Senior Manager of Industries

Life has been a long and exciting road, full of opportunities and achievements that eventually brought Brian Petraits to Bosma Enterprises in May 2008 as the Senior Manager of Industries.

Brian started to lose his vision when he was an infant, crawling into walls and furniture. He was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that damages the retina.

As a result of his vision loss, Brian’s education began at the Indiana School for the Blind. In a class with seven other students, he learned basic math, science and English skills, and how to advocate for himself. When he was in seventh grade, Brian decided to transfer to Brownsburg Junior High School, where he was active in football, wrestling and student council. During his senior year, he lost more of his vision, which led him to more adaptive technologies, including Braille and a white cane. He graduated with his class of 350 students.

Following graduation, Brian attended Purdue University, where he majored in Industrial Engineering Technology and pursued a minor in Communications. He not only devoted himself to classes and homework; he became a sports writer for the school newspaper. Brian was also active in committee activities associated with the inauguration of Purdue’s new president and developing the university’s current strategic plan. At Purdue, he engaged in public speaking opportunities to raise awareness about people with disabilities and dispel stereotypes. Purdue’s internships allowed him to experience many different work environments—at IU Health in Indianapolis, NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C. and Bosma Enterprises.

In addition to his higher education, Brian reached two very personal milestones at Purdue. He met his wife, Laura, at the university. In his sophomore year, Brian received his guide dog, Shadow.

Brian says, “Shadow has given me a lot more independence and mobility.” In their free time, Brian, Laura and Shadow all enjoy volunteering in their community and visiting Purdue University’s campus. Brian continues public speaking and uses it as a tool to educate and inspire people.