for individuals with developmental disabilities—fostering independence, confidence, and true community integration.
Non-Profit founded
1969 - Carthage, MO
2000 relocated to
Centennial & Garrison
Today we're a
Multi-Service Hub
we've been at the Core of the Carthage Community located at the intersection of Centennial and Garrison Avenues
with a focus on creating Innovative Career Opportunities for Individuals with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. We currently provide the following services to Carthage and Surrounding Communities including the Greater Joplin Metro:
A community where individuals of all abilities thrive through meaningful work.
Non-Profit 501(c)(3)
NAID AAA+ certified shredding facility
47,000 sq ft production floor & training center

Hours of Paid Work Each Month
Lbs. Recycled Monthly
Customers Served Monthly

Employment with Purpose
Work is a vital part of who we are. Our self image, confidence, and sense of purpose are intertwined with the work that we throughout our lifetimes – regardless of individual ability.
We offer a variety of work for our employees to engage in!
Cardboard & Paper Recycling
Auto Detailing
Paper Processing & Shredding
Contracted Labor Support
Janitorial Services
Production Work with Local Manufacturer Partners across Multiple Products
Meet The Board of Directors

Director of Government Relations | Freeman

Human Resources | Dyno Nobel

Commercial Manager | ADM Milling

Director | Carthage Technical Center

Agent | Southwest Agency Inc.

HR Manager | HE Williams

Formulations Team Leader |
Schreiber Foods

Assistant Branch Manager | SMB

Director of Business and Economic Development | Carthage Water &
Electric Plant

Owner/Chiropractor | The Link Family Chiropractic
Administrative Staff

Tom Furrh
Executive Director
While in his first year at Innovative, Tom has more than 15 years experience supporting our most vulnerable populations as a non profit leader and foster/adoptive parent in Carthage. A Carthage native and graduate of Carthage HS Class of 2007, holding a Sociology Degree from MSSU and an M.B.A. from Pittsburg State University. Working to improve systems and processes that drive Innovative Industries forward, Tom is passionate and driven to continue Innovative's Mission of providing meaningful and productive work opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Carthage and surrounding communities while creating value for our business and manufacturing partners. Tom is enjoying parenting with his wife Emily with 3 growing little ones and are grandparents to two beautiful toddlers.

Maggie Jones
Executive Assistant
In her role as Executive Assistant at Innovative Industries, Maggie supports daily operations by coordinating scheduling, managing invoicing and documentation, and serving as a key link between employees, vendors, and leadership. In her time with the organization, she has become a reliable resource for keeping processes organized and ensuring work moves efficiently from start to finish.
Known for her strong critical thinking and problem solving abilities, Maggie contributes to improving workflows and overcoming challenges in a fast paced environment. She takes pride in streamlining processes, supporting team communication, and helping create structure that allows both employees and leadership to stay focused on their goals.
With a detail oriented and people focused approach, Maggie balances behind the scenes coordination with hands on support, playing an important role in maintaining the day to day success of Innovative Industries and its mission.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to music, and taking advantage of the outdoors especially during the summer months.

Shaina Proctor
Office Coordinator
Bio coming soon...

Zach Evans
Safety and Compliance Coordinator
Bio coming soon...

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