Long-Standing Champion for Disability Employment Unveils New Identity: Tessera

Founded in the late 1980s in Kitsap County, WA, under the name Skookum, Tessera is rebranding itself, embarking on a significant evolution amid unwavering dedication to its purpose of "creating opportunities for people with disabilities.”

The rebrand is not cosmetic but represents a broader vision and reaffirmation of its foundational commitment as a social enterprise to creating employment for people with disabilities. It is a strategic clarification of the company's identity and reflecting its national presence. 

“While we are a 501c3, we do not receive donations or charity,” said Jeff Dolven, President and CEO of Tessera. “As a social enterprise, we strive to earn the opportunity to serve these individuals and organizations."

Today and under its former name, Tessera has always sought to create jobs for people with disabilities. The company is not a charity; its revenue streams come from employing people to provide services across diverse business lines with the U.S. military, other federal agencies and some civilian clients.

Services include facility maintenance and management, encompassing janitorial services, grounds maintenance, and public works services for large military installations. It also handles logistics, warehousing, distribution and vehicle maintenance, including tactical vehicles at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Additionally, Tessera owns an aerospace manufacturing company, further diversifying its portfolio and creating compelling jobs.

Clarity in rebrand

The rebrand was launched on March 17 from the former name of Skookum to Tessera, symbolizing how each individual's unique talents contribute to the organization as a whole. Dolven introduced the new name and discussed the rebrand in this video. 

The process of choosing the new name was deliberate and extensive, designed to capture the organization’s essence. Tessera refers to an individual piece of glass, stone, or tile used in a mosaic, and the symbolic meaning is central to the organization’s identity.

“A Tessera is an individual mosaic piece," said Kelsey Kilen, Tessera’s Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “And like the individual piece that, with other individual pieces, makes a beautiful mosaic, our new name reflects how every individual has something to offer, regardless of their background or challenges, to utilize their unique gifts and talents for the greater good of their community and employer.”

Kitsap County, home to the Navy’s third-largest fleet concentration, helped the organization grow, developing a niche and ultimately a strong value proposition serving the fleet and the Department of Defense. Leveraging the local workforce, particularly veterans with disabilities, became a cornerstone of its service delivery. The company has grown significantly and now operates in 14 states, serving all military branches and other federal agencies. 

Rebranding does not change the company’s core purpose, leadership, or foundational values; instead, it is an evolution to better represent the company’s work and the people it serves through training and development opportunities for its employees.

“When considering individuals who have been injured, I believe that part of their journey toward health and recovery involves meaningful employment,” said Dolven. “A unique aspect of our company is that many of our colleagues are injured military veterans who remain committed to making a difference. Supporting both current and former service members through work on military installations is a connection that plays a powerful role in their recovery and something we deeply value.”

Workforce development

Tessera has a strong focus on training, partnering with local organizations like Olympic College and WestSound Tech on workforce development through vocational support specialists and career advisors to assist employees with disabilities. Initiatives like a recent technical trades program were put into action to help individuals develop skills in high-demand trades to address a looming crisis of an aging skilled labor force. 

The organization is committed to accelerating people’s lives and helping them achieve their dreams. A tuition assistance program is geared towards employment at Tessera or elsewhere. The company also seeks to support young people with disabilities, such as with its Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program, which provides soft skills, advocacy and internships to individuals aged 16 to 21.

Determined to serve

From its early days as Skookum to its current role as a major federal service provider, Tessera’s journey is a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship and the enduring value of creating opportunities for all. The company values its relationship with Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) for its active role in connecting businesses and supporting workforce development in Kitsap County. 

To learn more about KEDA or to support local economic development and investment, visit kitsapeda.org.