‘Salesman of hope’: How former car salesman became director of Batavia workshop for disabled

Valley Sheltered Workshop has provided meaningful work for disabled adults for nearly 60 years Valley Sheltered Workshop executive director Hugo Saltijeral says something in his heart drew him to the Batavia position, where he has worked for nearly four years. Courtesy of Dave Heun

Hugo Saltijeral loved his jobs as a salesman of medical supplies and then automobiles, but you could tell he was just as happy setting up canopies in the parking lot of the Valley Sheltered Workshop in Batavia on a muggy Friday afternoon.

It was in preparation for the workshop’s monthly community luncheon in which donors, supporters, volunteers and others come together to acknowledge the importance of a facility that has given those with cognitive disabilities a place to work.

Saltijeral’s role at Valle