AMERICA’S
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The company’s mission statement of making people smile
with really cool treats was applied to customers enjoying their
signature Budget Saver Twin Pops. It also defines second chance
opportunities by offering employment as a way to impact lives
and make positive change in the community.
“We have some amazing individuals who have an inner
strength beyond measure,” says Allen. “They have changed
their lives, and they want to help others. They are hardwork-
ing, caring, committed, growth-minded members of our tribe,
and they define our culture.”
During the WVMA’s Winter Meeting in December, Allen
encouraged other businesses to adopt similar compassionate
hiring practices. At The Ziegenfelder Company, the process to
develop a more understanding hiring standard started with
focusing attention on crafting a mission that went beyond
numbers.
“It’s really quite simple. Open your heart and see the true
qualities in each individual, not just their background,” says
Allen. “The first step on the journey to return to a peaceful
life is a job. Relying on government simply is not the answer.
Often a return home is a return to the problems they faced
before. Businesses must act with intention, empathy and a for-
giving heart in order to change our communities.”
The company’s compassionate hiring program has been met
with loyal employees like Defibaugh who find opportunity
among the sweet-smelling ice pop mixes and repetitive move-
ments of ice pop production.
“Production is very fast-paced,” says Defibaugh. “There are
a lot of moving parts. I started on day turn for two weeks and
then went to midnights as a packer. I was operating a machine
within a month and a half on midnights. Then I operated on
day turn for about a year and a half. I went back to midnights
to train to become a team leader.”
Defibaugh started leading his team almost two years ago
with the same compassion he found when he first came to
work at The Ziegenfelder Company as a temporary employee
on the production line.
“It was great to feel appreciated and not feel shunned
because of my past,” says Defibaugh. “I’ve worked plenty of
places that made me feel like an outsider. My supervisor had
my back even though he knew nothing about the world I came
from. His understanding and just his efforts to try to under-
stand my past made a huge impact on my success. Now, as a
team leader, I can try to be what my supervisor was for me
and what the company was for me. I want to be that for the
new people coming in.”
PRESERVING
Lisa Allen, owner and
CEO, with a member of the
Zieggy Tribe. Photo by The
Ziegenfelder Company.
ILD
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