Thomas Hook, COO of Friendship Industries, Inc. and Able Solutions, Inc., will be retiring Dec. 31, completing 25 years of growth for the contract packaging companies that provide employment for individuals with barriers to employment.
“It is with mixed emotions that I complete my career with Friendship Industries and Able Solutions. Many great things have been accomplished. By far the most gratifying accomplishment has been developing the skills and abilities of those we employ. I will miss these opportunities to serve.” Hook stated.
During his tenure at Friendship Industries, Hook created business networks and commercial connections increasing the company’s size from one location and a $200,000 budget to three locations with an operating budget of over $7 million. Hook was the creative force behind many of the company’s achievements.
Throughout his career at Friendship Industries, Hook generated positive impact by diversifying the customer base and increasing profitability and employment opportunities. “Tom has truly lived Friendship Industries’ mission. He has consistently found new and resourceful ways for us to amplify our business,” said George W. Homan, II, CEO of Friendship Industries Inc. Hook’s first project was the creation of a mail management division in 1995. Through this, Hook leveraged technology to “level the playing field” for employment to persons with disabilities while doubling the company’s profitability. In 2006, he led Friendship Industries to an award of an exclusive contract with the Department of Defense for US Air Force First Aid & Survival Kits. This doubled the size of Friendship Industries’ employee base. In 2012, Hook assisted with the development of a new company, Able Solutions. This company formed a unique partnership with a local company providing consumer products packaging in refrigerated environments. Hook’s last official task will be to project manage the companies’ 3 million dollar expansion.
Friendship Industries, established in 1964, is a not-for-profit business with a mission to serve our community by developing and maintaining employment and training opportunities for persons with disabilities in integrated work environments. Able Solutions, Inc., an affiliate of Friendship Industries, was founded in 2012, and provides on-the-job training for people with barriers to employment. Friendship Industries and Able Solutions provide consumer products packaging for many Fortune 500 Companies across the United States. Together, the companies’ missions serve Harrisonburg and Rockingham by providing employment to over 120 people.
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