Joshua Ellison, the son of Pawtucket-based Lorimer Studios LLC’s founder, cites an “interesting serendipity” as the inspiration behind Edge & End LLC, founded in February 2017.
Lorimer Studios was at one point located on Manton Avenue in Providence, where it rented space from The Groden Network – a nonprofit services organization that seeks to help adults with developmental disabilities navigate the job market, among other endeavors.
“The employment landscape for people with disabilities is … challenging,” said Ellison, 41, who established Edge & End in a Pawtucket space operated by Lorimer to help encourage “fresh thinking … beyond the traditional job search” for such individuals.
While woodworking was the “family business,” Ellison said he left the area to pursue publishing, writing and editing in New York City. But 18 months ago he returned to manage the company.
A workforce-development program cum crafts manufacturer, Edge & End is funded by the R.I. Department of Labor and Training.
While he would not share financial figures, Ellison explained that the DLT took a financial interest in the company as a model workforce-development program and employment opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities who might not be able to find regular work.
“We’re not walking down an established entrepreneurial path,” said Ellison of the enterprise. “Finding a way to do business that meets our social objectives while also being a sustainable business is the ultimate challenge.”
Partnering with Lorimer, the wood used to craft the cutting board and spoons produced by Edge & End – mostly local hardwoods including walnut, ash and maple – are remnants from the larger company’s production of residential furniture, including dining room tables and wood installations.
“We’re repurposing scraps that would have otherwise been discarded,” said Ellison.
Edge & End products range from $30 to $100, the majority of which are sold directly to local hospitality companies and restaurants. Among local buyers is Newport-based Bar and Board Bistro.
However, added Ellison: “The heart of the project is the training program. … Creating meaningful work opportunities for a community with limited [options] for a career, craft or trade.”
By mid-January, Ellison had concluded the initial 10-week workforce-development training stint with three Groden Network participants. At various points in the program, he outlined elements of woodworking, general employment and workplace-etiquette skills for the participants.
The joy, however, he added, is in creating an opportunity in which participants are “working alongside and shadowing some of the craftspeople in the studio.”
Ellison hopes to expand the footprint of Edge & End across the state and develop a broader workforce-development program – incorporating multiple makers and commercial entities.
To date, he said, three additional service agencies have expressed interest in the idea, but Groden Network remains the lead.
Owner: Joshua Ellison
Type of Business: Woodworking company
Location: Pawtucket
Employees: Ranges between two and five
Year Established: 2017
Annual Sales: WND
