Second Chances That Work: How Margo Walsh Is Transforming Lives Through Employment — and Changing Business in the Process — A Special Encore Presentation of Blue Sky
Podcast: Blue SkyPublished On: Wed Jun 24 2026
Description: 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
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