In the latest episode of the Manufacturing Executive Podcast, host Joe Sullivan sits down with Marcus Sheanshang, President and CEO of JBM Packaging, to discuss the company’s transformative fair-chance hiring program. As a second-generation leader, Sheanshang has shaped JBM’s mission to prioritize sustainability and social impact, and the fair-chance program is a shining example of this commitment in action.
Faced with anticipated retirements and the need for a growing workforce, JBM Packaging initially struggled to find effective recruitment strategies. After unsuccessful attempts to attract high school graduates, Sheanshang found inspiration in a church ministry that led him to explore hiring formerly incarcerated individuals.
Our issue with our labor forces, we’re not special, we’re a manufacturer, we’ve got about 150 team members with us, and anybody in our role would be able to look out and say, we’re going to have people that are going to be retiring in the coming years, and we wanted to be a growing business, and through that, we know we’re going to need to be adding some team members to our team.
Implementing a fair-chance hiring program came with its challenges, including potential pushback from existing employees and the need for clear communication and support from the executive team. However, through learning from mistakes and refining the program over time, JBM Packaging has seen remarkable success.
One key aspect of the program is the collaboration with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) to set up training equipment inside prisons. This allows individuals to develop manufacturing skills and gain experience in quality control before their release, setting them up for a smoother transition into the workforce.
“It’s fantastic because we’ve had one person because they moved to a new prison, but we’ve got one person that just joined us. Gosh, probably about three months ago, doing great, we’re continuing to evolve that program as well to where they’re going to be actually doing production work for us in the prison.”
Beyond technical training, JBM Packaging provides comprehensive support services to ensure the success of its fair-chance hires. This includes full-time life coaches, partnerships for transportation, housing, and financial education, and an authentic commitment to the program’s success.
The impact of fair-chance hiring on individuals and the company has been profound. Sheanshang shares the inspiring story of Amanda Hall, who started as an operator and has since risen through the ranks to HR and recruiting, now playing a crucial role in the program’s expansion.
For Sheanshang and his leadership team, the fair-chance hiring program has been a transformative experience, leading JBM Packaging to become a purpose-led business that understands and addresses the challenges faced by disadvantaged individuals. The company is now sharing its experiences and best practices with other manufacturers, encouraging them to consider fair-chance hiring as a viable workforce solution.
As manufacturers continue to navigate the evolving landscape of workforce development, JBM Packaging’s fair-chance hiring program stands as a powerful example of how businesses can make a positive impact on both their bottom line and the communities they serve. To learn more about the program and connect with Marcus Sheanshang, visit the JBM Packaging website or reach out directly.
