In this second episode with Kristen Schumacher, we zoom out to focus on the story and impact of Nehemiah Manufacturing — a company that has trail-blazed second-chance hiring practices since 2009, long before fair-chance employment became a mainstream conversation.

Founded on the conviction that meaningful work restores dignity, Nehemiah intentionally built its business model around hiring individuals with significant barriers to employment, including those with criminal records, homelessness, and disrupted life histories. What began as a bold, countercultural experiment has grown into the largest second-chance manufacturing company in the United States, proving that doing good and doing business well are not competing values.

Nehemiah’s innovative approach to redemptive employment has gained national recognition, becoming a case study at leading business schools — including Harvard and Yale — where MBA students study Nehemiah as a model of purpose-driven leadership, social impact, and sustainable growth. The company demonstrates that when leaders center dignity, accountability, and opportunity, businesses can flourish while transforming lives and communities.

Based in Cincinnati’s inner city, Nehemiah partners with local organizations to provide job readiness training, mentoring, and wrap-around support so employees are not only hired, but positioned to thrive long-term. The result is more than jobs — it’s restored hope, strengthened families, and renewed neighborhoods.

Inspired by the biblical Nehemiah, who was called to rebuild broken walls and restore a people, Nehemiah Manufacturing continues that work today — rebuilding lives one person and one day at a time — and offering a compelling vision of what it looks like to lead, hire, and build with Jesus at the center.

A Practical Way to Support Nehemiah Manufacturing
One of the simplest ways to support the mission of Nehemiah Manufacturing is by purchasing the products they proudly make. Every purchase helps create meaningful jobs, restore dignity, and provide second chances for individuals working to rebuild their lives.
Nehemiah manufactures a growing lineup of household, cleaning, and consumer products you already use every day — thoughtfully made, high-quality, and rooted in a mission to build brands, create jobs, and change lives.

Shop Nehemiah-made products:
https://madebynehemiah.com/pages/shop

When you buy Nehemiah products, you’re not just buying something useful — you’re helping rewrite someone’s story through meaningful work.

You can also learn more and follow their ongoing impact at:
https://www.madebynehemiah.com

https://www.instagram.com/madebynehemiah

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Email Raz & Jamie: razwithhim@gmail.com

Their church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

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https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609