History

Weaver Industries was founded in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing individuals with disabilities vocational training and employment opportunities. The Weaver name stems from Carlene Weaver, a strong supporter for individuals with disabilities, who was instrumental in improving the lives of many people in Summit County by advocating for meaningful vocational opportunities.

The Weaver Industries Board of Directors and Administration still champion Carlene's passion as we continue to provide increased training, opportunities and earnings for the individuals we serve. Within our distinct business divisions, Weaver continues to expand the services we provide to our business customers throughout Northeast Ohio so that we can create even more jobs for individuals with disabilities.

 

Supported Integration® Work Environments

At Weaver Industries, we believe that ALL people, regardless of ability, have the right to employment that gives them reasonable working hours, opportunities for growth and the cultural benefits of being employed in the community.

We believe that a disability is not the only defining feature of a person; but rather a facet of their identity that influences their life experiences.

It is these beliefs that impel our mission to provide people with disabilities the vocational training and employment opportunities that will allow them to maximize their independence and personal fulfillment.

Weaver Industries continues to move one step closer to the ultimate goal of “independent employment” for people with disabilities. In 2009, we launched our ProPak division, which provides high-quality, professional assembly, packaging, kitting, labeling and fulfillment services and opened our first location in Akron, Ohio.

What makes ProPak unique is that it is a work environment that provides supported integration; an environment in which employees with and without disabilities (“typical peers”) work side-by-side doing the same jobs and are held to the same standards.

For employees with disabilities, the benefits of working at ProPak are significant. They can interact, socialize and make friends with people without disabilities. Any stigma associated with having a disability is overshadowed by an emphasis on abilities and productivity. The diversity that exists within supported integration promotes creativity, innovation and better decision-making.

The success of this model has been so significant that, as of 2025, we now have four distinct work locations that employ over 100 individuals with disabilities under this supported integration model.

At Weaver Industries, we recognize the importance of full inclusion into our communities, and we celebrate the diverse talents and contributions that each and every person can offer!

Staff

At Weaver Industries, our staff is committed to meeting the unique and challenging needs of those who seek vocational training and self-sufficiency. If you have any questions concerning Weaver Industries or how you can support our mission, please call (330) 379-3660 or fill out the form on the Contact page of the website.

Support Staff

Jeffrey S. Johnson
Executive Director
* * * *
Carla McDonald
Compliance Officer
cmcdonald@weaverindustries.org
Valerie Garner
Director of Human Resources
vgarner@weaverindustries.org
Denise Balko
Community Services Manager
dbalko@weaverindustries.org
Tom Maren
Transportation and Health & Safety Manager
tmaren@weaverindustries.org
Carol Flunoy
Training & Advocacy Support Manager
cflunoy@weaverindustries.org
Don Owens
Controller
330.379.3660
Kerrina Pettigrew
Records Management - General Manager
330.379.3660
Joe Buit
General Manager - ProPak
jbuit@weaverindustries.org
Brian Caldwell
Group Employment Manager
330.379.3660
Amber Neira
General Manager - SecurShred
330.379.3660
Chris Hattery
General Manager - TruClean/EarthCare
chattery@weaverindustries.org

Board of Directors

Robin Kaminski
Trustee
JoAnn Stores, Inc.
Alisha Dennis-Brinson
Trustee
The Counseling Center of Wayne & Holmes Counties
Peter Geise
Secretary
FocusCFO
Blake Gerney
Board Chairperson
Brennan, Manna, Diamond Law
John Hooker
Vice-Chairperson
GOJO Industries
John Wachovek
Trustee
Retired
Tom Orcutt
Treasurer
Huntington National Bank
Mark Ohlinger
Trustee
Retired
Jean Barbato
Trustee
ConxusNEO