GEAR NEWS
The GEAR Foundation Receives the Shining Apple Award
The GEAR Foundation was honored with the 2008 Shining Apple Award in the Business and Industry Category from Williamson County Schools. The awards ceremony was hosted by Steve Hayslip who is the morning WTVF News Channel 5 Anchor.
Dan Post Boots Awards GEAR a 5 Year Contract
GEAR's Our Fulfillment Center Lands
Five Year Commitment
Franklin TN, December 1, 2008—Two years after the successful launch of Our Fulfillment Center, Dave Krikac, president and founder, is pleased to report that the initial client, Dan Post Boot Company located in Clarksville Tennessee has extended their agreement for another five years. Our Fulfillment Center has supported Dan Post Boot Company as a fulfillment organization that packages and ships Dan Post Cowboy and Cowgirl Certified Socks across the nation.
GEAR would like to hire more young adults for this endeavor and is hopeful that business will grow based on the good results of their initial client. "We have been supportive from the beginning” stated Ken Sersland, President, Get Certified, LLC who is responsible for the product line. "GEAR has done a terrific job for us and we are pleased to continue that relationship supporting the fine work that is done in creating jobs for disabled young adults in
"I have been very appreciative of the opportunity and the positive feedback that both Ken Sersland and Mr. Moore (President, Dan Post Boot Company) have provided to Our Fulfillment Center. Their faith in us and what we are doing has meant a great deal to the young adults who are able to show up and work on this project week after week” stated Krikac.
Our Fulfillment Center is located two doors down from Our Thrift Store on
About The GEAR Foundation (www.thegearfoundation.org)
The
GEAR Partners with Tech Pros to Create More Jobs
GEAR Partners with Tech Pro's -Creates More Jobs for Special Needs Young Adults
Franklin TN, October 2009
On October 6, 2009 The GEAR Foundation announced a partnership with Tech-Pro's of Franklin. GEAR and Tech-Pros are joining forces to create a computer technician job-training program for special needs young adults in Williamson County. Tech-Pro's, led by President and CEO Gabriel Howard will be working to train employees of The GEAR Foundation in developing skills needed to repair computers donated to Our Thrift Store, a key job training program of the GEAR Foundation. After a training period of one to three months, GEAR will begin to encourage donors to bring "nicely used” computers to the thrift store so that special needs young adults can repair and then sell. "We are so appreciative of what Gabriel and the folks at Tech-Pros are offering to our kids. Their willingness to give back to the community in this manner is commendable and shows their commitment to Franklin and Williamson County,” Said Dave Krikac, founder of The GEAR Foundation.
To get started, Tech-Pros will set up a workbench for the kids so that they may work with the Tech-Pros job coaches to learn the necessary diagnostic and repair skills needed to work on current and nearly current computer models. Eventually, GEAR and Tech Pros will work together as GEAR will send donated computers to Tech-Pros if the repair is too complicated or the computer is too old to repair. "We are thrilled to partner with GEAR in this win/win effort. Tech Pros is looking forward to using our skills and talents to bless the lives of these young adults,” commented Gabriel Howard, Tech-Pros President and CEO. He further commented, "We are so impressed with the businesses that GEAR has started and the ability of these kids to learn new skills that expand their independence.”
GEAR kicked off operations with Our Thrift Store more than five years ago. Today the organization includes Our Fulfillment Center and a thriving eBay business. "Our mission is to train special needs young adults. We know that this works best when we partner with local businesses. GEAR will continue to expand operations and identify new job coaching opportunities for this underserved group of kids” said Dave Krikac. "We are grateful to Tech-Pros for what they are doing and will continue to do on behalf of our mission.”
About Tech-Pros (www.tech-pros.com)
Tech Pros was started in 2006 as an IT consulting company. In 2007 Tech Pros business model completely changed after buying AMT\The Computer Doctor located in Franklin Tennessee. Tech Pros added many new services to the company's offerings including in-store computer repair services, on-site computer repair services, data recovery services, graphic / web design services, and business network maintenance packages. In November 2007 Tech Pros opened its new location in historic downtown Franklin providing customers a convenient location for their computers to be serviced. Due to rapid growth, Tech Pros opened its second retail location located on the north side of Columbia in June 2008.
About The GEAR Foundation (www.thegearfoundation.org)
The Mission of The GEAR Foundation, Our Thrift Store and Our Fulfillment Center is to provide individuals with disabilities with work experiences, which will enable them to develop their own unique capabilities and potential, thereby achieving Gainful Employment and Respect. Earlier this year the store received The Shining Apple Award in Business & Industry from the Williamson County School District for their support of Page and Centennial high schools' young adults with disabilities.
Wyndham Nashville Resort Partners with GEAR
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dave Krikac
615.591-9612
Liz Hutchison
Wyndham Vacation Ownership
407-626-4594
Franklin TN, February 2010—On February 15, 2010 The GEAR Foundation announced that Wyndham Vacation Resorts and the Music City USA Property Owners Association, Inc. have agreed to provide a new channel of support to the non-profit organization. Following a renovation project at Wyndham Nashville, a timeshare project in Nashville, TN, Wyndham Vacation Resorts and the Music City USA Property Owners Association, Inc. have donated furniture, appliances, and other room furnishings to the GEAR Foundation.
In connection with future anticipated renovations, Wyndham Nashville expects, over the next three years, to donate refrigerators, stoves, washer/dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, mattresses, artwork, lamps, couches and chairs from approximately 392 units. The GEAR Foundation estimates the market value of the items donated from each condominium-style suite to be worth approximately $600, which would result in an estimated $225,000 in merchandise for GEAR to sell through "Our Thrift Store” located at 1018 Columbia Avenue in downtown Franklin, TN.
"We are honored to support GEAR by donating furniture, fixtures and appliances for the expansion of their Our Thrift Store” said Mike Sellge, Resort Manager, Wyndham Nashville. "This partnership demonstrates our commitment to the Nashville community and reaffirms our efforts to sustain our environment through our WyndhamGreen initiative.”
GEAR kicked off operations with Our Thrift Store more than six years ago. Today the organization includes Our Fulfillment Center and a thriving eBay business. Our Thrift Store had considered expanding beyond clothing and creating a home furnishings store, as current GEAR customers are interested in finding affordable, gently used items for their home.
"It's green and provides the help we need to expand our offerings and yet continue to bless the customers who depend on us for affordable clothing,” said Dave Krikac, GEAR Founder. "This is a template that we hope will attract other caring hotel organizations who might find this an attractive option for dealing with room furnishings that must be disposed of after a renovation.”
GEAR picked up the first group of donations from Wyndham on February 23,, 2010 and began offering them to customers on February 28,, 2010.
About Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a member of Wyndham Worldwide's (NYSE: WYN) family of companies, is the world's largest vacation ownership business, as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, individual vacation ownership units and owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its three primary consumer brands, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, WorldMark by Wyndham, and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific. Wyndham Vacation Ownership is headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and is supported by approximately 12,500 employees globally.
About The GEAR Foundation (www.thegearfoundation.org)
The Mission of The GEAR Foundation, Our Thrift Store and Our Fulfillment Center is to provide individuals with disabilities with work experiences, which will enable them to develop their own unique capabilities and potential, thereby achieving Gainful Employment and Respect. Earlier this year the store received The Shining Apple Award in Business & Industry from the Williamson County School District for their support of Page and Centennial high schools' young adults with disabilities.
Ms. Cheap - Tennessean Article About Our Thrift Store
Ms. Cheap: Our Thrift Store benefits employees, shoppers
GEAR Foundation store a special needs
success story
I love a cheap success story, and The GEAR Foundation and its Our Thrift Store in Franklin has
all kinds of good news this spring. If you're not familiar with The GEAR Foundation, it
stands for "Gainful Employment and Respect." It was founded by Dave Krikac as a way to create do-able jobs for his special needs daughter Sara, 27, and other disabled young adults who are eager to work. GEAR's set-up is to have job coaches oversee the special needs workers so that everybody can succeed.
The nonprofit is about to celebrate its sixth anniversar ...read more
A Step Of Faith
Tennessee Magazine
June 2008
MTEMC The Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation
The dream started with hope. prayer and a vision for The GEAR Foundation founder Dave Krikac, who aspired to provide a chance at life for some local young adults with disabilities.
*When my daughter. Sara, graduated from high school about four years ago, my wife and I were so happy for her.* Krikac said. *However, when she started looking for jobs we quickly found out there*s little opportunity for young adults with disabilities.* In fact. the Krikac's not only found out they couldn't find a job for Sara who is autistic, but they also discovered some shocking statistics, *We found there were more than 800 young adult ...read more
Getting it in ‘Gear´ - Williamson Herald
By ADRIENNE W. GREENE, Special to the Herald
news@williamsonherald.com
Tucked away in an aging strip mall off Columbia Avenue, perfectly sandwiched between the working man*s retail staples of an H.G. Hill grocery store and an Auto Zone auto parts shop, is a uniquely named re-sale boutique.
Our Thrift Store and fulfillment center(s), owned by visionary entrepreneur ...read more
Countdown for the Cause - New Years Eve
The GEAR Foundation, The ARC of Williamson County, and VIP Magazine, invite you to help Celebrate another successful year serving young adults with disabilities in Williamson County. This event will help raise money for a badly needed Van for our Wheelchair Users.
The Countdown for the Cause will be New Years Eve at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Franlkin. Tickets are $125.00 per person and $225.00 per couple and can be purchased at Our Thrift Store Tuesday thru Saturday from 10AM to 6PM.
The event includes a Live Band, Special Guests, a Silent Auction including Original Art and Sculptures from World Famous Artists, A Guitar signed by TONS of Country Artists, and TOO MUCH More ...read more
Artwork to Benefit Gear Foundation
Artwork sale to benefit GEAR Foundation
Franklin-centric prints are available online at nonprofit*s thrift store
By BONNIE BURCH
Staff Writer
FRANKLIN — Hanging one or two art prints on your wall can have long-lasting benefits to young adults with disabilities.
The GEAR Foundation of Williamson County, an organization set up to provide job training and work experience for those struggling with mental, physical or medical challenges, has a new art series where purchases of two prints support its programs.
"Early Franklin Morning," which captures downtown Franklin in the early hours, and "Franklin Sunset," which shows a southern Williamson County dusk, are made available by Phil King, GEAR Foundation board ...read more
GEAR Benefits from New Nashville Attraction
Franklin TN, March 26, 2007—On March 31, 2007 Nashville will benefit from a new entertainment venue focused on children. Wizard Animation Studio's (http://www.wizardanimationstudios.com) has a heart for children and young adults with special needs. Wizard combines top movie and video talent with a state-of-the-art interactive filming system. Wizard Animation fuels a child's imagination by providing a magical experience where they can be the lead actor in their own adventure. The company's firs ...read more
GEAR in the News
Five Questions for Dave Krikac by Williamson County Today ...read more
Scott works to assemble the Liberty Collection
GEAR's Our Fulfillment Center finds patriotic purpose
Franklin TN, September 15, 2006--After announcing the successful launch of The GEAR Foundation's latest business venture, Our Fulfillment Center earlier this month, Dave Krikac, president and founder, is announcing the Center's newest project, a joint venture with local song writer Rich Gootee to create more jobs for special needs young adults.
Gootee, who developed the idea for The Liberty Collection several years ago, had been considering revisiting a wider distribution of the educational CD when Our Fulfillment Center opened. The Liberty Collection is a professionally presented audio version of bo ...read more
Wheels keep turning at GEAR Foundation
FRANKLIN — One store wasn't enough for Dave Krikac.
The founder of The GEAR Foundation, an organization aimed at employing individuals with disabilities, opened Our Thrift Store on Columbia Avenue about two years ago. Since that time, the thrift shop has been a success, employing 16 young adults who have physical and mental disabilities and giving them a place of work they could call their own, Krikac said.
But now Krikac is setting the wheels in motion, this time for a store that will employ Williamson County's wheelchair users.
...read moreDunkin Donuts Donates to GEAR
Our Thrift Store Receives Shining Apple Award
The Williamson County Schools Shining Apple Awards were recently handed out to some of the system's top volunteers – people who make a difference in the lives of children.
"How blessed we are, how lucky we are to be in Williamson County and the reason is because of the people who give their time to make things better for children,” said WCS Superintendent Rebecca Sharber.
Since 1996 the school system has been recognizing its top volunteers with a reception, a plaque and a hearty thank you. This year's volunteers shared their talents and time participating in fundraisers, beautifying sc ...read more
Our Thrift Store Job is a Godsend to Michael Robinson
Tennessean.com
To the Editor:
My name is Michael Robinson, I am the son of Barbara and Mickey Robinson. I was born March 4, 1976. I am a native of Ohio but am currently residing in Franklin.
I am a medically and physically challenged individual with vision problems. I was born with cerebral palsy, causing me to be wheelchair bound. I have gone through many trials and tribulations because of my condition. On July 20, 2002, I underwent back surgery involving Harrington rods that were ins ...read more
Love My Job: Kate Minor - Our Thrift Store Clerk
By Virginia Roberson
You might assume Kate Miner, 38, is a Nashville cliche: struggling songwriter/musician working retail to save some bucks till she makes it big in show business. But Kate's already made it. And she's doing it as an employee at a thrift store in downtown Franklin.
Kate heard about Our Thrift Store (which employs young adults with disabilities) through her church, and decided to help by staging a benefit concert with songwriter Alex Harvey. Not long after, Kate joined the thrift store crew, which she considers part of her family.
ATR: With your new album coming out ...read more
Grant gets new thrift store project in GEAR
By Kathrin Chavez
Staff Writer
FRANKLIN — With a new thrift store in town, Dave Krikac has found an answer for those who have difficulty buying and those who have difficulty finding work.
Our Thrift Store is scheduled to open June 1 at 1018 Columbia Ave., next to AutoZone in the H.G. Hill shopping plaza.
The store is a project of The GEAR Foundation, established earlier this year to find employment for adults with disabilities.
Krika ...read more
Our Thrift Store finds home in Williamson County
By COURTNEY WATSON
Staff Writer
FRANKLIN — The county that's best known for its big houses and big incomes is now home to what looks like a big oxymoron: a growing number of thrift stores.
The arrival of Goodwill Industries to Independence Square today comes just after the opening of Our Thrift Store on Columbia Avenue, and they're both stirring up a fair amount of interest.
''I've been with Go ...read more
