1945 - The leading tanks of US 3rd Corps (part of US 1st Army) reach the Rhine River opposite Remagen and find the Ludendorff Bridge there damaged but still standing.
Provide exceptionally qualified workers to business and industry after an intensive 5-month paid vocational on the job training program.
Partner with local businesses to teach disabled veterans a valuable skill and trade; along with other business and industrial skills in order to prepare the veteran for his or her re-entry into the work force.
The goal of Vetmade Industries is not soley to teach veterans technical skills, rather to prepare them for long-term careers.
Currently, Vetmade is operating a woodworking shop in Tampa Florida; proceeds from the sale of our hand-made items goes back to the veterans in the form of wages and training; as well as ensuring we can continue to provide services to the disabled veterans in the Tampa area.
Our woodworking shop is only the first type of training venue, we are constantly looking for other partners in any vocation.
Our ultimate goal is to export the Vetmade model Nation-wide; making it the model for disabled veteran support.
How We Do It
Borrowing from the U.S. Navy, we have adopted a colored "hat" system. Aboard an aircraft carrier, each member of the flight deck has a specific job and wears a colored shirt hat representing it. From the bridge, the captain can look down and instantly determine who is who.
Vetmade has adopted this same type of identification system. Each Vetmade worker/student wears a colored hat which indicates where he or she is within the 5-month training continuum.
Within each month, we have identified specific goals. To reach these goals, we will rely upon assistance from outside organizations to assist in the training.
Throughout the five-months, however, the veteran is working, getting paid and moving forward.
VISION: VETMADE, Industries Inc. will not only become a national model of rehabilitative industrial vocational training and job placement, but also the supplier of absolutely the finest products in the world. American Made by American Heroes.
In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other Veteran support organizations, VETMADE, Industries, Inc. will seek out currently disabled veterans and provide them the skills necessary to master industrial production, business practices, sales and marketing, along with individual woodworking techniques.
We will capitalize on the inherent drive, motivation, integrity, leadership and team-building skills these veterans have developed through their military experience. We recognize the great sacrifice these veterans have made for their country; and the often times devastating consequences of combat and other hazardous operations.
The Raison d'être of VETMADE Industries, Inc. is to give back to America's heroes; not in the manner of patronizing "make-work", rather tangible skills manifested in quality, reasonable priced products.
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.
Questions concerning the mission and vision of VETMADE, Industries, Inc. may be directed to:
John S. Campbell
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Retired
Chairman of the Board of Directors
VETMADE, Industries, Inc.
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(813) 503-8737
Welcome to
VETMADE Industries, Inc.
OUR MISSION
Hire Unemployed Disabled Veterans, Teach Them a Skill, and Prepare Them for Re-entry into the Work-Force.
Contact Us:
Tel: 813-503-8737
Fax: 813-254-8324
email:
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Office: 1517 West Cypress St
Tampa, FL 33606
COMPANY BACKGROUND
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.
During an annual woodworking show in Tampa, John saw a demonstration of garden furniture production put on by Eureka Woodworksof Dallas Texas. John signed up to be a producer of this high-end garden furniture in order to augment his normal woodworking business.
One day, while working alone in his shop, John was struggling with how to hire motivated and trainable workers to help produce quality woodworking items 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, 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.
Time will tell how we make out, but being a Soldier, I know we will take the hill....... we always have and always will.
The history of John Campbell (as told by photos):
1980: Basic Training 18 years Old 2003: Iraq 43 years old 2008: Vetmade 47 years old
Methodology: When a disabled military veteran comes to Vetmade Industries from either the Veterans Administration (Chapter 31 programs), other veteran support organizations, or even right off the street, he or she is in for a surprise.
Vetmade Industries is not just a Human Resources or job placement firm; we put the veteran to work in a workshop making high-end garden furniture; taking classes and receiving skill training.
Borrowing from the U.S. Navy, we have adopted a "hat" system. Aboard an aircraft carrier, each member of the flight deck has a specific job and wears a colored hat representing it. From the bridge, the captain can look down and instantly determine who is who.
Vetmade has adopted this same type of identification system. Each Vetmade worker/student wears a colored hat which indicates where he or she is within the 5-month training continuum.
Within each month, we have identified specific goals. To reach these goals, we will rely upon assistance from outside organizations to assist in the training.
Throughout the five-months, however, the veteran is working, getting paid and moving forward.
THE WAY AHEAD:
Add additional VETMADE partners
Increase awareness of disabled veteran issues
Become self-sustaining
Expand products
Expand facilities, add employees
Go "national"
Go "International"
FROM THIS:
Current "Corporate Headquarters"
TO THIS:
Potential Future Home of Vetmade Industries; 60,000 SF historic Tampa cigar factory in West Tampa
Vetmade Workshop Tour
The workshop of Vetmade Industries is operated by Black Bear Woodworking, Inc. Housed in a 2500 SF high-bay warehouse at 1517 West Cypress St in West Tampa, FL 33606, Vetmade employees learn the craft of woodworking, along with production of quality furniture. In order to make the shop "liveable" in the blazing Tampa Summer heat, we installed a 5-ton air-conditioning unit; which not only keeps the temperature comfortable, but also keeps the relative humidity at a level suitable for storrage of wood. Most of machinery is old and was carried around the world by the director John Campbell during his Army career. The short-term goal of Vetmade is to upgrade machines and add an additional Adirondack furniture production line.
ABOUT VETMADE
