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07/23/2024
The Specialty Line
While the Garment Factory is known primarily for producing jeans, coats, and shirts, the Specialty Line's role in handling a vast array of miscellaneous garment and non-garment projects is often overlooked. Nevertheless, our contribution is substantial, both directly through manufacturing and sales, and indirectly by providing alternative products for Prison Blues customers. We create popular items like aprons, wallets, and tote bags for Prison Blues, as well as various products for state organizations and private customers. Our workload remains steady, with continuous orders and design requests, keeping our team of three AIC's consistently engaged in diverse projects. Each day presents new challenges, requiring problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability. We handle multiple projects simultaneously, often shifting priorities to accommodate customer needs or internal requests for repairs and modifications. Additionally, we design and prototype custom items based on customer specifications, photographs, or samples. Our recent relocation to a more efficient space with additional machines enhances our ability to meet production demands, and our skilled team continues to evolve with each challenge, embracing the diversity and uniqueness of our work.
Specialty Line Trainer – Dusty
I have worked in the Garment Factory for nearly eight years. Six of those years has been working in the Specialty Line where I am currently the Trainer for the department. My background includes military service and training in flight technology, however, most of my career has been spent in production environments working in various operator positions, supervisor positions, trainer positions, and finally, as management where I assisted with computer systems, ISO 9000 compliance, and worked on company process and procedure development at a highly successful sheet metal shop.
I'm committed to sharing my expertise and ensuring the efficient production of high-quality items. My responsibilities include training my colleagues, maintaining setup sheets and samples, and optimizing production processes. Working in the Garment Factory allows me to apply my skills while offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment during my incarceration. I'm passionate about my role and the opportunity it provides for personal and professional growth.
Specialty Line Sewer – Troy
Before my incarceration, I held several production roles and worked as a dock lead at Goodwill. My passion for sewing began at a young age, learning from my mother and grandmother. I excelled in home economics classes, becoming the teacher's assistant and honing my skills. Beyond the workplace, I cherished my roles as a husband and father. Sharing my sewing and ironing knowledge with my wife was deeply fulfilling, reciprocating the support she had offered me. When I get out of prison, I eagerly anticipate sharing the wealth of skills I've acquired with my family and friends, bonding over our shared curiosity for creation.
I was hired into the t-shirt program in 2020 then the following year, I transitioned to the jean line, specializing in zipper application, before mastering the challenging off-the-arm task—a role I relished for 13 months. Despite my journey, I find fulfillment in my current role, where I've learned to be patient and versatile, tackling various projects on the Specialty Line. Being part of the OCE team provides me with a sense of connection and purpose, allowing me to make the most of my time while incarcerated.
Beyond a paycheck, my work with the OCE team is a chance to reconnect with my passion for sewing while using my time productively. I'm grateful for the opportunity to better myself and avoid squandering time on frivolous pursuits. Our OCE staff exemplify dedication and compassion. Their support extends beyond ensuring tasks are completed—they genuinely care about our growth and well- being, valuing our input and striving for continual improvement.
Specialty Line Sewer – Ian
I spent 15 years working in professional kitchen settings and have always felt at home in production environments.
My culinary experience has translated well to Garment Factory production work, since both require doing your best to please the customer and producing a quality product in a consistent and timely manner. I enjoy the work ethic involved in production, as well as the chance to work together with people from all walks of life.
After joining the Garment Factory 7 years ago, I became familiar with all manner of garment and non-garment products while working on the cutting table before transitioning to the Specialty Line in 2023. What appealed to me about the Specialty Line was the necessity for learning to operate many different machines and to design and troubleshoot a wide variety of products. I'm drawn to the diverse challenges and creative opportunities in my current role, and I take pride in contributing to our department's growth alongside my dedicated team. I am a creative person who greatly appreciates this type of work and enjoys the challenge. Our crew works well together and it has been a privilege to have a hand in our department's growth over the past couple of years.
While the Garment Factory is known primarily for producing jeans, coats, and shirts, the Specialty Line's role in handling a vast array of miscellaneous garment and non-garment projects is often overlooked. Nevertheless, our contribution is substantial, both directly through manufacturing and sales, and indirectly by providing alternative products for Prison Blues customers. We create popular items like aprons, wallets, and tote bags for Prison Blues, as well as various products for state organizations and private customers. Our workload remains steady, with continuous orders and design requests, keeping our team of three AIC's consistently engaged in diverse projects. Each day presents new challenges, requiring problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability. We handle multiple projects simultaneously, often shifting priorities to accommodate customer needs or internal requests for repairs and modifications. Additionally, we design and prototype custom items based on customer specifications, photographs, or samples. Our recent relocation to a more efficient space with additional machines enhances our ability to meet production demands, and our skilled team continues to evolve with each challenge, embracing the diversity and uniqueness of our work.
Specialty Line Trainer – Dusty
I have worked in the Garment Factory for nearly eight years. Six of those years has been working in the Specialty Line where I am currently the Trainer for the department. My background includes military service and training in flight technology, however, most of my career has been spent in production environments working in various operator positions, supervisor positions, trainer positions, and finally, as management where I assisted with computer systems, ISO 9000 compliance, and worked on company process and procedure development at a highly successful sheet metal shop.
I'm committed to sharing my expertise and ensuring the efficient production of high-quality items. My responsibilities include training my colleagues, maintaining setup sheets and samples, and optimizing production processes. Working in the Garment Factory allows me to apply my skills while offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment during my incarceration. I'm passionate about my role and the opportunity it provides for personal and professional growth.
Specialty Line Sewer – Troy
Before my incarceration, I held several production roles and worked as a dock lead at Goodwill. My passion for sewing began at a young age, learning from my mother and grandmother. I excelled in home economics classes, becoming the teacher's assistant and honing my skills. Beyond the workplace, I cherished my roles as a husband and father. Sharing my sewing and ironing knowledge with my wife was deeply fulfilling, reciprocating the support she had offered me. When I get out of prison, I eagerly anticipate sharing the wealth of skills I've acquired with my family and friends, bonding over our shared curiosity for creation.
I was hired into the t-shirt program in 2020 then the following year, I transitioned to the jean line, specializing in zipper application, before mastering the challenging off-the-arm task—a role I relished for 13 months. Despite my journey, I find fulfillment in my current role, where I've learned to be patient and versatile, tackling various projects on the Specialty Line. Being part of the OCE team provides me with a sense of connection and purpose, allowing me to make the most of my time while incarcerated.
Beyond a paycheck, my work with the OCE team is a chance to reconnect with my passion for sewing while using my time productively. I'm grateful for the opportunity to better myself and avoid squandering time on frivolous pursuits. Our OCE staff exemplify dedication and compassion. Their support extends beyond ensuring tasks are completed—they genuinely care about our growth and well- being, valuing our input and striving for continual improvement.
Specialty Line Sewer – Ian
I spent 15 years working in professional kitchen settings and have always felt at home in production environments.
My culinary experience has translated well to Garment Factory production work, since both require doing your best to please the customer and producing a quality product in a consistent and timely manner. I enjoy the work ethic involved in production, as well as the chance to work together with people from all walks of life.
After joining the Garment Factory 7 years ago, I became familiar with all manner of garment and non-garment products while working on the cutting table before transitioning to the Specialty Line in 2023. What appealed to me about the Specialty Line was the necessity for learning to operate many different machines and to design and troubleshoot a wide variety of products. I'm drawn to the diverse challenges and creative opportunities in my current role, and I take pride in contributing to our department's growth alongside my dedicated team. I am a creative person who greatly appreciates this type of work and enjoys the challenge. Our crew works well together and it has been a privilege to have a hand in our department's growth over the past couple of years.
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