be partnering to outsource some of our fabrication.” This manufacturing philosophy intentionally balances efficiency with employment opportunities. “We take the Henry Ford model. We feel that our workers should be able to afford houses that are built with E-Z Block they helped produce,” Johnson notes. This approach stands in contrast to highly automated production methods that might reduce labor requirements. THE DIGNITY PROGRAM At the heart of E-Z Block’s business model lies an innovative social initiative that transforms how communities participate in housing development. Their “Dignity Incentive Program” creates pathways to homeownership through collaborative building efforts, showing a philosophy that is more than profit margins. “For our workers, not just E-Z Block workers or Evolution ICF workers, but associated organizations like Spring Village Development Foundation, we’re going to have dignity production days,” Johnson explains. “Production days where once a month, people that want to be involved in the program can come to work and give production time.” The system creates multiple touchpoints for community involvement. “They’ll come work in the factory, one of the factories, and they log that as hours,” Johnson continues. “Once a month, we will also have another day where it’s a building day, where you’ll go and help someone else build their house.” This collaborative approach yields tangible benefits for participants. “What that does in turn is it allows you to earn E-Z Blocks to build a house,” Johnson says. “It gives them work experience and ties into the community. It takes a community to build your house. That’s the underlying philosophy.” The program creates emotional connections 72 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ON)
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