Margo Walsh is an entrepreneur on a mission to prove that second chances are good for business. As founder of MaineWorks — a certified B-Corp — she has built a model that connects people with substance use disorder and/or criminal records to meaningful employment in the construction sector, tackling two of society's most persistent challenges at once.
MaineWorks doesn't just find jobs for people — it sets them up to succeed. Through the non-profit she co-founded with her sister, Margo ensures that returning workers have what they need to show up and thrive: like proper clothing, boots, transportation, and the basic building blocks of a fresh start.
What began in Maine has grown into a regional movement, expanding across New England and serving as a replicable blueprint for companies and communities across the country. Margo's work has earned widespread recognition and multiple awards — and in this episode, she shares what it was like to attend a State of the Union address as a senator's guest, a testament to the national impact of her vision.
This is a story about optimism in action — and what becomes possible when we invest in people others have written off.
Chapters:
00:00 Employing the Unemployable
02:13 Maineworks: A Staffing Agency with a Mission
05:42 Recruitment and Retention Challenges
09:10 Margo's Passion and Mission
13:42 United Recovery Fund: Addressing Basic Needs
17:10 Expansion and Industry Focus
20:01 Supporting New Americans
23:26 Navigating Systems and Maximizing Value
27:00 Engaging Business for Social Impact
31:26 The Value of B Corp Status
34:14 State of the Union and Future Aspirations
39:58 Optimism and Call to Action