Reimaging an Economy that Works for We the People

At this time on the clock of the world when most of humanity is participating in a growth at all costs economy that defines “success” as exponential increases in corporate consolidation, automation, globalization, and exploitation of the worker and the environment, it’s our duty as Americans to reimagine work and reimagine an economy that instead maximizes wellbeing of the worker, our neighborhoods, our environment, and the bottom line of our businesses. It’s time to lead and show there is a better way.

To balance these elements, with a small team and boot strapped budget, Pingree Detroit decided in 2015 to become a worker owned company so we could not only maximize equity, but also share the burden and responsibilities that come with meeting these ambitious goals of reimagining work(A concept first taught to us from the James and Grace Lee Boggs Center to nurture community leadership). This translates into us sharing 77% of the profits with our workers and having worker owners lead teams focusing on various sustainability and community projects. 

This Labor Day we are proud to continue in the footsteps of all who came before us who fought to make life better for workers and our neighborhoods and taught us that anything is possible. We believe everyone that wants to pursue meaningful work should have the freedom to do so and be able to make a living from that work.  We’re grateful for you being part of making that a reality for the Veterans and Detroiters on our team learning skilled trades in shoe making, industrial sewing, and leather crafting. May we not only pay a living wage but reimagine what it means to wage a living.