Press Release

Roseville, CA – PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, was named the winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the “Website Achievement in Accessibility” category in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards® today. This category recognizes companies for their use of features and technologies that ensure their websites are “perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.” 

“At PRIDE Industries, our commitment to accessibility is at the core of our mission to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Erin Fleischmann, Vice President of Growth at the social enterprise. “By ensuring that our website is accessible, we provide equal access to information and services for people of all abilities and demonstrate our dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.”   

The American Business Awards is the premier business awards program in the country. All organizations operating in the U.S.—public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small—are eligible to submit nominations. More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories. And more than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners. 

“Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence, and hard work. We congratulate all of the winners in the 2025 ABAs.” 

PRIDE Industries was recognized for its outstanding commitment to accessibility, as demonstrated by its website, which is designed for everyone, including people with disabilities. It ensures content is clear and easy to navigate, works with assistive tools like screen readers, and provides captions and image descriptions. Additionally, responsive design ensures the website adapts to different screen sizes and displays correctly even when zoomed up to 200%, maintaining usability without distortion. With these features, the company’s website doesn’t just meet the basic Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—it exceeds them. 

“We believe that by going above and beyond current standards, we create a space that is not only functional but truly welcoming, making it easier for all users to engage comfortably,” said Fleischmann. “This award highlights our ongoing dedication to breaking down barriers and setting a higher standard for digital accessibility.” 

About PRIDE Industries 

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.  

About the Stevie Awards 

Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.  

Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, announced the promotion of Tim Young to SVP/Chief Human Resources Officer. Young, who served most recently as Vice President of Talent Management, has been instrumental in advancing PRIDE Industries’ mission since joining the organization in August 2021 as Senior Director of Talent Acquisition. 

“Tim brings decades of experience and a strong understanding and knowledge of talent acquisition best practices, hiring technology, market trends, and labor regulations to this well-deserved promotion,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO of PRIDE Industries. “With his extensive experience and commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, he is the ideal leader for our HR organization.” 

In his new role, Tim will provide strategic leadership and guidance on the employee journey, with the goal of creating a more inclusive and engaged workforce. His department oversees all facets of talent management, including outreach and recruiting, onboarding, performance management, training and employee development, and exit processes. Additionally, Tim leads recruiting efforts for PRIDE Industries’ AbilityOne contracts. 

“PRIDE Industries is known for its positive workplace culture,” said Tim, “and I plan to ensure that tradition continues as we move the department into its next stage of growth. I look forward to implementing strategies that support both business results and employee wellbeing.” 

Since joining PRIDE Industries, Tim has spearheaded a company-wide initiative to launch the refreshed Core Values: Integrity, Teamwork, Tenacity, and Innovation. He has also   developed and implemented strategies to enhance and expedite hiring processes while improving the overall employee experience. In addition, Young and PRIDE Industries’ Learning and Development Team launched a monthly leadership development series and created a career progression program which allows employees the opportunity to build skills and capability to take on roles of greater responsibility.    

Before his tenure at PRIDE Industries, Tim held leadership positions in talent acquisition and human resources at several prominent companies, including AutoZone, Ross Stores, and Cost-Plus World Market. He was one of only 11 inaugural commissioners to establish the professional certification system for members of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest organization dedicated to human resource management. 

Tim holds a bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University, where he was a member of the track and field team and participated in the NCAA Division II National Championships. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve as an enlisted soldier. 

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day. 

Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

Roseville, Calif. — PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, has been recognized as a 4 Star Employer by VETS Indexes. This is the fifth consecutive year that the social enterprise has received this distinguished award, which recognizes organizations for their commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.

“PRIDE Industries is honored to once again be recognized as a VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO of PRIDE Industries. “Veterans represent one of our nation’s richest sources of talent; the experience they gain while serving in the military is both substantial and unique. We’re proud to help these talented individuals find a new way to contribute to this nation through civilian employment.”

PRIDE Industries currently employs hundreds of military veterans in all areas of the company and has provided support and services to thousands more in the form of career coaching, job readiness support, and employment placement assistance. The company’s many resources for veterans include its one-of-a-kind I AM ABLE Employment Helpline (844) 426-2253, a veterans employee resource group (ERG), and the online Military Skills Translator, which helps veterans match their skills with civilian career opportunities.

In addition, PRIDE Industries helps military veterans access mentoring and training programs, paid internships, and employment with the companies hundreds of partner businesses seeking to bolster their workforces.

“PRIDE Industries has demonstrated exceptional support for veterans and the military-connected community, earning the organization one of the most prestigious awards possible in the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program,” said George Altman, President of VETS Indexes. “Even as more organizations than ever before are recognizing the uniquely valuable skills that veterans bring as employees, the efforts of PRIDE Industries to recruit, retain, develop, and support those who served, as well as their families, stand out from the pack. PRIDE Industries is among the very best veteran employers, and its program can serve as a model for others.”

Roseville, Calif. — PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, has been recognized as a 4 Star Employer by VETS Indexes. This is the fifth consecutive year that the social enterprise has received this distinguished award, which recognizes organizations for their commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.

“PRIDE Industries is honored to once again be recognized as a VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO of PRIDE Industries. “Veterans represent one of our nation’s richest sources of talent; the experience they gain while serving in the military is both substantial and unique. We’re proud to help these talented individuals find a new way to contribute to this nation through civilian employment.”

PRIDE Industries currently employs hundreds of military veterans in all areas of the company and has provided support and services to thousands more in the form of career coaching, job readiness support, and employment placement assistance. The company’s many resources for veterans include its one-of-a-kind I AM ABLE Employment Helpline (844) 426-2253, a veterans employee resource group (ERG), and the online Military Skills Translator, which helps veterans match their skills with civilian career opportunities.

In addition, PRIDE Industries helps military veterans access mentoring and training programs, paid internships, and employment with the companies hundreds of partner businesses seeking to bolster their workforces.

“PRIDE Industries has demonstrated exceptional support for veterans and the military-connected community, earning the organization one of the most prestigious awards possible in the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program,” said George Altman, President of VETS Indexes. “Even as more organizations than ever before are recognizing the uniquely valuable skills that veterans bring as employees, the efforts of PRIDE Industries to recruit, retain, develop, and support those who served, as well as their families, stand out from the pack. PRIDE Industries is among the very best veteran employers, and its program can serve as a model for others.”

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance servicescustodial servicescontract manufacturingsupply chain managementpackaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

About VETS Indexes

VETS Indexes is a leading voice on veteran employment issues, overseeing the VETS Indexes Employer Awards, hosting the Employing U.S. Vets Conference, unearthing unique and unprecedented data on veteran employment through the Veteran Employment Benchmarking Service, and developing custom indexes, linked to financial products, that track the performance of the publicly traded companies that have established themselves as the best employers for veterans. Learn more about us at VETSIndexes.com.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance servicescustodial servicescontract manufacturingsupply chain managementpackaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

About VETS Indexes

VETS Indexes is a leading voice on veteran employment issues, overseeing the VETS Indexes Employer Awards, hosting the Employing U.S. Vets Conference, unearthing unique and unprecedented data on veteran employment through the Veteran Employment Benchmarking Service, and developing custom indexes, linked to financial products, that track the performance of the publicly traded companies that have established themselves as the best employers for veterans. Learn more about us at VETSIndexes.com.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

Leah Burdick was recognized as a Social Changemaker in the Disability Category.

Roseville, Calif.Leah Burdick, Chief Growth Officer at PRIDE Industries, has been named the winner of a Silver Stevie® Award in the “Social Changemaker – Disability” category in the 21st annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Hailed as the world’s premier business award, the Stevie Award for Women in Business honors the achievements of women executives and entrepreneurs, as well as their outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.

“We are incredibly proud of Leah,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO at PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities. “Her unwavering dedication to our mission to create employment for people with disabilities, and her exceptional leadership, have been instrumental in driving our growth and impact. This award is a testament to her hard work and the positive influence she has on our organization and the communities we serve.”

More than 1,500 entries from organizations and individuals in 36 nations and territories were submitted this year for consideration in more than 100 categories. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 200 business professionals around the world, working on seven juries.

“I am honored to receive this award and grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated team at PRIDE Industries,” said Burdick. “Our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities is more important than ever, and I am committed to continuing to drive positive change in the industry.”

Burdick leads PRIDE Industries’ Marketing, Public Relations, Proposals, Foundation, and Customer Experience teams, all of which have thrived under her leadership. In 2021, she launched the I AM ABLE Helpline, a first-of-its-kind free employment service for people with disabilities. In 2023, Burdick developed the I AM ABLE Disability Job Fair in Sacramento, the first in-person job fair for people with disabilities in the region. Burdick also launched PRIDE Industries’ Customer Experience Management (CXM) initiative in 2023, a company-wide effort to deepen customer loyalty and satisfaction, increase revenue, reduce operational costs, and further differentiate PRIDE Industries’ business services.

“In its 21st year, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business received an outstanding body of nominations,” said Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards. “We are gratified by how meaningful it is to women to win a Stevie Award, and how impactful it can be on their careers and their organizations. We congratulate all of this year’s Stevie Award winners for their achievements.”

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance servicescustodial servicescontract manufacturingsupply chain managementpackaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

About the Stevie® Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence, and the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations and territories. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Leah Burdick
Leah Burdick, Chief Growth Officer at PRIDE Industries
Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

Roseville, Calif.  — PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, proudly announces that its Manufacturing and Logistics Services (MLS) division has achieved AS9100 certification through the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). This certification validates PRIDE Industries’ compliance with AS9100’s rigorous quality standards for the manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution of electronics in the aerospace and defense sectors worldwide.

AS9100 is the globally recognized quality management standard for the aerospace, defense, and aviation industries that also is recognized in the Industrial Manufacturing sector, including healthcare, life sciences, and software manufacturing.

Achieving this certification underscores PRIDE Industries’ commitment to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality products to its customers, further elevating its quality assurance framework.

This certification will enhance PRIDE Industries’ existing ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) certification, a longstanding qualification that governs the export, import, and use of defense-related items and services. ITAR regulates the export and manufacture of defense articles and services, as well as brokering and temporary import activities. Additionally, it controls the handling of technical data and software listed on the United States Munitions List (USML).

“We are immensely proud to add AS9100 to our portfolio of quality and compliance certifications, which includes ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and ITAR,” said Tony Lopez, Vice President of MLS at PRIDE Industries. “This achievement highlights PRIDE’s dedication to delivering exceptional quality, precision, and reliability to our clients, strengthening strategic partnerships, and expanding our presence in the aerospace and defense markets. With a strong commitment to our mission, we are equally dedicated to our partnership in continuously building quality services and a safe environment, ensuring best practices and ongoing improvement.”

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance servicescustodial servicescontract manufacturingsupply chain managementpackaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

The San Diego-based program provides employment experience through paid internships.   

SAN DIEGO, CA – Jay’s Program celebrated its five-year anniversary on October 28, 2024, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This unique employment initiative offers six-month, part-time paid internships with the County of San Diego, in partnership with PRIDE Industries, San Diego Regional Center, and GT Independence. Jay’s Program internships enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enhance their job skills and increase their employment opportunities.

“We know from nearly six decades of experience just how valuable a paid internship can be,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO of PRIDE Industries. “It not only helps the intern gain valuable skills, but it also demonstrates to the employer how capable the potential employee is. So, we were thrilled to team up with San Diego County to support Jay’s Program.”

Throughout the program, participants engage with County mentors to discuss career goals and tailor their program courses accordingly. Coursework is just the beginning. Program participants also work with PRIDE Industries’ job coaches, who support participants during their internships with practical hands-on coaching, helping them develop the skills needed for success in entry-level civil service jobs. Group meetings, in which interns share their accomplishments and can solicit advice, are held twice a month, ensuring that participants maximize the benefits of the program.

Interns are not the only ones to benefit from Jay’s Program. County departments that have participated in the program report that they have experienced many positive benefits and have expanded their perspective on inclusivity and belonging in the workplace.

For these reasons, Jay’s Program has enjoyed remarkable success since its inception in 2019.  In the 2019-2020 cohort, for example, 19 participants completed the program; three of these individuals secured temporary positions at Covid testing and vaccination sites during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the program was put on hold in 2020-2021 due to the pandemic. However, from 2022 to 2024, 27 participants successfully completed Jay’s Program, and 12 were hired as permanent employees. Currently, eight individuals are actively participating in the program, and three graduated on October 25, 2024.

Jay’s Program was originally inspired by Raymond G. Bariuan, affectionately known as “Jay.” Jay has served as a County Board Office intern since 2019 and has provided vital support and assistance to various legislative teams in both the State Senate and the State Assembly. Currently, he supports County Board Supervisor Tara Lawson-Remer.

Looking ahead, Jay’s Program has announced the selection of 10 interns for cohorts 11 and 12, commencing in January and April 2025, respectively. These interns will have the opportunity to gain practical work experience, acquire essential knowledge and skills, and explore entry-level job opportunities within the County of San Diego.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance servicescustodial servicescontract manufacturingsupply chain managementpackaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.