When Ismael Collazo lost his vision in 2014, he didn’t just rebuild his life—he created a business from the ground up, one handcrafted cutting board at a time. Today, as the founder of Blind Guy Boards LLC, Ismael proves that blindness is no obstacle to craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, or leadership. 
Originally trained as a chef, Ismael spent his twenties working in culinary arts, fueled by a love of creating with his hands. But soon after, his life took a drastic turn when he lost all vision within nine months due to diabetic retinopathy.
With his wife’s support and a strong determination to adapt, he started training at the Lighthouse for the Blind in Fort Myers, Florida, and later received services at the South Dakota Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired. While at the South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, he discovered woodworking—a craft that would become both his passion and his profession.
Ismael shared, “I wanted to show my kids that even though people have disabilities, they can still work and function.” He added, “I wanted to prove that blind people can be functioning members of society.”
In 2020, he officially founded Blind Guy Boards LLC, a business located in Brookings, South Dakota, that specializes in handcrafted cutting boards made from domestic and exotic woods such as maple, cherry, walnut, and his personal favorite—purpleheart. His product lineup includes cutting boards, charcuterie boards, coasters, and lanterns, many of which feature custom laser engraving.
Ismael’s approach to woodworking is tactile and sensory. He uses adaptive tools like a talking tape measure, click ruler, saw stop, and meta glasses to ensure precision and safety. “It was an accomplishment starting a woodworking business from scratch,” he stated. “I learned that in owning my own business, I became an accountant, a salesperson, and a mechanic.”
Beyond craftsmanship, Ismael is also a mentor and advocate. One of his proudest achievements is helping others with visual impairments start their own woodworking businesses—offering them tools, guidance, and confidence. “It takes a lot of perseverance and believing in yourself,” he said. “I tell people, ‘Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to ask for help.’”
Outside of work, Ismael enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, listening to audiobooks and movies, and staying active in the blind community. He’s a member of the National Federation of the Blind and has received leadership training to support his advocacy efforts.
From chef to blind woodworker, Ismael shows that with the right tools and mindset, anything is possible. To learn more about Blind Guy Boards LLC, visit the business’s Facebook page.
