Joey Sleppy, 17, is an inventor, an athlete, a student, a Publix associate and an inspiration to many. He won a $10,000 grant to start his own business after designing a device to help people with hand and wrist injuries.

Some find motivation through educational or financial goals, athletic achievements or recognition. Joey, a front-service clerk at #95, Seminole, Fla., is motivated by his ability to help others, even though he hasn’t been dealt the easiest hand himself. He makes the most of every opportunity he’s given and believes challenges should be seen as life lessons.

Joey lost his hearing and underwent several surgeries to receive a cochlear implant by the time he was seven. By age 12, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The diabetes made it difficult for Joey to exercise and stay active. He would overheat and become dehydrated more easily than other children.

For several years, he gained weight and struggled with ways to balance his diabetic needs and healthy activity. Once in high school, he enrolled in a weight-lifting class, and the coach showed Joey how to exercise safely. Although he still has to be very careful, he actively participates and competes in swimming, baseball, lacrosse and track.

“Joey is an impressive young man and inspiration to others,” said Store Manager Mike Jelenc. “He has encountered many obstacles in his life, but that doesn’t prevent him from tackling new challenges every day.”

Although Joey has gone through so much, he is determined to make life easier for others. His mother was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, which makes it very difficult for her to perform daily household chores like washing dishes or carrying groceries in from the car. Joey hated to see his mother struggle and decided to invent a device that would help her work out, one of the things she likes to do. So, he did. He worked on his prototype from home and at school, entered it into the Pinellas Education Foundation’s Next Generation Entrepreneurs Program, and won a $10,000 grant to start his own business. Joey’s business is called SleppSolutions LLC., and even though he’s not sure yet what else he will invent, he knows his goal will always be to help others.

“You can’t let being deaf, diabetic or anything else prevent you from reaching your goals,” said Joey. “Focus on what motivates you to be the best version of yourself, and the rest will come naturally.”

Publix News Live: Associate Inventor

Watch Publix News Live to get to know this inspiring front-service clerk, and learn about the challenges he has overcome.