Our story

Our Story

Kerry, CEO of Stride Inc., has been honored to employ the man behind our name, “Peter” for over 40 years. Peter's Paycheck was founded by Kerry and her son Mathias in February of 2023. Barbara Brennan, Kerry's mother founded Stride and employed Peter in 1981. Stride is a family-owned business currently in its 3rd generation. Barbara's son, Joey was born with hydrocephalus; a severe disability that prevented him from walking, talking or seeing. Joey inspired Barbara to dedicate her life to helping people with disabilities. Young Joey died at age 7, but his remarkable legacy is Stride, guiding Barbara's family to work with and for Special Needs Adults.

We honor Barbara and Peter with Peter's Paycheck a Non-Profit organization dedicated to the employment of adults with special needs. Our goal is to progress these individuals into full-time positions where they can be independent in the workplace! 100% of our current paid employees have special needs! In addition to growing our workforce, we plan to sponsor for-profit corporations to employ adults with special needs and provide them with the resources they need to thrive in the workplace.

Peter

The Man!

Peter has been employed at Stride for over 40 years. Here he is pictured blowing out candles with his friend and co-worker James.

Mathias Bertram

Director of Mission Strategy

Mathias Bertram is Captain of the Idaho Vandals Football team, and a member of the 2023 Allstate Good Works Team. He is working with his classmates at the University of Idaho to expand the reach of Peter' Paycheck.

Kerry Bertram

Director of Mission Impact

Kerry Bertram is the CEO of Stride inc. and co-founder of Diverse Office Supply. Here she is pictured with her dear friend Marie.

Barbara Brennan

Founder of Stride

Barbara Brenna is the Founder of Stride inc. She was the CEO of Stride for over 30 years, & helped place hundreds of individuals with special needs into impactful roles in the Albuquerque Community.

Diana

The Problem Solver

Diana is our go-to person for the more complicated tasks that her peers may find intimidating.

Marie

"The Boss"

Marie has been with Stride since 1981 and is called “La Jefa”…The BOSS, because she knows virtually every job there is to do in the company. She is constantly offering to help recruit new special needs crew menbers.

LaLa

Sunshine

LaLa is a joy to work with and always makes us smile. She takes incredible initiative with every task sent her way.

Vaden

Guardian Angel

We lost Vaden in 2020, he was the happiest individual on the planet. It was nearly impossible to catch him without a smile on his face.

Hannah

Seriously Determined

Hannah is one our newest workers and has really grown in her position. With an extraordinary work ethic for one so young, she gets her tasks done with quite perfection.

James

Comedian

James has been working with Kerry & Barbara for 13 years. He is the local comedian, and has a great capacity for growth within the company.

Theresa

Crew Supervisor

Theresa, neuro diverse, was hired as the crew supervisor. She displays an incredible capacity to understand her colleagues and help them grow in their position.