We are excited to announce our new name, Tessera! This is a change that reflects our growth, values, and vision for the future. The rebrand represents our commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Watch the video below to hear our CEO, Jeff Dolven, introduce our new name and discuss the rebrand.Â
Why We Are Rebranding
Our legacy name, Skookum, has served us well for over 36 years. However, as we’ve expanded beyond the Pacific Northwest, we’ve encountered misconceptions about our identity and affiliations. Some have mistakenly believed that we are associated with Native American tribes due to the origin of our name in the Chinook trade language. This rebrand helps clarify our identity and better reflect who we are today. We will officially transition to our new name, Tessera, on March 17th, 2025.
What’s New?
Visual Identity: Our new name and logo symbolize the innovation and energy driving our organization forward.Â
Messaging: Our updated messaging will more clearly highlight our organization to communicate more effectively with our audience.Â
Digital Presence: We are launching a new website on March 17th with updated navigation, making it easier to communicate our mission and core values.Â
What Stays the Same?
Our purpose remains unwavering:
Empowering Individuals with Disabilities: Providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans remains at the core of our mission.Â
Delivering Excellence: Our commitment to top-notch services in our contracts.Â
Fostering Community and Collaboration: We are dedicated to fostering community within our organization and the communities we serve.Â
Looking Ahead
Our rebrand marks a significant milestone in our organization. Thank you for being part of our journey, and stay tuned for more updates.Â
Celebrating America’s Recycles Day – Skookum’s Commitment to Sustainability
Today, November 15th is America Recycles Day. We’re reminded of the critical role recycling plays in protecting our environment. Across the country, recycling reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and saves energy. At Skookum, sustainability is central to our mission, and this day provides an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of our employees who champion waste reduction in innovative ways.
For example, Skookum employee Gregory Lewis, who works at Fort Gregg-Adams has demonstrated how impactful reusing can be. By rescuing items such as boots, bags, hand sanitizer, and even Army cots destined for disposal, Gregory contributes to the Environmental Division’s Net Zero program, which focuses on reducing waste. His efforts to reuse recently enabled the donation of 89 cots to a local shelter, providing beds for those who had previously been sleeping on the floor. This is just one example of how Skookum team members support both the environment and their communities through resourceful reusing and recycling.
Gregory Lewis
Recycling provides significant environmental and economic benefits. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling one ton of paper can save up to 7,000 gallons of water and enough energy to power a home for six months. Recycling aluminum is even more impactful. According to United Aluminum, Recycling a ton of aluminum saves up to 14,000 kilowatt-hours, enough to power a household for over a year, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
At Skookum, sustainability is a core part of our manufacturing and facility management services. Our teams nationwide support clients in recycling and waste reduction, helping them cut operational costs and reduce their environmental impact. In manufacturing, we prioritize recycling materials like aluminum and paper to conserve energy and minimize waste.
This America Recycles Day, Skookum shows its commitment to sustainability and driving positive change for our company, clients, and the communities we serve.
The Evolution of Disability Employment Â
A Journey of Progress and Empowerment
Each year, October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workforce. For much of the 20th century, individuals with disabilities faced significant barriers to employment, but the past few decades have been transformative.
A major shift began with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, specifically Section 504, which was the first federal law to prohibit discrimination based on disability in employment. This groundbreaking legislation set the stage for further progress, including the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The ADA not only required reasonable accommodations but also redefined inclusivity, empowering millions of individuals to bring their talents into the workforce.
In 1996, the Department of Labor introduced the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), encouraging employers to embrace diversity by hiring individuals from underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. The creation of the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) in 2001 further demonstrated a sustained commitment to promoting inclusive practices that ensure equal opportunities for all.
A Positive Outlook on Disability Employment
Despite historical challenges, we’ve seen remarkable strides in fostering an inclusive workforce. However, there are still disparities. 2023 statistics from the Department of Labor highlight some ongoing differences between individuals with and without disabilities in the workforce:
Labor Force Participation Rate:
- Persons with disabilities (aged 16-64): 40.3% - Persons without disabilities (aged 16-64): 77.7%
Employment-Population Ratio:
- Persons with disabilities (aged 16-64): 37.2% - Persons without disabilities (aged 16-64): 75.0%
Unemployment Rate:
- Persons with disabilities (aged 16-64): 7.7% - Persons without disabilities (aged 16-64): 3.5%
Although these statistics reveal a persistent gap, they also serve as a powerful reminder that progress is possible and necessary. At Skookum, we view these numbers not just as a challenge but as an opportunity to lead the way in creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Building on Progress: Skookum’s Role
At Skookum, where 74% of our employees have a disability, we’re driven by a clear mission: to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while fostering a culture of support, inclusion, and upward mobility.
One of our many success stories involves our one of our facility management employees, Cole (left). Cole faced challenges finding meaningful employment due to his disabilities. After going through our interview process, we created a Laborer position for him at Skookum. Shortly after he was hired, another Skookum employee, Patrick (right), became both a mentor and teacher to Cole, encouraging him to grow. With Patrick's guidance, Cole has truly thrived. Over the past year, he has transformed into an essential member of our maintenance team, independently handling tasks across more than 10 barracks facilities.
Cole (left) and Patrick (right) at their worksite.
Cole's story is just one example of how Skookum empowers individuals to succeed. Explore more opportunities and be part of our mission on our careers page.
We believe in empowering our employees to reach their full potential, whether they choose to grow within Skookum or pursue new opportunities elsewhere. Through our dedicated employee development programs, hands-on training, and mentorship, we’re not just helping our employees succeed in the present, we’re equipping them with the skills and confidence for a lifetime of success.
Our impact goes beyond just Skookum's employment. We’re committed to educating other communities and offering resources that promote sustainable growth in disability employment through our Community Employment Services.
What’s next?
While there’s still work ahead, the strides made in disability employment are inspiring. Skookum stands at the forefront of this progress, committed to building a future where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive in the workplace. But we can’t do it alone.
If you share our vision of an inclusive workforce, join us in this mission. Whether you're an employer looking to make a difference or someone seeking to grow your career, Skookum is here to support you. Together, we can continue reshaping the employment landscape and unlock the full potential of individuals with disabilities.
Inaugural Speaker Series | Travis Mills
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Skookum had the privilege of hosting Travis Mills, a renowned motivational speaker and retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, for a special event in Bremerton, Wa. With over 450 attendees, many from the greater Kitsap County community, the event was a remarkable celebration of resilience, inclusivity, and strength.
A Powerful and Emotional Event
Travis Mills is a quadruple amputee veteran who has turned life’s challenges into opportunities to inspire and empower others. His incredible story of perseverance, combined with his unique sense of humor, struck a chord with the audience. From moments of laughter to heartfelt tears, his message of overcoming adversity resonated deeply with all who attended.
Attendees were reminded of the importance of disability inclusion in the workplace. Travis’ story was about thriving in the face of unimaginable challenges, a message that aligned with the spirit of NDEAM. His words shed light on the essential role that companies like Skookum play in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities, supporting them in meaningful careers.
Community Engagement
Skookum was honored to bring together local businesses, organizations, and our own employees to share in this special occasion. The event wouldn’t have been possible without our generous sponsors, including Wounded Warrior Project, Bank of America, Chubb, and Alliant.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this successful event, we are reminded of our mission. This month—and every month—we celebrate the strength and resiliency of our employees and the disability community.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success! Stay tuned for our second speaker event next year. We look forward to continuing this important work and advocating for a more inclusive future.
Skookum and Skils’kin Officially Merge
We are pleased to announce that as of July 1, 2024, Skookum has officially merged with Skils’kin. This merge represents a significant milestone in our growth and mission, enabling us to extend our reach into new regions, including Eastern Washington, Montana, and Wyoming.
Strengthening Our Mission
Over the past six months, our teams have worked diligently to integrate the unique strengths of both organizations. This merge enhances our ability to create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities, a core value that drives both Skookum and Skils’kin. Combining our resources and expertise equips us to serve a broader community and make a lasting impact. Expanding into Eastern Washington, Montana, and Wyoming allows us to reach new areas and offer more individuals the chance to thrive in inclusive workplaces. This growth not only amplifies our mission, but also strengthens our ability to support diverse communities.
Commitment to Positive Impact
Having Skils’kin join our team is not just about expanding our business; it is a key step in our commitment to making a positive impact. By integrating Skils’kin into Skookum, we can implement best practices, share innovative solutions, and provide better support to those we serve. This new addition to the Skookum team will enable us to create more meaningful opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As we embark on this new chapter, we remain dedicated to our core values and mission. By integrating Skils’kin into Skookum, we will continue to champion inclusivity, empowerment, and opportunity for all. Our shared vision and combined strengths will enable us to build a brighter future for everyone involved. We are excited to welcome the Skils’kin workers to the Skookum family. Their expertise and dedication will be invaluable as we move forward together. We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. Integrating our teams will strengthen our communities and enhance our ability to deliver high-quality services.
Clean Energy & Resiliency Project
At Skookum, we dedicate ourselves to innovation, sustainability, and serving our communities. Our Home Office in Bremerton, Washington, is currently undergoing a transformative change that embodies Skookum's commitment to these values. This month, we launched our Clean Energy & Resiliency Project.
Project Overview
The project involves installing solar panels, a battery storage system, and electric vehicle chargers. These installations will be carried out over several months, ensuring a thorough and efficient implementation process.
The solar panels will harness solar energy, providing a sustainable power source for our Home Office and the Kitsap community. This energy will be stored in the battery storage system, allowing for a steady supply of clean energy. By doing so, we will significantly reduce our reliance on traditional, non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas. This shift will be critical in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to a cleaner environment.
Additionally, installing electric vehicle chargers will support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. These chargers will provide convenient and accessible charging options for locals, encouraging the use of electric vehicles.
The transition to renewable energy sources through this project aligns with our commitment to sustainable development at our facilities. It will create a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy infrastructure, paving the way for a cleaner future.
Community Impact
With these systems in place, our home office will become a resiliency hub for the local community in the event of power outages or natural disasters. The combination of solar panels and battery storage ensures that we can provide a reliable power supply even during emergencies, offering local businesses the resources they need to continue operations. This includes maintaining essential services such as power and Wi-Fi at our home office, allowing businesses to stay connected and functional when it matters most.
By integrating renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to lead by example in our industry and inspire others to adopt similar initiatives. Skookum is excited about the Clean Energy & Resiliency Project and its significance for our communities and the future of our company.
Please stay tuned to our blog for updates on the project!
Photos capture the lifting of solar panels onto the Home Office roof.
Skookum and Skils’kin Announce Intent to Merge
We are thrilled to share the exciting news of Skookum and Skils'kin's intention to merge, with the effective date set for July 1, 2024. This strategic decision is rooted in our shared vision to empower individuals with disabilities by creating enhanced job opportunities.
Skils'kin is a leading organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities. For over five decades, they have been at the forefront of advocating for inclusivity and independence in the workplace. Based in Spokane, Washington, Skils'kin has earned a stellar reputation by fostering a sense of belonging in their community by enriching lives through employment.
Jeff Dolven, CEO of Skookum, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This merger signifies our joint dedication to amplifying our impact within the community. By pooling our resources, we can better tackle the evolving challenges in disability employment and deliver our services more comprehensively, all while staying true to our core values and missions."
As we know, Skookum has long been recognized as a leader in the AbilityOne program, renowned for its expertise in cultivating a diverse workforce and its unwavering commitment to innovation, quality assurance, and customer service. Through this merger, we are poised to enhance our workforce and expand our reach geographically. Additionally, by joining forces with Skils'kin, a highly regarded organization in Spokane, we are committed to continuing our legacy of positively impacting the communities we serve.
Brian Behler, CEO of Skils'kin, shared in the excitement, saying, "We are enthusiastic about the potential of this merger to drive positive change in Spokane and beyond." Both CEOs affirmed their commitment to transparency throughout every step of this process.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!
