At Granger, we’re proud to serve the communities where we live and work. Sometimes, that simply means doing our job well. Other times, it means supporting the people and programs already making a difference.

That’s what made this partnership with the Shark Tooth Woodshop at St. Louis High School so meaningful.

Crafting More Than a Keepsake

To honor our long-term associates at their retirement, we’ve introduced a new tradition: handcrafted wooden replicas of Granger garbage trucks, created by students in the Shark Tooth Woodshop.

While these pieces are beautifully made, they represent something far greater than a keepsake. They reflect the dedication, growth and creativity of the students behind them.

A Program That Builds Futures

The Shark Tooth Woodshop gives high school students the chance to gain real-world experience while developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Students learn the following skills:

• Technical trades like construction, tool use and blueprint reading
• Problem-solving, teamwork and adaptability
• Confidence that comes from creating something with purpose

Many are already applying what they’ve learned—on job sites, in the workplace or by planning their own small businesses.

Learning Through the Process

Each truck begins as a blueprint and takes shape through hands-on work—cutting, assembling and refining along the way. Challenges are part of the process, and in this workshop, they’re embraced as opportunities to grow.

With guidance from their teacher, Phil Maxwell, students also focus on values like humility, honesty and helpfulness—lessons that carry well beyond the shop.

Learning from Those Making an Impact

Programs like Shark Tooth Woodshop are a powerful example of how communities grow stronger by investing in young people and giving them the chance to build something meaningful.

We’re grateful to play a small part in supporting their work and to learn from the impact they’re already making.

Because at the end of the day, it’s efforts like these that help shape stronger communities for all of us.