SUMMIT TWP — Phil Braho was adopted from Korea in 1985 when he was 11 months old. And while getting to the states involved many miles, the hurdles he'd face once he got here would also be numerous.

Upon his arrival, Phil's mother, Christine, knew something wasn't quite right. Phil was diagnosed was a mild form of cerebral palsy, a nuerological disorder that affects physical development, and a low IQ — but the physical and mental disabilities have not handicapped his potential.

"He couldn't even hold a cookie when he arrived, and now he is operating a business, so we think he's come a long way," she said.

At age 22, Phil operates Butler Transfer, which takes songs from vinyl records and cassettes and transfers them to compact discs. The business was opened last year.

"People who are collectors like to have the whole album transferred, while others like a few songs off some different records," said Phil.

"I clean the recording first and then using state-of-the-art computer software, I make the recording.

Phil's father, Paul, a computer engineer, is responsible for acquiring the proper equipment for Phil, but Phil does all the work.

"My dad knows about the equipment, then I figure out how to run it all," said Phil.

"Without the support of my parents I really could not do this."

Butler Transfer is operated out of the Brahos' house with a little help from May's Music Shoppe, which serves as the drop-off and pickup site for the business.

People at May's got to know Phil through his musical accomplishments, said owner Joy May.

"We've known Phil since he was a young boy and watched him overcome his disability to become quite an accomplished violinist," she said.

"We think he is amazing and wanted to support and encourage him in this endeavor."

Throughout Phil's life the Brahos were told repeatedly about Phil's limitations, but they refused to believe them.

"When one person would give us a diagnosis that we didn't like, we'd try something else," Christine said.

"We just took one step at a time and didn't change our expectations because of what someone else said," she added.

"One doctor very cavalierly said that Phil would never drive, but we knew what he was able to do, so we didn't let that stop us. We found another doctor."

Phil has been driving safely for three years with no incidents, she noted.

While Phil attended special ed preschools, the rest of his education was done via homeschooling.

"We knew him better than anyone else and homeschooled our other children, so we followed suit with Phil," Christine explained.

Knowing his abilities so well was also how the Brahos realized and encouraged their son's love of music and his ability with computers.

"We've gotten thank you notes back from people who say that Phil's duplication sounded better than the original," said Christine.

"I really enjoy doing the work. It gives me something to do and helps me earn some money and learn about computer equipment," said Phil.

The business also represents a shared activity with his parents: Christine assumes the banking and advertising responsibilities, and Phil and his father are exploring the setup for a video transfer service that will take VHS tapes to DVD format.

The Brahos say despite Phil's success, his special needs status presented challenges throughout his childhood.

Utilizing agencies like Career Opportunities for the Disabled and support groups like PEAL, for parents of children with disabilities, helped, they said.

"It is important to communicate with others who are going through the same sort of challenges," Christine said.

"Everything takes longer when they are little, from getting dressed to tying shoes and eating," said his mother, a speech therapist by trade.

"Being flexible and diligent in pursuing what we felt was best for Phil was how we've made it this far," she said.

"We've always said that Phil was a teenager before he realized he was different. It's just been our practice of finding his strengths and then encouraging him in those areas," she said.