In July 2008, VETMADE Industries, Incorporated was established in Tampa Florida by John Campbell, Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army Retired. After spending over 27 years in the Army, John decided to pursue his life-long passion for woodworking in retirement. After almost a year as the owner of Black Bear Woodworking, Inc. John found himself struggling with the transition from years of public service to the business sector; the pursuit of business success did not foster the same motivation he had found in almost 3 decades of military life.
During an annual woodworking show in Tampa, John saw a demonstration of garden furniture production put on by Eureka Woodworks of Dallas Texas. John signed up to be a producer of this high-end garden furniture in order to augment his normal woodworking business. Little did John know that this decision would set him on a new challenging, yet rewarding path.
One day, while working alone in his shop, John was struggling with how to hire motivated and trainable workers to help when the “light” went on!
After a few phone calls to the Veterans Administration (VA) and a conversation with the VA Compensated Work Therapy Program director John realized he had just set a new course for his life; epiphanies do happen from time to time.
In June of 2008, Black Bear Woodworking hired its first disabled veteran. With some basic training in woodworking machines, safety, and production processes, the first Adirondack chair rolled off the assembly line
In July 2008 VETMADE Industries, Inc. was formed as a non-profit 501c3 organization with the charter to return disabled veterans back to work; not only to make furniture, but to also make a difference in the lives of men and women who selflessly protected our country; asking nothing in return except for a chance to regain their productivity.
The mission is clear:
Provide quality products made by quality people;
making a difference in the lives of those who risked theirs so we did not have to.
COMPANY MISSION:
The sole purpose of Vetmade Industries, Inc. is to help return otherwise qualified disabled veterans to the workforce; in jobs that not only pay well, but provide meaningful career opportunities.
Vetmade, Industries, Inc. will partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), other veteran support organizations, and private-sector businesses and industry to pair qualified disabled military veterans with employers who seek skilled, reliable, dedicated, drug-free, and honest employees.
Vetmade, Industries, along with other partners, will assist in preparing qualified veterans for employment with business, industrial, and technological skills through hands on training, outside educational opportunities, and on-the-job training.
Vision:
Vetmade Industries will serve as a bridge between governmental support agencies, such as the VA, and private industry. Vetmade Industries, in consultation with VA counselors and other rehabilitation and medical personnel, will pair each disabled veteran with potential employers in accordance with his or her skills, desires, and physical or mental capabilities; as well as the needs of the employer. Vetmade Industries will not only ensure the veteran is right for the employer, but also that the employer is right for the veteran.
Vetmade Industries will set the national standard for providing meaningful employment for disabled veterans.
The sole purpose of Vetmade Industries, Inc. is to help return otherwise qualified disabled veterans to the workforce; in jobs that not only pay well, but provide meaningful career opportunities.
Vetmade, Industries, Inc. will partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), other veteran support organizations, and private-sector businesses and industry to pair qualified disabled military veterans with employers who seek skilled, reliable, dedicated, drug-free, and honest employees.
Vetmade, Industries, along with other partners, will assist in preparing qualified veterans for employment with business, industrial, and technological skills through hands on training, outside educational opportunities, and on-the-job training.
Vision:
Vetmade Industries will serve as a bridge between governmental support agencies, such as the VA, and private industry. Vetmade Industries, in consultation with VA counselors and other rehabilitation and medical personnel, will pair each disabled veteran with potential employers in accordance with his or her skills, desires, and physical or mental capabilities; as well as the needs of the employer. Vetmade Industries will not only ensure the veteran is right for the employer, but also that the employer is right for the veteran.
Vetmade Industries will set the national standard for providing meaningful employment for disabled veterans.
VETMADE, Industries, Inc. intends on teaming with other business and community leaders to expand the employment opportunities of disabled veterans; providing other vocational training best suited to the individual physical capabilities of the veterans.
Heroes
Our Heroes are:
All the men and women who have served, are serving, and will serve and protect our nation.
We at Vetmade Industries salute you.
Freedom is NOT free...Someone paid the price
Vetmade Industries Inc's Details
Status:
Single
Zodiac Sign:
Gemini
Vetmade Industries Inc Supporting the Troops 1:39 PM Jan 23, 2009 view more
VetmadeTM
was formed out of a deep desire by its Director and a multitude of others to help disabled military veterans gain meaningful employment, while raising societal awareness of veteran’s issues.
The stigma of being a disabled veteran unfortunately continues to hinder a veteran’s chances of finding meaningful and well-paying jobs in the United States. Even with public laws such as The American’s with Disabilities Act, many employers hesitate or even avoid considering disabled veterans in their hiring decisions. Not only is this action illegal, it is morally reprehensible.
Initially, VetmadeTM consisted of one partner company; Black Bear Woodworking, Inc of Tampa Florida. In July 2008, the first Vetmade employee was assigned to Black Bear Woodworking through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Compensated Work Therapy Program (CWT). This initial and subsequent employees were taught how to make extremely high quality Adirondack garden furniture. In August 2008, Vetmade added Mario’s Cabinets, Inc as a team member, and over time, Vetmade TM plans to expand its partners and reach out to other industries nationwide.
A disturbing paradox seems to be on the rise lately. While one would be hard pressed to find any business owner, or any American for that matter, who would say he or she does not “support the troops”, when you ask them about hiring a “disabled vet”, there is noticeable hesitancy.
The reasons for this disturbing phenomenon more than likely stem from a general misunderstanding of disabled veteran issues, and a falsely based preconception of the “whacked out vet”; which seems to be constantly perpetuated by Hollywood and TV. Disabled military veterans, especially those who have served in, or have been wounded in combat, face a host of physical and psychological obstacles not normally faced by their civilian counterparts.
The very attributes, which make a good soldier many times prevent them from asking for help. A feeling of “being weak” or “unmanly” prevents many veterans from seeking assistance. Vetmade, Industry is attempting to shift this paradigm.
Who I'd like to meet:
What Vetmade Industries IS:
Vetmade Industries is a central clearinghouse for pairing exceptionally qualified workers with equally exceptional companies.
Vetmade Industries is a disabled veteran run company that is uniquely qualified to understand the particular needs, strengths, and weaknesses of its employees; while understanding the requirements of industry.
Vetmade Industries is a performance oriented and “hands on” organization which takes a personal interest in the worker and sets high yet attainable standards for both employers and employees.
Why use Vetmade?
There is a natural tendency in an uncertain economy to avoid bringing on new employees; especially un-vetted people with untested skills. Let Vetmade industries serve, as a conduit for your personnel needs. Vetmade will provide high quality employees who are thoroughly screened and evaluated for their suitability for the positions you require. Vetmade has a vested interest in providing top-notch people to top-notch companies. Vetmade Industries assumes many of the administrative and financial responsibilities normally assumed by a company who hires “off the street”.
American Servicemen and women have proven records of accomplishment, exemplary performance, dedication, honesty, and integrity. Many veterans, even those still in their youth, have endured extremely dangerous environments and performed gallantly; even at the risk of being killed. This sacrifice was given freely and without reservation and is a universal hallmark of veterans.
Vetmade Industries is a family business;
our family consists of brothers and sisters-in-arms who have served selflessly for the betterment of all Americans. The services and opportunities provided by Vetmade are not charity, they have been earned.
The debt owed to our disabled veterans can never fully be paid; Vetmade Industries offers a small down payment. We cannot do this alone; we need your help. We do not ask just for your generosity; rather we ask that you reflect on our nation’s freedoms, and acknowledge the price our disabled veterans have paid for those freedoms.
What Vetmade Industries is NOT:
Vetmade Industries is not a “make-work” outfit; only offering patronizing and low-paying jobs.
Vetmade Industries is not a turnstile placement agency with the only goal of “moving as many people through as possible”; without any real expectations for improving the lives of our most deserving citizens.
Vetmade Industries is not a “donation generating machine”; using guilt and sympathy tactics to raise capital without providing concrete metrics for success.
For Further information, Please contact:
John S. Campbell
Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army Ret.
Director/CEO
Vetmade Industries Inc.
jcampbell@vetmade.org
Keith Suchland
Disabled Vet, US Army
Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Vetmade Industries Inc.
vetmade_vp@yahoo.com
Please Donate:
http://www.vetmade.org
Some of our Creations
We also do artistic pieces as well as custom orders, including even wood silhouettes (another Vetmade exclusive)..
Those lost on September 11, 2001... and all those who loved them.
Remembering...
Those that everyday put on a uniform in service of their community... who often go overlooked by those in their communities where they serve and protect. Until, a call goes out... and their services are needed. Thanking them and remembering exactly what they do for us everyday... isn’t something that should only take place once a year. Thanking them upon meeting them in our everyday life is something we should strive to do.
Remembering...
And never forgetting what happened that day... nor the sacrifices made.
The Defiance Fight Gear team has launched a fundraising campaign that will benefit our troops and their families. The campaign is in honor of the fallen, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. For information on this fundraiser, the causes that will benefit from it, or to support this worthy project, please visit http://www.defiancefightgear.com/Support%20the%20Troops.html
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY PICTURES OR VIDEOS OF FALLEN, FIGHTING OR SURVIVING SOLDIERS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT TO OUR PROJECT.
ALSO, PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR EVER GROWING PHOTO ALBUM AND SHOW RESPECT TO THOSE PICTURED BY LEAVING THEM A COMMENT. BE SURE TO TAKE A LISTEN TO THE SONG, "FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS" BY CHOPP DEVIZE, (WHICH WE ARE USING FOR THE MUSIC VIDEO) AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT.
