HTX Made, a Houston-based small business specializing in custom furniture for architects locally and nationally, has discovered an invaluable ally in Workforce Solutions. Co-founder and Head of Production and Design, Jose Martínez, emphasized a critical industry challenge: finding skilled talent for wood shops like theirs. “One of the things that the industry has lacked is actually supplying wood shops like ours with people that have skills,” he noted.
To bridge this gap, Workforce Solutions connected HTX Made with candidates who not only possessed technical woodworking abilities but also brought the creativity essential for the company’s distinctive projects. Kelly Bowhay, a Career Development Coach at Workforce Solutions, observed, “It became pretty obvious that the people that they need…need specific, creative talents that not everybody possesses.”
A standout example of this successful collaboration is Orlando Mendoza, who transitioned from a volatile career in the oil and gas industry to become a Wood Shop Fabricator Apprentice at HTX Made. Reflecting on his journey, Mendoza shared, “On my first day at HTX Made, I walked into something I didn’t know.” Through hands-on training, he mastered equipment operation, sanding techniques, and developed an understanding of various wood species—gaining valuable skills.
For HTX Made, investing in talent through tailored training programs not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also strengthens community development. Martinez highlighted the company’s broader mission: “We are trying to bring back solid wood furniture, longevity, and sustainable products.”
As a thriving small business, HTX Made encourages other companies to explore Workforce Solutions as a resource for finding skilled and trainable talent. The collaboration stands as a model of how strategic workforce programs can support small business growth while empowering individuals with lasting career opportunities.
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