People with Disabilities

After acquiring a disability, Alexandra Moon built her dream career at PRIDE Industries. She tells her story in her own words:

Before I joined the company in 2016, my mental health was at an all-time low. I was recovering from paralysis in both legs after being in a wheelchair for three years. I had no sensation or strength on the entire right side of my body; my internal organs were shutting down. Most of my doctors didn’t think I would recover and had written me off—suggesting that I file paperwork for permanent disability.

From the exterior, I looked like a healthy person. Internally, I was facing many physical and emotional challenges. What kept me fighting through my recovery was my son, whom I was raising on my own. Whenever I looked at him, I knew giving up wasn’t an option.

During this time, I only felt comfortable being around others with disabilities. I met many friends that had various disabilities. Some were in wheelchairs—like I was. I saw their willingness to work hard, and I got inspired to do the same.

As I continued to go to physical therapy, I began volunteering at the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) to help individuals with disabilities find jobs. Through my volunteer work, I helped participants to fine-tune their resumes and to practice interview skills. My clients made me realize that we all have abilities, and if we focus on those, there is nothing we cannot do.

Then, one day, my employment specialist notified me that PRIDE Industries was looking for a real property and community planning specialist. Immediately, I knew this job was made for me. Before acquiring my disability, I had studied to become a construction engineer. However, after the challenges I wound up facing, this dream seemed to have slipped away. Now, with newfound confidence gained through volunteer work, I was ready. My DOR counselor, therapist, and job coach were also extremely excited and encouraged me to go for it. With a bit of preparation, I aced the interview and got the job.

Developing a Dream Career After Acquiring a Disability

From that day forward, my life completely changed. I felt hopeful and excited—emotions I had not experienced in a very long time.

PRIDE Industries re-introduced me to a world of possibilities. In my position, I serve our military customer, the 61 CELS Squadron, at Los Angeles Air Force Base. Through this interaction, I’ve become thankful for our U.S. Air Force customer and have adopted their values—integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. I’m proud to say they always appreciate my efforts to keep the base in top shape.

Having a supportive manager, General Engineer Raymond Minassian, made all the difference in boosting my confidence. When I experienced fear of failing in my position, Raymond assured me, “I have no doubt they’ve chosen the right person for this position. You’ll do an excellent job.” Even now, if insecurity starts to pull me down, these words always lift my spirits.

PRIDE Industries has supported my employment in other ways, too. As my successes accumulated and I let go of my fears, I soon realized that I could also go back to school and get my degree. Thankfully, PRIDE Industries fully supported me along the way. In addition to allowing me to work modified hours around my classes, they have always endorsed my accommodations—including frequent rests so that I can perform my daily stretches and physical therapy.

I have accomplished a great deal during my five years at PRIDE Industries. I earned a promotion to field inspector, regained the feeling on the right side of my body, and underwent three major surgeries—all while attending school full-time, being a mom to a teenager, and working. I relearned how to go up and down stairs—something my doctor said I would never be able to do again. I also earned two degrees—one in Business Management and the other in Construction Project Management. In the process, I gained five scholarships and graduated with honors alongside my son.

Beyond academia, I have learned how to educate others about the importance of treating people with disabilities with respect. In PRIDE Industries’ inclusive environment, I’ve built relationships, learned how to appreciate others, and provided the support my managers need.

There is never a day when I don’t thank God for PRIDE Industries. I thank this company for helping me prove to myself and the world that people with disabilities can accomplish anything. Whenever I get discouraged, I look at the notice board to the left of my desk and read a quote from our late CEO, Mike (Zig) Ziegler. It says, “No one gets to PRIDE Industries by accident.” I do not doubt that I belong here.

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PRIDE Industries builds inclusive, diverse work environments where people with disabilities can thrive. Is your company seeking well-trained, reliable employees? Join our Employment Partner Network today.

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“PRIDE Industries re-introduced me to a world of possibilities.”

“Everyone needs a Cathi at their workplace!”

You’ll often hear this saying from Business Manager Victoria Warren and the entire team at PRIDE Industries’ Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB-MDL) customer. And it’s no wonder why. Every day, Service Order Dispatcher Cathi Talbot brings a positive attitude and views her role as so much more than an occupation.

“I feel honored to work at a military base because it’s a way for me to thank our service members,” Cathi said. “They sacrifice so much to keep us safe. My dad and my brother served in the U.S. Marine Corps, so it means a lot to me to be able to support military personnel and show that I appreciate their work.”

Building New Skills After a Disability

Cathi’s job also provides a chance for her to learn new skills after unexpectedly acquiring a disability. In 2004, her 20-year career as a court stenographer was cut short when she experienced a stroke during surgery and fell into a coma. She woke up after a week, but her long recovery had just begun. Cathi went on to complete seven years of intense rehabilitation in a residential brain injury program.

“I had major problems with my short-term memory and lost my recollection of up to 15 years of my life,” Cathi said. “Through my faith in God, and thanks to my wonderful rehabilitation therapists, I was able to get most of my memory back—a big step since, when I began therapy, there were times I couldn’t remember if someone had just been in the room with me.”

With hard work, Cathi made so much progress that, in 2010, she decided to rejoin the workforce. After filling out many job applications, she turned to the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for job assistance. In 2011, her counselor there matched her to PRIDE Industries. And when a service order dispatcher position opened at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Cathi turned out to be a perfect fit.

Gaining Independence Through a Career

“Joining PRIDE Industries was like coming home,” said Cathi. “I love this company so much. After I started, I knew everything was going to be different.”

“Since this was a new job for me, I needed training,” she said. “However, verbal instructions were not as effective due to my short-term memory issues. I needed written step-by-step procedures. My rehabilitation counselor, Samantha Gralla, and my supervisor created those for me—always making sure to add new procedures as required.”

“Now, with these simple accommodations, I’m an expert at my job,” said Cathi. “It’s been different since I have been working from home during the pandemic, but I love saying a socially distanced ‘hello’ to everyone when I’m on-site.”

In addition to providing excellent service to our customer at JB-MDL, Cathi has also taken the time to directly support PRIDE Industries’ mission.

“Being able to regain my independence and build a career felt incredibly freeing,” said Cathi. “One of my proudest moments was when I earned the opportunity to go with PRIDE Industries to Capitol Hill. I met with 16 congresspeople to talk about the importance of job opportunities for people with disabilities.”

“For me, it’s significant to show what disability can look like. On the outside, mine is invisible. It’s important for others to not ‘judge a book by its cover.’”

Cathi always makes herself available to give support to others with disabilities, especially those who feel stigmatized.

“I wear mine like a badge. I have a disability but am not incapable,” she said. “I had to relearn many daily tasks at age 42, so I share my story to show others their potential. When I look back now, I cannot imagine doing the last 18 years any other way.”

Cathi’s outreach work earned her an award from the SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference in 2013. She continues to be an outstanding employee of PRIDE Industries and recently celebrated her 12th work anniversary. We thank Cathi for her excellent work and her important advocacy for people with disabilities.

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“For me, it’s significant to show what disability can look like. On the outside, mine is invisible. It’s important for others to not ‘judge a book by its cover.’”

“Early on, we discovered Ramon’s talent for making boxes and making them quickly,” says Matt Weiss, Distribution Manager of HP Operations at PRIDE Industries. “The fact is, folding boxes isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are a lot of complex folds—it can be pretty confounding.”

According to Scott Lacey, Director of Production Operations for PRIDE Industries, Ramon is so fast and accurate in making and filling boxes that it takes two or three people to fill his shoes when he’s absent.

“The way Ramon moves, the fluidity of what he does—how he knows which materials will fit which cubic volume—it’s a very fast process,” says Scott. “He thinks fast. He moves fast. And he moves things through the operations so efficiently that there’s no backup. He’s one of those people that, when he’s not here, you know it.”

According to Scott, when an incredibly high amount of volume flows through, Ramon’s speed and accuracy enable us to keep operations flowing smoothly. And he achieves this high level of performance even though—like most employees at PRIDE Industries—he has a disability that once made it difficult for him to find work.

Resilience at Work

At the young age of ten, Ramon was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After multiple surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments, the tumor subsided. However, the battle cost Ramon much of his teen years. It also took away his sight in his right eye.

“My left eye is okay, but the right one … I cannot see with it,” says Ramon.

Years later, after his family relocated from Mexico to the United States, Ramon found employment in the fast-food industry. However, he was unable to see the order boards and had to leave that line of work. Then in 2004, he found his way to PRIDE Industries—where, after demonstrating his skill and commitment, he was offered a permanent position in 2007. Since then, he’s continued to be an outstanding employee at our HP Operations Facility in Lincoln, Calif.

Employing People with Disabilities Makes Sense

Ramon’s story proves what the job coaches at PRIDE Industries see every day—people with disabilities have as much to contribute to the workplace as anyone else. In fact, people with disabilities consistently boast impressive statistics when it comes to employment, including higher retention rates and lower absenteeism than average.

As for Ramon, he embodies these traits—not only on the shipping floor, but also in the classroom and beyond it. Once he accepted his position with PRIDE Industries in 2007, he was determined to effectively communicate with coworkers, so he studied conversational English at night school—while employed full time. He then took the citizenship test and passed, becoming a United States citizen the same year.

Ramon’s employment story wouldn’t be complete without one additional element: travel time. Due to his vision loss, Ramon can’t drive. So, he relies on public transportation. Although he lives only 15 minutes, as the crow flies, from his workplace, the journey can take up to three hours a day—including time spent transferring from one bus to another. Yet, to Ramon, the journey is worth it because, in the end, he arrives at a place where his extraordinary talents are fully appreciated.

Tenacity. Dedication. Skill. And a great attitude. An employer couldn’t ask for more, and that’s what Ramon delivers every day.

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“He thinks fast. He moves fast. And he moves things through the operations so efficiently that there’s no backup. He’s one of those people that, when he’s not here, you know it.”

Companies have shared more than 1,400+ actions that they are taking to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Coalition expands reach and impact into the business community

Roseville, Calif. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PRIDE Industries joins a growing coalition pledging to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. One of nearly 2,000 CEOs that have come together for CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™, Jeff Dern is committing himself and PRIDE Industries to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

By signing on to this commitment, PRIDE Industries pledges to take action to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion. The collective of nearly 2,000 signatories has already shared more than 1,400+ best-known actions, exchanging tangible learning opportunities and creating collaborative conversations via the initiative’s unified hub, CEOAction.com.

“Diversity and inclusion are difficult issues to navigate, but if we avoid constructive conversation about our differences, communication deteriorates and productivity suffers,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO of PRIDE Industries. “As a social enterprise committed to normalizing workplace inclusion, we are proud to join other industry leaders in cultivating a work environment where employees can openly address challenges, present opportunities, and share perspectives.”

Nearly 60 percent of PRIDE Industries’ workforce has a disclosed disability. As a social enterprise, the company provides facilities management; manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain services to fuel its mission of creating employment for people with disabilities. PRIDE Industries also leverages its 55 years’ experience in inclusion success to provide staffing, recruiting, and inclusive workplace training certification for individuals and companies.

CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is cultivating a new type of ecosystem centered around collaboration and sharing. The actions, available via CEOAction.com, showcase real-life examples of open and transparent conversations to cultivate more diverse and inclusive workplace environments. The addition of new signatories expands the impact of this work beyond the office to communities and industries.

The CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is led by a steering committee of CEOs and leaders from Accenture, BCG, Deloitte US, The Executive Leadership Council, EY, General Atlantic, KPMG, New York Life, Procter & Gamble, and PwC. The coalition represents 85 industries, all 50 U.S. States, and millions of employees globally.

About CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™

CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Bringing together nearly 2,000 CEOs of America’s leading organizations, the commitment outlines actions that participating companies pledge to take to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, employees feel comfortable and encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion, and where best known—and unsuccessful—actions can be shared across organizations. Learn more at CEOAction.com and connect with us on Twitter: @CEOAction.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and staffing and recruitment services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day. Learn more.

PRIDE's coaching, training, and placement programs

If you're struggling to maintain a highly motivated workforce or fill important roles, get in touch. We provide coaching, training, and other placement services to meet your company's employment needs, all while working with you to create an inclusive workplace.

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Media Contact

Kat Maudru

(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

SMT & Packaging Magazine recognizes the social enterprise in the Contract Service category

Roseville, Calif. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PRIDE Industries has received SMT & Packaging Magazine’s 2021 GLOBAL Technology Award in the Contract Services category. Within this category, the social enterprise was recognized as a leader in engineering services and strategic supplier management.

The prestigious GLOBAL Technology Award is designed to promote best practices in key areas including manufacturing quality, customer service, sales growth, innovation, and employee motivation. Award recipients were announced at a ceremony during Productronica, the world’s leading trade fair for electronics development and production, which took place in Munich, Germany.

PRIDE Industries is known for its technology and electronics manufacturing service offerings, which include Class I and II medical device manufacturing, cable and harness assembly, and full system integration.

“PRIDE Industries is honored to receive such an esteemed technology award in recognition of our contract services,” said Tony Lopez, Vice President, Manufacturing & Logistics Services at PRIDE Industries. “In the United States, we are the leading employer of people with disabilities, and this award proves the value of our inclusive workplace model to meet the unique business needs of competitive global companies.”

PRIDE Industries’ broad range of customizable manufacturing solutions includes printed circuit board assembly and surface mount technology. In addition, PRIDE Industries’ deep experience in electronics manufacturing has made the company a reliable reshoring partner for those customers seeking to minimize supply chain disruptions, optimize fulfillment processing, and benefit from flexible, on-demand inventory schedules.

The GLOBAL Technology Awards have recognized the very best new innovations in the printed circuit assembly and packaging industries since 2005. This awards contest brings together the global SMT and advanced packaging industry in a celebration of the companies and people that are achieving the highest standards and driving the electronics manufacturing industry forward. Entries were submitted from equipment, materials, and EMS companies of all sizes.

“Thank you, Global SMT & Packaging Magazine, for selecting PRIDE Industries and spotlighting our high-quality manufacturing and packaging capabilities for global customers,” said Lopez.

About PRIDE Industries

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Media Contact

Kat Maudru

(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

PRIDE Industries is proud to be the winner of Global SMT & Packaging Magazine’s 2021 GLOBAL Technology Award in the Contract Services category. This award recognizes PRIDE Industries’ innovation in electronics manufacturing processes, engineering services, and strategic supplier management. We’re honored to receive this industry recognition for delivering top-quality results for our customers across all our contract manufacturing services.

During the past few years, we’ve focused on developing market-leading innovations and delivering best-in-class service. Our first-pass yield rates, for example, are consistently above 98%. Our prototyping services also exceed industry standards—we typically turn PCBA prototypes around in 3-5 days, and can often reduce turnaround time to 2 days. In addition, we’re experts at helping companies maximize the benefits of reshoring—including cost-savings, streamlined production, and faster time to market. Our customers know they can rely on us for all these benefits, as well as competitive pricing and highly responsive customer service.

In addition to electronics contract manufacturing, PRIDE Industries offers several other crucial manufacturing services, including logistics and supply chain management, contract packaging, and fulfillment. Our customers include both private and public organizations nationwide.

The 2021 GLOBAL Tech award highlights PRIDE Industries’ expertise and our ability to help customers achieve quality, speed to market, and efficiency at scale. This recognition represents years of innovation and commitment to manufacturing best practices, which have enabled us to keep pace with the supply chain challenges happening globally.

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We offer cost-effective electronics manufacturing services in a wide variety of industries.

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Thank you, Global SMT & Packaging Magazine, for selecting our organization and highlighting a company that delivers business excellence with a positive social impact.

Tony Lopez, Vice President, Manufacturing & Logistics Services

Manufacturing Capabilities

Class I & II medical device manufacturing
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and mixed Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly
Full system integration
Cable and harness assembly
Diverse engineering services
Prototype services
Scalable and flexible capacity planning
Procurement and materials management services
Forecasting and demand planning services
Supply chain management
Quality and regulatory control
Order fulfillment and warranty services
Conformal coating
Full product traceability
Complete product integration
Small-batch sub-assembly

Certifications

CA Medical Device Manufacturing License
ISO 13485:2016 certified
ISO 9001:2015 certified
FDA 21 CFR Part 820 Compliant