**Veterans Forge New Paths at Pingree Detroit’s Upcycled Leather Workshop**
*Detroit, MI* — In the heart of Detroit, a unique venture has emerged, offering veterans a second chance at meaningful employment and newfound purpose. Pingree Detroit, a worker-owned cooperative founded by Jarret Schlaff in 2015, transforms scraps from the automotive industry into high-quality leather goods, ranging from stylish bags to durable shoes. More than just a business, Pingree is a community hub where local artisans, especially veterans, come together to craft products with a story.
Nathaniel Crawford II, a veteran and proud member of the Pingree team, shares his journey from military service to leather craftsmanship. “When I first walked through those doors, I wasn’t just looking for a job; I was searching for a sense of purpose,” Crawford explains. Today, he finds joy in creating products that not only honor the environment by upcycling materials but also echo his dedication to service and community.
With its recent flagship store opening, Pingree Detroit has expanded its mission to empower individuals through ownership opportunities and skills training. The cooperative values collective decision-making, breathing life into the ethos of community building. Each piece produced tells a story, intertwining the legacies of those who served with the eco-friendly practices crucial to today’s marketplace.
“As we craft these beautiful goods, we also craft our futures,” emphasizes Schlaff. “Every item that leaves our workshop represents resilience and creativity, central to both our mission and our city’s fabric.”
In a moving video spotlighting their efforts, the veterans at Pingree Detroit embody the spirit of transformation—turning scraps into treasures while redefining what it means to serve. For them, this isn’t just a workshop; it’s a family—a place of healing, hope, and sustainable living.
