KC Entrepreneur with Down Syndrome Builds Growing Spice Brand

Max Crawford's homemade spice line now sold in over 150 Midwest stores

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:52pm

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Max Crawford, a Kansas City-area entrepreneur with Down syndrome, has turned his passion for spices into a growing business called Max Mix Spices. What began as homemade gifts for teachers has expanded to over 150 stores across the Midwest, with Crawford's all-natural, MSG-free seasonings for steak, chicken, and pork. Crawford's goal of creating a path to independence has become the foundation of his business, which also donates $1 per bottle sold to a local nonprofit supporting people with disabilities.

Why it matters

Crawford's story highlights how individuals with disabilities can turn their passions into successful entrepreneurial ventures when given the right support and opportunities. His growing spice brand not only inspires others but also gives back to the community through charitable donations.

The details

Max Crawford, a Brookside native, started making homemade spice blends as gifts for his high school teachers. This hobby eventually grew into Max Mix Spices, a business now carried in over 150 stores across the Midwest. Crawford's all-natural, MSG-free seasonings for steak, chicken, and pork have found a loyal customer base. Just two years after launching, Crawford's products are now sold in major retailers like Hy-Vee, where he recently met customers during a special appearance.

  • Max Crawford started making homemade spice blends as high school gifts.
  • Max Mix Spices launched as a business around 2 years ago.
  • Crawford's products are now sold in over 150 Midwest stores.

The players

Max Crawford

A Kansas City-area entrepreneur with Down syndrome who founded the spice brand Max Mix Spices.

Pam Crawford

Max Crawford's mother, who said his goal of creating a path to independence became the foundation for his business.

Karla Quandt

A Hy-Vee store director who said Max Crawford's "drive, passion, and energy" behind his story is what brings it all together.

Belong KC

A nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities, to which Crawford donates $1 from every bottle of spice sold.

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What they’re saying

“We work hard and we play hard.”

— Max Crawford

“Steak, chicken, pork — it's all natural, no sugar, no MSG.”

— Max Crawford

“He just wants what everyone else wants. He wanted to have his own company, and he wanted to be taken seriously.”

— Pam Crawford, Max Crawford's mother

“Max's drive, his passion, his energy behind his story of what he's doing is really what brings it all together.”

— Karla Quandt, Hy-Vee store director

“People just need a chance, and they need someone to believe in them.”

— Pam Crawford, Max Crawford's mother

What’s next

As Max Crawford's spice brand continues to grow, he plans to expand distribution to more major retailers across the Midwest.

The takeaway

Max Crawford's inspiring story demonstrates how individuals with disabilities can turn their passions into successful entrepreneurial ventures when given the right support and opportunities. His growing spice business not only inspires others but also gives back to the community through charitable donations, proving that mission-driven enterprises can thrive.