and advocate to 100+ families during the implementation of Individual Education Plans for students struggling with academic performance that have been recommended for special education.
● Provided parents with dedicated resources throughout the process to help parents and students understand the benefits of special education and navigate next steps and available choices.
● Spoke out on behalf of families to streamline processes, identify potential roadblocks and issues areas, and provide students and their parents with tools they need to succeed.
Foster Parent Trainer Volunteer – Family-Based Treatment Program, Concord Family Services 2003 – 2005
● Led an 18-month program to train professional foster parents caring for children with severe mental health challenges to achieve parent reunification at program conclusion.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I would say that most people that know me and my work would not believe that I am scared of a challenge, scared of not being liked or understood. I have had significant challenges in my life but always put on a happy face. Despite those feelings and challenges I choose to push through and move forward. I have written a memoir that is published on Amazon, “The Sissy, The Alchemist, The Man” by Todd Tolson. It is about my journey and it is raw, truthful and surprising. I do not project what I have been through and my colleagues and friends that have not read the book have no idea.
Here is the link, I can also provide you with a pdf if you feel the need?
https://a.co/d/09ObaAdU
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blindmuse.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blind_muse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheddinglightoncommunityhumanityandcommonality
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlindMuseFoundation
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindmuseofficial?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
