Helping People

The Organization

Step Industries, Inc. is a unique nonprofit corporation located in Neenah and Milwaukee, WI. 

Step provides transitional employment to men and women who are recovering from alcoholism or other drug addiction. 

These opportunities help relieve the stress of unemployment, promote self-sufficiency, and prepare the recovering person for further vocational growth.  At any given time, the total number of employees fluctuates between 100 and 130 recovering people.

Although a nonprofit organization, Step Industries is almost fully self-supported through the sale of its services.

The History of Step Industries Inc.

Step Industries was the inspiration of an executive of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation. He learned that unemployment was often a problem for recovering people, especially for those new to a sober way of life. The stigma of addiction, a negative work record, or a lack of self-confidence often causes difficulty for recovering people in need of employment.

The solution was to marry this ready and able workforce with labor-intensive projects from Kimberly-Clark and other companies.  A board of directors was formed and a bank loan was secured. Step Industries opened for business with eight employees in the fall of 1982 at 905 Chapman Ave. in Neenah.

It was a challenge during the early years to learn how to meet production and quality expectations with a work force that was in a state of flux.  Experience brought quality assurance systems and other improvements.  By the end of 1985, the learning curve was less steep, the bank loan had been repaid and business was brisk.

Step Industries moved to a larger facility at 625 Towmen Road in November of 1985. The main office moved to 1010 Strohmeyer Drive, Neenah, in September of 2003 and more production space was added at that location.

Step Industries also has a branch operation in Milwaukee which opened in 1998.

A New Work Force

Since our inception in 1982,  Step Industries has hired over 6000 recovering people, ranging in age from 16 to 77 years.  Its employees have come from a wide range of backgrounds, from experienced professionals to those who have never had a job.  Negative work records are disregarded.  The company hires applicants who have at least two to four weeks "clean time" and evidence of a support system in place.

Most applicants come from halfway houses or treatment centers, referrals from probation officers, or from word of mouth within self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.  Twenty-five percent of applicants are former employees in need of another opportunity.

The average length of employment ranges between three and nine months.  Performance evaluations are conducted at frequent intervals of employment.  Step Industries refers employees to existing agencies that are qualified to work with vocational evaluation and planning issues.  Most employees just need the support provided by Step Industries.

At one time Step Industries offered a placement service for permanent work, but found that this service did not promote self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.  Today, the company provides steady work, support and guidance, but leaves the footwork to the employee.

Step Industries' experience has proven that many recovering people are outstanding employees.  The return to health brings productivity, enthusiasm and pride in a job well done.

Sales and Services

Step Industries offers packaging and assembly services, and help with other labor-intensive projects. 

The company has grown through relationships with companies that need a reliable partner to supply services, space or other resources.  These partnerships are sometimes temporary, sometimes long-term, but always mutually beneficial.