Craftsmanship at Wisconsin Built is more than the products leaving the shop floor. It’s about how teams are built, skills are developed, and opportunities can change lives. One meaningful example of this philosophy in action is our partnership with the Thompson Correctional Center in Deerfield, Wisconsin. This work release program offers employment for qualified inmates, with the hope to maintain that employment after the participant’s release if they are staying in the area.
Wisconsin Built’s Human Resources Manager, Pam Klute, has been with the company for nearly 12 years, helping build the HR department from the ground up. With more than 35 years of experience in human resources, Klute has seen firsthand how intentional hiring and supportive workplace cultures can make a positive difference. Her experience helps shape Wisconsin Built’s approach to the Thompson Correctional Center work program.
How the Program Started
The relationship began in 2018 through a Wisconsin Built employee who was familiar with Thompson Correctional Center. After learning more about the work-release program, Wisconsin Built reached out to Thompson to explore whether it could be a good fit.
The program structure was clear: individuals are hired as regular employees, meet the same standards as any other hire, and are carefully screened. Importantly, Wisconsin Built has the ability to interview each candidate.
“This is not a drop-off program where a bunch of random people get dropped off on a bus,” Klute explained.
The program was presented to supervisors as a two-way learning opportunity—for Wisconsin Built to learn from the participants, and for the participants to learn from the company
How the Program Works
The Thompson Correctional Center work-release program began in 1974. After individuals spend 30 days at Thompson, they may be approved to participate in off-site work programs with local employers like Wisconsin Built. At Wisconsin Built, participants are paid the same wages they would earn as non-incarcerated employees and are eligible for the same benefits, including contributing to a 401(k).
Since the partnership began, Wisconsin Built has had both successes and challenges—but far more successes than challenges.
From a business perspective, the program has become an important recruiting resource during a tight labor market. The participants have proven to be extremely reliable. “They are here every day,” Klute noted.
The impact can be even more significant for individuals in the program. Participants gain real, usable skills—often in an environment they’ve never experienced before. That experience helps prepare them for reentry into society.
To date, 23 individuals have participated in the program at Wisconsin Built, with eight currently working on-site. Notably, two individuals have stayed on as Wisconsin Built employees after completing their sentences.
One current participant, who has been working at Wisconsin Built for nearly a year, shared how meaningful the opportunity has been.
“When I got here, I realized how lucky I was to be able to work here. After being in the situation I was in, and then coming to a place where I can just work, it’s phenomenal. It made me feel like a regular person again. Being able to work in a nice place and put some money away is really good for me.”
Transparency has been a cornerstone of the program’s success. All Wisconsin Built employees are aware of the partnership, and the same hiring rules and workplace expectations apply to everyone. The participants are viewed as a valued resource and part of the team.
Dave Smith, a team leader who has been with Wisconsin Built for 26 years, is one of the program’s strongest supporters.
“My experience has been great,” Smith said. “I’m an advocate for diversity and the best part of the program is that we are able to open our doors to an often-overlooked population. This results in new ideas and different types of thinking which strengthen our business.”
He added that the participants have been productive, grateful, and deeply committed to the opportunity.
“The guys have been wonderful. They just needed a second chance. They are super productive, some of the best workers, and grateful to be here. I’m just proud that we do it.”
Building More Than Products
Wisconsin Built’s partnership with Thompson Correctional Center reflects a belief that strong businesses can also be forces for good. By providing meaningful work, fair pay, and real-world experience, the program helps individuals prepare for life beyond incarceration—while strengthening Wisconsin Built’s team in the process.
