Inside the Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen) distribution center in Glen Allen, the work never stops. Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies come and go 24/7, helping people stay healthy and giving doctors what they need to treat patients. Many of these are shipped in special “cold chain” containers that keep them at the right temperature while in transit. 

Those containers include reusable plastic totes and ice packs. They must be unpacked, cleaned, refilled, and prepared quickly so they can be used again. This work is detailed, fast-paced, and important. 

That’s where SOAR365 comes in. 

For nearly 12 years, SOAR365’s Business Solutions team has partnered with Cencora to handle this critical process. The partnership provides reliable operational support for Cencora and, just as importantly, meaningful, paid jobs for people with disabilities. 

“It all comes back to our mission,” said Glenn Miller, SOAR365’s Finance Business Partner who oversees the partnership. “We exist to create life-fulfilling opportunities for people with disabilities. In this case, that happens through meaningful employment.” 

And at the heart of this partnership is Production Team Leader Deke Sanderson.

Jumping in headfirst 

Sanderson will celebrate 11 years with SOAR365 in 2026, although he never planned to be where he is today. A coworker at a previous job mentioned a temporary position at SOAR365, and Sanderson decided to give it a try. 

He started on the Assembly & Logistics team at SOAR365’s Westwood location. Later, he was cross-trained to help at the Cencora distribution center when extra support was needed. 

During a time of change on site, Sanderson found himself taking on more responsibility. 

“I just got thrown into it at first,” he said. “So, I decided to jump in headfirst and make the most of the opportunity.” 

That mindset paid off. Sanderson soon became the on-site Production Team Leader, overseeing a team of employees with disabilities whose work plays a vital role in Cencora’s operations. 

Work that truly matters 

Each person Sanderson oversees has a disability, and together, their work adds up quickly. In 2025 alone, the SOAR365 team processed more than 400,000 cold chain totes. 

According to Aaron Nadlicki, Director of Operations at Cencora, that work is essential. 

“If they aren’t doing what they do, we’re not able to service our customers—and ultimately the patients that they serve,” Nadlicki said. “Their work is key.” 

The team’s reliability has stood out over time. “There’s not been a single day that the team missed service,” Nadlicki added. “That’s been extremely impressive.” 

Demand for this work continues to grow. If that trend continues, it could mean more hours and expanded job opportunities for people with disabilities.

Building confidence through support 

Sanderson’s day begins by preparing the work area and checking in with his team. Once the work starts, his focus shifts to keeping things moving while supporting each person. 

“Everybody has certain areas they work in,” he said. “But when someone new comes in, my main goal is to prepare them for any job they may be asked to do.” 

Cross-training helps team members feel confident and flexible. Over time, it has also made the operation more efficient. 

“It didn’t happen overnight,” Sanderson said. “It took time and patience.” For him, success is not just about productivity. It is about growth. 

“My goal is for people to feel good about what they’re doing,” he said. “I want them to feel confident making their own decisions.” Sanderson encourages his team to share ideas and try new approaches. When a new process works better, he listens and adjusts. 

More than a supervisor 

Miller said Sanderson’s role goes far beyond his title. 

“He’s a leader, but he’s also a coach and a support system,” Miller said. “He helps people succeed at work and work through challenges outside of work.” 

Transportation, weather, and long operating hours can all be barriers to employment. Sanderson helps navigate those challenges while keeping the team supported and engaged. 

“He’s a rock,” Miller said. 

Sanderson also builds a positive workplace culture. He keeps things light, jokes with his team, and knows when to step in with guidance. That culture is supported by Cencora as well. Nadlicki said the company works to make sure SOAR365 team members feel welcome and valued. 

“It’s a partnership,” Nadlicki said. “We want SOAR365 members to feel like this is a good place to work, where they want to be.” 

A model for what’s possible 

For SOAR365, the partnership with Cencora shows what disability employment can look like when the right supports are in place. People with disabilities are doing real work, earning fair wages, and building real confidence. 

When Sanderson talks about the job, he talks about purpose. “We’re helping make the community healthier,” he said. “People need medicine every day. That doesn’t stop for holidays.” 

He never expected this career path, but now he knows he is exactly where he belongs. 

“I wouldn’t want to do anything else,” he said. 

Through leaders like Sanderson and partnerships like this one, SOAR365 continues to show what is possible when people with disabilities are given the opportunity to succeed.

To learn more about SOAR365’s Business Solutions team, click here. Stay up to date on all things SOAR365 by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.