Labor shortages mean ex-cons get more opportunities for a second chance
James Owen, owner of Double J Manufacturing and Repair, speaks about his efforts to give opportunities to those formerly incarcerated at his office near Gackle, North Dakota on Oct. 14, 2022. Photo by Michael Standaert.
Workers at Double J Manufacturing & Repair welding fencing and gates at the company shop near Gackle, North Dakota on Oct. 14, 2022. Photo by Michael Standaert
Businesses building companies and reshaping lives
It would be easy to pass Double J Manufacturing and Repair without giving it so much as a second thought. The welding, truck repair and fencing business sits at the top of a rise on a dusty rural highway that could be just about anywhere on any stretch of lonesome road around the state.
Sparks fly in the welding shop and wrenches crank in the garage …
