Human Technologies Aces ISO 9001:2015 Recertification Audit

Human Technologies is proud to announce the successful completion of our ISO
9001:2015 recertification audit, marking our fourth consecutive recertification with zero findings. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and consistent, high-quality service across every area of our organization.

HT Celebrates 2025 Annual Awards

At Human Technologies, our work begins and ends with our employees. They are the reason we exist, the reason our mission continues to grow, and the reason our organization is what it is today.

Building Pride Through Opportunity

Christopher Moore has been part of the Human Technologies family for four years, and in that time, he has built more than a career. He has built confidence, stability, and pride in the work he does every day.

Congressman Mannion Visits Human Technologies to Learn More About Our Mission and Impact

Human Technologies was honored to welcome Congressman John Mannion, U.S. Representative for New York’s 22nd District, to our Utica headquarters on Wednesday, October 22. The visit was coordinated in partnership with SourceAmerica as part of our shared effort to advance employment opportunities for people with disabilities through the AbilityOne Program.

Where Understanding Unlocks Potential

At Human Technologies, every story is a reminder of how meaningful work changes lives. Our latest Mission Moment features Rachel Morgan, a custodian at our Avoca, Pennsylvania facility, where she works as part of our Facilities Management Services line of business. For nearly three years, Rachel has been making a difference for her site, her family, and herself.

Human Technologies Promotes Dan Kupiec to Vice President of Products

Human Technologies Promotes Dan Kupiec to Vice President of Products Human Technologies is pleased to announce the promotion of Dan Kupiec to Vice President of Products, effective August 1, 2025. This leadership transition is part of a broader restructuring as Gary Kline, Vice President of Operations, prepares to retire in April 2026. Kline’s role is being split into two executive positions: Vice President of Products and Vice President of Services, a move designed to strengthen Human Technologies’ focus on growth and operational excellence. Kupiec has been with the company since 2009, bringing a depth of experience as Director of Supply Chain Services. He was instrumental in launching the organization’s first major uniform management program with the U.S. Forest Service and has since led the development of more than a dozen state, federal, and commercial uniform programs. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Dan and have seen firsthand his commitment to both our customers and our mission,” said Gary Kline, outgoing Vice President of Operations. “I have no doubt he will excel in this position and lead HT’s products division to new heights.” As Vice President of Products, Kupiec now oversees all product lines, supply chain operations, manufacturing, customer fulfillment, and business development. His leadership will be essential as Human Technologies continues to expand its impact and deliver high-quality solutions that support its mission. “I’m honored to step into this role and continue building on the progress our team has made,” said Dan Kupiec. “I look forward to strengthening our partnerships, growing our product lines, and creating even more opportunities for the people we employ.” Human Technologies is headquartered in Utica, New York, and creates employment for people with differing abilities by developing, investing in, and growing their business lines, including 3PL/Supply Chain and Order Fulfillment, Uniform and Apparel Management, Commercial Cleaning Services, Facilities Management, and Manufacturing and Packaging. Established in 1954, the company employs 330 people throughout New York State, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and northern Virginia and generates over $40M in annual revenues.

Work Done Well: Herb Ballou’s Impact Extends Beyond the Job

Work Done Well: Herb Ballou’s Impact Extends Beyond the Job At Human Technologies, we believe that work done well makes everything possible. That’s why we honor employees each year who go above and beyond—not just in what they do, but in the way they do it. The Work Done Well Award recognizes team members whose efforts have a lasting, positive impact on our people, our customers, our business—and most importantly, our mission. Herb Ballou is one of those people. A dedicated custodian on our Commercial Cleaning Services team, Herb has spent the past 14 years delivering excellence every single day at the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) site in Herkimer. His work ethic is unmatched, his attention to detail keeps the facility spotless, and his quiet presence brings comfort and trust to everyone around him. That impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. When Herb received the Work Done Well Award earlier this year, he was recognized with a framed display featuring his photo and award write-up; a keepsake of well-earned pride. But what happened next made the recognition even more meaningful. The team at MVHS was so proud of Herb, they requested their own version of his award to hang just outside the custodial closet. They wanted everyone who walks their halls to know about the person who makes such a big difference behind the scenes. When our team arrived to hang the display, several MVHS employees came out to celebrate Herb and share stories of his kindness, his reliability, and his impact. Michelle, one of their administrators, talked about how Herb walks her to her car every night to make sure she gets there safely. Others spoke of his consistent dedication and care. And just weeks before, Herb took quick action to prevent what could have been a serious incident, recognizing the signs of an electrical fire, alerting staff, helping evacuate the building, and guiding the fire department to the source and electrical panel. Herb doesn’t just do his job, he makes his workplace safer, stronger, and more human. “Herb represents everything this award stands for,” said Frank Castellano, Director of Commercial Cleaning Services at Human Technologies. “He shows up every day with purpose. He leads by example, builds trust, and puts others first. Herb’s not just working a job, he’s living our mission.” We couldn’t agree more.

Community Impact, Commercial Cleaning Services, and the Power of One Voice

Community Impact, Commercial Cleaning Services, and the Power of One Voice Human Technologies was proud to return to Talk of the Town to highlight our Commercial Cleaning Services, reflect on a recent moment of heartfelt employee feedback, and share the news that we were selected for the 2025 Community Impact Award from The Community Foundation. The award, which hasn’t been given since 2017, recognizes Human Technologies’ unique, self-sustaining business model and our ability to help other organizations move away from reliance on grants and fundraising. “We’ve taken the road less traveled,” said President and CEO Carl Reistrom, “and now we’re in a position to help others do the same.” The recognition was unexpected, but meaningful, especially coming from an organization that’s done so much for the region. https://youtu.be/IHAQwCvWB7I A major contributor to that impact is our Commercial Cleaning Services line of business. As Director Frank Castellano shared, HT began providing Commercial Cleaning Services more than 40 years ago with our first contract at Griffiss Air Force Base (Rome Labs), a customer we still serve today. That work has since expanded to over 100 customer sites across five New York regions and employs more than 200 team members. “It’s more than janitorial,” Frank said. “We handle hazmat, medical-grade cleaning, construction cleanups, carpet care, and floor maintenance. And for companies unsure of what they need, we build a custom plan to fit their space.” That hands-on, high-touch approach is backed by rigorous quality control. “We maintain a one-to-six leadership-to-employee ratio,” Frank added. “We do regular site walks, training, and check-ins. We don’t wait for the customer to tell us—our job is to catch it first.” The conversation came full circle when Carl read a letter from one of our Pennsylvania-based employees, who was inspired by a previous Talk of the Town appearance where Human Technologies leaders spoke candidly about disabilities and workplace inclusion: “I was only six minutes in when I felt more gratitude for this company than I ever have before. You put dignity and respect at the forefront. I’ve never been able to hold a job for more than a year—on July 11th, I’ll have been with HT for over three years. There’s relief and pride in that fact. I’m very proud to work for this organization.” That message, Carl said, is a reminder of why we do what we do: “We’re changing the world, one life at a time.”

HT Receives 2025 Community Impact Award

When Purpose Becomes Impact: HT Receives 2025 Community Impact Award. At Human Technologies, we believe that transformative work changes lives, and when that belief is backed by bold action, lasting community impact follows. Recently, that impact was recognized in a powerful way. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties presented Human Technologies with its 2025 Community Impact Award, a special honor bestowed only when an organization’s work exceeds expectations and transforms the region in profound, measurable ways. “This isn’t an annual award,” said Alicia Dicks, President/CEO of the Community Foundation. “It’s a very special recognition, reserved for those that raise the bar, lead with purpose, and impact our community in lasting, meaningful ways.” Human Technologies was recognized not just for what we do, but for how we’ve reimagined the way we do it. Over the past two decades, we’ve undergone a bold transformation: from a traditional nonprofit reliant on grants, to a self-sustaining social enterprise built around inclusion, innovation, and the power of people with purpose. That model now serves as a blueprint for others in the nonprofit sector. “HT has become a beacon,” Alicia said. “You taught us what’s possible when you step away from old models, take risks, and build something that lifts others with you.” That “something” is Human Technologies today: more than 340 employees of all abilities working across environmental services, logistics, manufacturing, and more—serving private and public sector customers with excellence and pride. But our work isn’t just about employment. It’s about building confidence, earning respect, and creating space for people to be seen, valued, and empowered through the power of work. In his remarks, HT President/CEO Carl Reistrom shared what this recognition truly means: “This award reflects something greater than any one organization. It affirms that the model we committed to—a business with a mission—is making real impact. And it belongs to every employee who shows up with purpose and pride.” The award itself is a one-of-a-kind sculpture created by Vartan Poghosian of 4Elements Studio, a longtime partner of HT. It symbolizes growth, unity, and strength—each carve representing the bonds built through service, support, and collaboration. A daily reminder of what’s possible when we come together with shared purpose. As Carl said in closing, “This moment belongs to our team. Every employee, every supervisor, every person who shows up every day and puts our mission into motion—you are the reason this honor was possible.” We’re proud. We’re grateful. And we’re just getting started.

The Power of Purpose Behind Every Uniform

The Power of Purpose Behind Every Uniform At Human Technologies, work is more than a paycheck—it is a path to pride, independence, and community. That message was at the heart of our recent interview on Talk of the Town Utica, where we shared how our Screen Print and Embroidery services in Utica NY and Uniform Management Services are creating real impact for people of all abilities. From custom t-shirts to federal uniforms, we are a mission driven organization with decades of experience. Our embroidery and screen printing roots go back to the late 1970s, starting with local contracts and growing into long term partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Forest Service and Customs and Border Protection. Every item produced at our Utica facility represents more than just quality—it reflects the capabilities and contributions of a diverse workforce. https://youtu.be/WiOAaR24yn0 Our Uniform Management Services go far beyond shipping garments. We manage secure online portals, product sourcing, inventory planning, allowance tracking, returns, and full customization for agencies across the country. While the logistics are complex, our purpose is simple: create and sustain jobs for people with differing abilities through quality work. It is not just about what we make—it is about who makes it and why. We are proud to compete on the strength of our service and the dedication of our people, many of whom have overcome barriers to employment. Their commitment to excellence fuels every stitch, print, and shipment. We are grateful to Talk of the Town for helping us share this story and highlight The Power of People with Purpose.

Engineering a Better Future Together with MVCC

Engineering a Better Future Together with MVCC At Human Technologies, we believe in The Power of People with Purpose, and that includes the next generation of engineers. For nearly 15 years, we have proudly partnered with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), giving students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real world settings and make a tangible impact on our operations. This semester, 18 first-year Mechanical Engineering students from MVCC’s Engineering Science course joined us weekly over a 6 to 8 week period to work on a range of projects focused on improving efficiency, safety, and the overall employee experience. Their presentations, delivered yesterday to an audience that included members of our Executive Team, covered everything from streamlining workflow processes and evaluating ergonomic risks to exploring how enhanced communication and socialization contribute to workplace satisfaction. One group even engineered aftermarket machine attachments to address production flaws, while another reimagined the layout and flow of our employee parking lot to maximize space and improve safety. These fresh perspectives continue to benefit our operations. In fact, many past recommendations from MVCC students have directly influenced process improvements throughout our facilities. One former student reflected, “I was unsure about my engineering degree until I came to HT and put my learning into practice. It showed me I was on the right path.” Thank you to MVCC, Professor Jeff Birt, and this semester’s impressive group of students. We are grateful for another successful collaboration and excited to keep learning and innovating together.

More Than a Job: How Purposeful Employment Transformed Anthony’s Life

More Than a Job: How Purposeful Employment Transformed Anthony’s Life At Human Technologies, we believe employment is more than a paycheck. It is a path to purpose, growth, and belonging. No one exemplifies this more than Anthony Rodeo, a dedicated Custodian who has found so much more than just a job within our walls. From the moment Anthony joined our team, his work ethic and commitment were clear. “I do a lot of things in this building,” he says with pride. He handles everything from cleaning floors to managing waste removal, always showing up with focus and a strong sense of responsibility. But to him, being a cleaner is not just about cleanliness—it is about making a difference. “You are just not a cleaner,” he says. “You change people’s lives.” https://vimeo.com/1075700877?share=copy Anthony came to Human Technologies after a difficult time in his life, including the loss of his brother. With the help of Lyn Geigel, a job coach from the Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL), he overcame self-doubt and fear of the unknown. “I thought I would never make my 90 days,” he admits. But with Lyn’s encouragement and the support of our team, he pushed through—and thrived. Learning new systems, especially digital tools like electronic timekeeping, did not come easy. “It took me three years to get it right,” Anthony shares. But his persistence paid off, and today he completes his tasks confidently and independently. “Now I just go ahead and do my part.” His story is a testament to what is possible when people are given the right tools, the right support, and the right environment. “It is not about the disability,” says Lyn. “It is about the ability.” That belief has guided Anthony’s journey—and it is one we carry across our entire organization.