We provide meaningful and productive work experiences

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

Since 2000

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

6100+

Hours of Paid Work Each Month

150K+

Lbs. Recycled Monthly

200+

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

Image

Pamela Lanier

Director of Government Relations | Freeman

Image

Caleb Powell

Human Resources | Dyno Nobel

Image

Charlotte Montague

Commercial Manager | ADM Milling

Image

Gage Tiller

Director | Carthage Technical Center

Image

Alice Chorum

Agent | Southwest Agency Inc.

Image

Jeremy Hulette

HR Manager | HE Williams

Image

Maureen Owens

Formulations Team Leader |

Schreiber Foods

Image

Elijah Vinson

Assistant Branch Manager | SMB

Image

Stephanie Howard

Director of Business and Economic Development | Carthage Water &

Electric Plant

Image

Kyle Klinginsmith

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...

Equal Opportunity Employer

Copyright © 2025 Innovative Industries Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy