Innovation

Twincraft Skincare innovates in a few ways. They donate excess soap to those in times of need, whether in a place of disaster, the Special Olympics, or a local shelter. Aside from the soap itself, and most importantly, Twincraft has adopted an innovative hiring process that allows immigrants in the workplace to excel more than they would elsewhere. "We are the only company in Vermont now offering English as a second language to new immigrants... 30% of our workforce are first-generation Americans," says Michele Asch, the VP of Leadership and Organizational Development at Twincraft. The best part about the English course that Twincraft offers is that the employees still get paid while they are learning English. "They are actually on the clock when they're taking this class...they can't do their jobs if they don't speak English."

Between manufacturing here in America, exceptional treatment of employees, and generous donations and support to the community, Twincraft has successfully labeled themselves as one of Vermont's better businesses for a sustainable future.

Inspiration

Originating from Canada in 1972, the Asch brothers started this business with a love for manufacturing. Decades after this manufacturing facility was built in Vermont, the owners sold the company in 2008 to a publicly owned company. The newly found company could not handle the recession, and the business procedure became less about the people. In the wake of the recession, Twincraft was bought back and returned to its original owners. From that point on, the focus shifted to giving back to the community. Given our current election situation, immigration is a topic of high concern. Twincraft manages to break down national borders and bring people together from all over the world. America needs attitudes like this in order to unite as one whole nation.

Overall impact

Twincraft gives back to the community in several ways: they are the only company in Vermont that offers English as a second language classes to new immigrants, they provide generous donations to local non-profits, and they provide an opportunity for those convicted of felonies to get a second chance. Twincraft Skincare is able to provide immigrants and convicted felons with quality manufacturing jobs while allowing them to continue their education to better themselves and their community.

Business benefit

Just as Michele Asch, the VP of Leadership and Organizational Development, stated, "they can't do their jobs if they don't speak English." Being able to effectively communicate in the workplace is vital; without communication, the company will fail. The English classes Twincraft provides will not only help the workers in their daily lives, but also allow them to communicate more effectively with other co-workers and be more efficient.

Social and environmental benefit

Twincraft Skincare continues their commitment to "lifelong learning" by providing paid English classes to their workers. These English classes will not only help in the workplace, but also help them outside the workplace. Having a basic knowledge of English provides non-English-speaking workers the ability to communicate more effectively with their neighbors and gives them the confidence to be an active member of the community. The language barrier is an obstacle many new immigrants face today, but Twincraft Skincare helps breaks down these barriers by providing English classes to their workers. With U.S. recidivism rates being some of the highest in the world, Twincraft attempts to help former felons to get back on their feet. While they do ask potential new employees if they have committed felonies, they do not screen them out. Instead they ask three questions, as Michele stated: "What did you do? What have you learned? And what are you going to do to make your life better now?"

Interview

Michele Asch, VP Leadership and Organizational Development