The Hourglass Foundation
The Hourglass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards scholarships to young adults from financially disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing trade school and community college education in automotive technology and skilled trades, funded through monetary donations, vehicle donations remarketed via affiliate Flexco Fleet Services, and tiered corporate sponsorships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersCommerce City, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Hourglass Foundation does
The Hourglass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by Ron and Chad Shoemaker, operating as the philanthropic arm of Hourglass Management Corporation and affiliated with Flexco Fleet Services. The foundation's primary function is awarding scholarships to young adults — predominantly from financially disadvantaged and first-generation backgrounds — who are pursuing trade school or community college education in automotive technology and related skilled trades (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction, diesel, aviation maintenance). It currently administers seven scholarship programs with individual award sizes ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, including the More Than One Path, Women in Auto Tech, Geotab Veteran Scholarship, and Dick Malcom Humanitarian scholarships. In the most recent reporting period, the foundation distributed $28,100 across 26 recipients and targets $35,000 in annual giving.
The foundation operates three core revenue streams: monetary donations (one-time and recurring), vehicle donations remarketed through affiliate Flexco Fleet Services under the "Anything with an Axle" program, and tiered corporate sponsorships ($2,000 to $10,000+). Sponsorship benefits include logo placement, social media promotion, and marketing collateral recognition. Distribution occurs through a self-serve web application portal (my-hourglass.org), direct institutional partnerships with community colleges and trade schools across 10 states, and a recently launched free job-matching platform called MyTechConnect. The technology stack is minimal: no proprietary platform architecture, AI/ML capabilities, or mobile application is identified. The platform appears to be a standard job board with basic profile, search, and notification functionality rather than a differentiated technology product.
The foundation is governed by a board composed of the Shoemaker family and senior fleet-industry executives from Geotab, HopDrive, Ques, and Flexco. Strategic positioning leverages board members' cross-affiliations with industry associations (NAFA, AFLA, GAVDA) to extend reach without proportional operating expense. With 1-10 employees and two offices (Englewood, CO headquarters and Plain City, OH administrative), the organization operates at a lean cost structure typical of founder-led nonprofit foundations rather than scaled philanthropic enterprises.
The Hourglass Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Hourglass Foundation
- Legal name
- The Hourglass Foundation
- Website
- https://thehourglassfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Hourglass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards scholarships to young adults from financially disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing trade school and community college education in automotive technology and skilled trades, funded through monetary donations, vehicle donations remarketed via affiliate Flexco Fleet Services, and tiered corporate sponsorships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Hourglass Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Educational Scholarship Foundation
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)
Keywords
Where The Hourglass Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Commerce City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Hourglass Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Monetary Donations: The foundation accepts one-time and recurring monetary donations from individuals and corporations. Donations support scholarship programs for trade school and community college students pursuing automotive technology and skilled trades education.
- Vehicle Donations: The foundation accepts vehicle donations (Anything with an Axle), which are remarketed through affiliate Flexco Fleet Services. Proceeds from vehicle sales fund student scholarship gifts. Donors receive tax deductions for their contributions.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide financial support at tiered levels ($2,000-$10,000+) in exchange for logo placement on the foundation's website, social media promotion, and recognition as a Corporate Sponsor via marketing collateral.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Corporate Sponsor Tiers |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Hourglass Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Hourglass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides scholarships to young adults pursuing trade school and community college education in automotive technology and skilled trades. The foundation funds these scholarships through individual monetary donations, vehicle donations (Anything with an Axle) remarketed via affiliate Flexco Fleet Services, and tiered corporate sponsorships. It also operates MyTechConnect, a free job board connecting skilled trades job seekers with employers.
Product overview
The Hourglass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by Ron and Chad Shoemaker as the philanthropic arm of Hourglass Management Corporation. The organization operates primarily as a scholarship foundation offering seven distinct scholarship programs for students pursuing trade school and community college education in automotive technology and skilled trades (including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction). Its core offerings include: scholarship programs totaling over $40,000 in annual awards across multiple categories targeting young adults, underserved populations, women in trades, and veterans; MyTechConnect, a free job board platform connecting skilled trades job seekers with employers; a vehicle donation program accepting 'Anything with an Axle' that leverages remarketing expertise; and an online monetary donation platform with options for one-time, monthly, or corporate sponsorship contributions. The foundation's mission focuses on empowering young adults to achieve their dreams in the face of financial adversity by supporting alternative educational pathways to four-year college degrees.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Scholarship Programs The Hourglass Foundation's core scholarship offering, comprising seven distinct scholarship programs for students pursuing trade school or community college education in automotive technology and skilled trades (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction, diesel mechanics). Programs target young adults facing financial adversity, with dedicated scholarships for women, veterans, first-generation students, and humanitarian cases.
- MyTechConnect A free job board platform connecting skilled trades job seekers (students, graduates, and professionals in auto tech, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction, and solar) with employers seeking to hire for full-time, part-time, contractor, and intern positions.
- Vehicle Donation Program A vehicle donation program accepting "Anything with an Axle" including cars, vans, pickups, work trucks, farm equipment, and more. The organization leverages its vehicle remarketing expertise through Flexco Fleet Services to maximize donation value for scholarship funding, with donors receiving tax deductions for their contributions.
- Monetary Donation Platform Online donation platform allowing individuals to make one-time or recurring monetary contributions to support scholarship programs, with options to direct donations to specific scholarships including Women in Auto Tech, More Than One Path, Women Rock Trades, Tool, and Dick Malcom Humanitarian scholarships.
- Corporate Sponsor Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 26 scholarship recipients and $28,100 in scholarship giving
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use The Hourglass Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Hourglass Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Hourglass Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Flexco Fleet ServicescoreFlexco Fleet Services is the affiliated asset management company and parent organization. Hourglass Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Shoemaker family's business portfolio including Flexco Fleet Services, Innovative Funding Services, and ZOOMWAREHOUSE Online Vehicle Auction. Ron Shoemaker founded Flexco in 1992.
- GeotabmajorGeotab is a key corporate sponsor and partner for the Geotab Veteran Scholarship for the Trades. Sherry Calkins, VP Strategic Partners at Geotab, serves on the Hourglass Foundation Board of Directors.
- Hourglass Management CorporationcoreParent company and asset management organization representing a portfolio of services in vehicle remarketing. The Hourglass Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Hourglass Management Corporation.
- NAFA Fleet Management AssociationmajorNAFA is a fleet management association whose members benefit from Hourglass Foundation scholarship programs. NAFA Institute & Expo collaboration established. Board member Sherry Calkins serves as Vice-Chair of NAFA's Fuels & Technology Committee.
- AFLA (Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association)majorAFLA supports Hourglass Foundation's mission to empower young adults. Board member Sherry Calkins serves on AFLA's Board of Directors.
- GAVDA (Global Alliance for Vehicle Data Access)minorGlobal Alliance for Vehicle Data Access. Board member Sherry Calkins serves as a board member for GAVDA.
- HopDrivemajorPremier short distance vehicle transport company. Jen Pearson, VP at HopDrive, serves on the Hourglass Foundation Board of Directors. HopDrive supports foundation through corporate sponsorship.
- Arapahoe Community CollegemajorPartner institution in Littleton, Colorado. Contact: Shari Culver, Career Center. Offers General Automotive programs. Scholarship recipients include Ryan from the More Than One Path program.
- Columbus State Community CollegemajorPartner institution in Columbus, Ohio. Contact: David Foor, Auto Tech Director. 50% of enrollees are first-generation college students. Features prominently in foundation's mission to address technician shortage.
- Gateway Community CollegemajorPartner institution in Phoenix, Arizona. Contact: Dr. Steven Meneses, Dean of Business, Technology and Trades. Offers Skilled Trades programs.
- Pittsburg State UniversityminorPartner institution in Pittsburg, Kansas. Contact: John Thompson, Auto Technology Dept. Chair.
- Vincennes UniversityminorPartner institution in Vincennes, Indiana. Contact: Donna Bouchie, Director of Career Center.
- Wake Technical CollegemajorPartner institution in Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact: Ian Gibbons, Manager of Employment Resources. Scholarship recipient Dylan attended this institution.
- WyoTechmajorPartner trade school in Laramie, Wyoming. Programs include Auto Tech, Auto Collision, Diesel Mechanic, HVAC, and other skilled trades. Known for training automotive, collision and diesel industry professionals.
- NAFA Fleet Management AssociationmajorNAFA Fleet Management Association collaborates with Hourglass Foundation at the NAFA Institute & Expo to support Auto Tech, Skilled Trades and STEM programs. Recognizes importance of well-trained technical workforce for fleet industry.
- SourcewellmajorSourcewell partners with Hourglass Foundation to support scholarships in skilled trades and automotive technology for public-sector fleet operations and community infrastructure.
- PAVE (Partners for Automated Vehicle Education)minorPAVE supports Hourglass Foundation's mission to connect driven youth with tools and support for career advancement in skilled trades.
- AgileFleetminorAgileFleet sponsors Hourglass Foundation to help educate next generation of automotive technicians and skilled trades professionals.
- FleetworthyminorCorporate sponsor supporting Hourglass Foundation scholarship programs.
- BBM (Bob Brown Motors)minorCorporate sponsor supporting Hourglass Foundation scholarship programs.
- Big Valley Auto AuctionminorCorporate sponsor that contributes to help shape lives of young adults in the workplace. Believes in investing in future workforce.
- Metro Phoenix Auto AuctionminorCorporate sponsor investing in student scholarships to create diverse and inclusive workforce. Provides mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Louisiana First Choice Auto AuctionminorCorporate sponsor partnering with Flexco to support Hourglass Foundation. Views it as an honor to be part of the organization's work.
- Dealers Auto AuctionminorCorporate sponsor committed to leaving positive mark on automotive industry and communities. Believes in empowering future of industry through Hourglass Foundation partnership.
- Globalstar ConsultingminorCorporate sponsor honoring Hourglass Foundation as worthy cause. Believes skilled labor shortage affects all businesses and is honored to give back.
- J3 Management GroupminorWomen-owned and women-led company committed to women's advancement. Supports Hourglass Foundation with investment toward equity in vocational training.
- uShip LogisticsminorCorporate sponsor contributing to Hourglass Foundation to support underrepresented students pursuing education in skilled trades.
- ServNetminorCorporate sponsor supporting Hourglass Foundation scholarship programs.
- TPC (Trucking Partners Corporation)minorCorporate sponsor supporting Hourglass Foundation scholarship programs.
- AAA (American Automobile Association)minorCorporate sponsor supporting Hourglass Foundation scholarship programs.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Hourglass Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SkillsUSA: SkillsUSA is a nonprofit partnership of students, teachers, and industry that supports skilled-trades education and workforce development. It overlaps directly with Hourglass Foundation's mission of funding and supporting trade school students entering automotive and skilled trades careers.
- Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation: The Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation runs the Work Ethic Scholarship Program, funding students pursuing skilled trades. It is a direct peer: a 501(c)(3) scholarship foundation focused on the same demographic of young adults entering trade school and addressing the same skilled-labor shortage narrative as The Hourglass Foundation.
- ASE Foundation: The ASE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, awarding scholarships to students pursuing automotive technology careers. Highly comparable: same target student (auto tech trade school students), same scholarship-driven model, same automotive industry alignment.
- Workforce Opportunity Services: Workforce Opportunity Services is a nonprofit that connects underemployed/unemployed young adults with career-track training and job placement. Comparable as a scholarship-plus-employment-pipeline nonprofit serving underserved youth entering skilled trades.
- Snap-on Foundation: The Snap-on Foundation is the corporate-giving arm of Snap-on Incorporated, supporting trades education and STEM initiatives, particularly in automotive and skilled trades. Comparable in its automotive/skilled-trades scholarship focus and industry-aligned funding model.
- Toyota USA Foundation: Toyota USA Foundation funds K-12 STEM and career-technical education, including automotive technology. Comparable as an automotive-industry-aligned education foundation awarding scholarships and grants to students entering technical trades.
Emerging players
- WyoTech: WyoTech is a for-profit trade school in Laramie, WY offering auto tech, diesel, HVAC, and collision programs. It is both an Hourglass Foundation partner institution and a comparable peer in the trade-school space serving the same student demographic.
- NPower: NPower is a nonprofit that launches tech careers for underserved young adults and veterans via tuition-free training and job placement. Comparable as a scholarship-plus-employment nonprofit for underserved youth, though focused on IT rather than automotive/skilled trades.
Broad incumbents
- Universal Technical Institute: Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is the largest for-profit provider of automotive and diesel trade education in the US. Not a peer foundation, but the dominant operator of the trade schools Hourglass Foundation's recipients attend (e.g., WyoTech, UTI-affiliated programs).
- Horatio Alger Association: Horatio Alger Association awards large-scale scholarships to students overcoming adversity, primarily for four-year colleges. Comparable as a 501(c)(3) scholarship foundation, but broader in scope and serves traditional college-bound students rather than trades-focused youth.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Hourglass Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe Hourglass Foundation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
The Hourglass Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Hourglass Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
The Hourglass Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Hourglass Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Hourglass Foundation
What does The Hourglass Foundation do?
The Hourglass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides scholarships to young adults pursuing trade school and community college education in automotive technology and skilled trades. The foundation funds these scholarships through individual monetary donations, vehicle donations (Anything with an Axle) remarketed via affiliate Flexco Fleet Services, and tiered corporate sponsorships. It also operates MyTechConnect, a free job board connecting skilled trades job seekers with employers.
Is The Hourglass Foundation a public or private company?
The Hourglass Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Hourglass Foundation founded?
The Hourglass Foundation was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Hourglass Foundation based?
The Hourglass Foundation is headquartered in Commerce City, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Hourglass Foundation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Monetary Donations are the primary driver. The others are vehicle Donations and corporate Sponsorships.
Who are The Hourglass Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SkillsUSA, Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation, ASE Foundation, Workforce Opportunity Services, Snap-on Foundation and Toyota USA Foundation. Emerging players are WyoTech and NPower. Broad incumbents are Universal Technical Institute and Horatio Alger Association.
Does The Hourglass Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Hourglass Foundation.
What industry is The Hourglass Foundation in?
The Hourglass Foundation's product category is Educational Scholarship Foundation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAK, Education Grantmaking Foundations, with a secondary code of EDADAHAC, Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8200.