Mile High WorkShop

What Mile High WorkShop does

Mile High WorkShop is a Denver-based Employment Social Enterprise (ESE) and independent 501(c)(3) founded in 2014 that delivers three interlocking offerings: (1) contract production services, including kitting, assembly, packaging, re-work and quality control, labeling, and ShipStation-integrated fulfillment for business customers; (2) the (Re)New Sew Shop, a textile repurposing operation that converts second-chance materials from partners such as Melanzana (reclaimed fleece) and Canvelle (recycled-fiber canvas) into branded products, including the ReMelly'd Collection and the in-development ReMelly'd Dog Bed; and (3) a three-phase workforce development program (BASE, ASCENT, SUMMIT) that provides paid job training at $19/hour (capped at 32 hours per week) to individuals facing employment barriers related to incarceration, addiction, homelessness, or housing instability, reportedly achieving an 87% transitional employment success rate and a 56% recidivism reduction after 30 days of steady work.

The organization generates revenue through negotiated contract production fees from enterprise customers (most prominently KONG, a pet products manufacturer that has been a customer since 2019), direct-to-consumer sales of ReMelly'd products including a test-market dog bed, and a substantial donation and fundraising layer anchored by events such as the annual All In campaign (target $125,000 in 2026), the Topgolf 'Climb With Us' fundraiser, the Skip a Coffee recurring-giving campaign, and the Merry Market. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales built on relationship and tour-based conversion (Brunch & Learn facility visits), event-driven demand generation, community-led outreach through church and recovery-partner networks, and earned media coverage in Denver-area outlets.

Operating from its largest facility to date at 3795 E. 38th Avenue in Denver's Clayton neighborhood since 2021, Mile High WorkShop is governed by a Board of Directors and led by Executive Director Adrienne Tafilowski and Deputy Director Rochelle Hinskton. Key partners include KONG (channel/contract partner), Melanzana and Canvelle (strategic co-development for ReMelly'd), Remerg, Open Door Ministries, and Advocates for Recovery (referral and recovery-support partners), and USA Certified Social Enterprise status is held at the sector level. The organization is private, has 11-50 employees, discloses no specific revenue figure, and relies on earned production revenue complemented by grants (including a 2021 Caring for Denver Foundation grant) and ongoing donor fundraising.

Name

Mile High WorkShop

Legal name

Mile High WorkShop

Website

https://milehighworkshop.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mile High WorkShop is a Denver-based Employment Social Enterprise and 501(c)(3) that provides contract kitting, assembly, and packaging services to business customers while running a paid 3-phase workforce development program for individuals facing employment barriers due to incarceration, addiction, or homelessness.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Contract Manufacturing & Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (except Contractors) (315250)

akta.pro primary industry

Apparel Alterations, Repair & Circular Manufacturing (Remake/Upcycle) (CRAAAAAO)

Keywords

• Contract kitting assembly
• Textile upcycling services
• Social enterprise manufacturing
• Workforce development program
• Light assembly packaging

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Contract Production Services: Kitting, assembly, packaging, and fulfillment services provided to businesses. Pricing is negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Work includes assembly, kitting, fulfillment support, re-work & quality control, labeling, and custom projects.
2. ReMelly'd Product Sales: Sale of repurposed textile products including dog beds made from reclaimed Melanzana fleece and other sustainable materials. Products are designed and manufactured in-house at the (Re)New Sew Shop.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Annual fundraising campaigns including the 'All In' campaign targeting $125,000 for creating jobs and opportunities. Additional revenue from individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and event ticket sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Mile High WorkShop is a Denver-based Employment Social Enterprise that provides contract production services — including kitting, assembly, packaging, fulfillment support, labeling, and quality control — to business customers. It also operates the (Re)New Sew Shop, a textile repurposing operation that transforms second-chance materials into branded consumer products like the ReMelly'd Collection of dog beds. Underpinning these commercial operations is a paid 3-phase workforce development program (BASE, ASCENT, SUMMIT) that employs individuals facing barriers to work such as incarceration, addiction, and homelessness.

Product overview

Mile High WorkShop is a social enterprise offering contract production and kitting/assembly services alongside a textile repurposing operation called the (Re)new Sew Shop. The organization operates three distinct but complementary offerings: (1) Contract Production Services providing kitting, assembly, packaging, and fulfillment for business partners; (2) The (Re)new Sew Shop that transforms second-chance materials into products; and (3) The ReMelly'd Collection sub-brand featuring dog beds and other goods made from reclaimed materials in partnership with Melanzana and Canvelle. All operations serve the dual mission of providing meaningful employment while delivering quality products to customers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Contract Production / Kitting and Assembly Services Dependable contract production services for businesses of all sizes, including kitting, assembly, packaging, fulfillment support, re-work, quality control, and labeling. Operates as an Employment Social Enterprise, with case-by-case negotiated pricing.
• (Re)New Sew Shop Textile repurposing operation that partners with companies to divert second-chance materials and transform them into quality products, while creating meaningful employment for people rebuilding their lives.
• Second Chance Work Program (Mountaineer Program) Three-phase paid workforce development program for individuals facing barriers to employment — BASE (3-week stability cohort), ASCENT (12-week work experience cohort), and SUMMIT (train-the-trainer leadership cohort). Participants earn $19/hour up to 32 hours/week and receive coaching, resource navigation, and wraparound support.
• ReMelly'd Dog Bed Dog beds made in Denver from reclaimed Melanzana fleece and Canvelle canvas, sold through the Mile High WorkShop website. Currently in a community feedback test program before wider release.
• ReMelly'd Collection Sub-brand of purpose-driven products made from reclaimed materials (primarily Melanzana fleece and Canvelle canvas) transformed through the (Re)New Sew Shop, sold via the organization's e-commerce site to support meaningful employment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 56% reduction in recidivism with just 30 days of steady work
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• KONGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019KONG has been an extension of their team since 2019, serving as a vital part of their supply chain. Mile High WorkShop provides consistent, high-quality production services including assembly of pet toys and products. The partnership exemplifies reliable contract manufacturing with exceptional communication on timelines and material needs.
• MelanzanacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership through the ReMelly'd program where reclaimed fleece from Melanzana's Leadville facility is given new life through Mile High WorkShop's (Re)New Sew Shop. Materials that might otherwise be overlooked are transformed into purpose-driven products including dog beds. This partnership exemplifies the organization's commitment to sustainability and meaningful employment.
• CanvellecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDenver-based company known for durable, beautifully designed products made from recycled plastic fibers. Through this partnership, Canvelle materials are given extended life in the (Re)New Sew Shop, becoming part of products that are both functional and purpose-driven. Canvelle provides thoughtfully sourced canvas for the ReMelly'd dog bed line.
• RemergsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRemerg helps parolees with disabilities find jobs and housing. Their case managers refer clients to Mile High WorkShop, particularly individuals facing barriers related to disability and re-entry. The partnership provides a pathway for participants to access workforce development programs.
• Bud's WarehousesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHistorical partnership during the Aurora period (2016-2021) where Mile High WorkShop shared space with Bud's Warehouse. This arrangement enabled expansion of national contract partnerships and served as a formative relationship in the organization's growth.
• Mission WearsupportingOthersDonated sewing machines that enabled the launch of the banner bag product line. This equipment donation was foundational to developing the textile repurposing capabilities that became the (Re)New Sew Shop.
• Denver Institute for Faith & WorksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted 'The Light Has Come: Advent in Our Work' event at their facility in Centennial, CO. Joanna Meyer from Denver Institute for Faith & Work serves on Mile High WorkShop's Board of Directors, representing the Women, Work, & Calling initiative.
• Long Table BrewhouseminorOthersHosted the Book Launch & Fundraiser event in November 2025. Venue partnership for community events supporting Mile High WorkShop's mission and fundraising efforts.
• Topgolf CentennialminorOthersEvent venue partner for the 'All In @ TopGolf' fundraising events. Hosted semi-annual fundraiser, community breakfast, and cohort graduation celebrations. Sponsorships and tickets sold for these events.
• Advocates for RecoverysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecovery organization that provides programs and classes supporting participants' sobriety journeys. Featured in participant Precious's story as a resource that the WorkShop connects people with for additional support beyond employment.
• Open Door MinistriessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerJessica Wilson, Board Chair, serves as Program Director at Open Door Ministries. The organization represents a key community partner in workforce development and social services ecosystem. Madison Duke taught teenagers sewing at Open Door Ministries before joining Mile High WorkShop.
• EverpillowsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoined the Mile High WorkShop family in 2022. Represents an expansion of product partnerships and contract manufacturing relationships within the social enterprise ecosystem.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Chrysalis: Los Angeles-based Employment Social Enterprise providing contract labor services (light manufacturing, kitting, packaging, custodial) while running workforce development for people facing barriers to employment. Closest direct operational analog to Mile High's contract production + second-chance hiring model.
• Melwood: Mid-Atlantic Employment Social Enterprise offering contract manufacturing, packaging, and facility services alongside workforce development for people with disabilities and other barriers. Comparable mix of B2B contract services and mission-driven employment.
• Rubicon Programs: California-based nonprofit providing workforce development and social enterprises for people with histories of incarceration and other barriers. Operates revenue-generating businesses that employ program participants, mirroring Mile High's contract production and (Re)New Sew Shop arms.
• Center for Employment Opportunities: National nonprofit focused exclusively on employment for people with criminal convictions, providing transitional work crews, job coaching, and retention support. Directly comparable in target population and employment-outcomes orientation, even though delivery model is service-based rather than product-based.

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: The largest U.S. social enterprise network, operating contract services, light manufacturing, retail, and workforce development across all 50 states. Broad incumbent that overlaps with Mile High across contract production, second-chance hiring, and mission-driven training.

Emerging players

• Off the Floor: Nonprofit textile upcycling social enterprise diverting hotel linens into reusable products while employing people facing barriers. Closely analogous to Mile High's (Re)New Sew Shop and ReMelly'd Collection in textile circular-economy + mission-driven production.
• Blue Star Recyclers: Employment Social Enterprise performing electronics recycling and contract manufacturing while employing people on the autism spectrum and other barriers. Comparable ESE structure combining B2B contract services with a workforce-development mission.
• Greyston: Workforce development social enterprise operating Greyston Bakery and adjacent manufacturing businesses with an 'open hiring' model that employs individuals regardless of barriers. Directly comparable on the social-enterprise manufacturing + inclusive-hiring premise.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/milehighworkshop
• Instagraminstagram.com/mile_high_workshop/?hl=en
• Xx.com/MH_WorkShop

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mile High WorkShop