Zech Strauser, founder and Chief Executive Office of Urture Apparel & Outfitting, a workwear brand for the green industry, announced the launch of Patch Project, an initiative that supports careers and training for job growth and shapes the power and influence of people who work outdoors.
“Working in nature has a positive impact on the planet,” Strauser says. “From landscaping to arboriculture to irrigation, people working in the urban environment are creating healthy open spaces, more access to nature, and walkable communities that are safer, more beautiful and more sustainable for all.”
Patch hats are Urture’s signature passion project, with a percentage of each hat sold given to trade and vocational schools that offer curriculums for careers in landscaping, building and construction, irrigation and snow removal.
Urture has designated the third Friday of every September – National Tradesmen Day – as their annual Patch Project Giveback Day. “Funding the future of green jobs is our purpose and the best way we know to have a positive impact on the next generation of trade professionals,” Strauser notes.
Strauser also announced the formation of the Urture Patch Project Advisory Board as part of its next stage growth strategy. Advisors include group chair, Jenny Girard, implementation specialist, The Integra Group; joined by John Richter, founder, Richter Landscape Company; Cindy Code, Project EverGreen; Phill Sexton, WIT Advisors; Stephanie Leveling, The Integra Group; Russ Marsan, Carpenter & Costin; Cheryl Steelberg, Urture PR Partner; and Urture co-founder Garland Centrella.
“We’re proud to align our brand and our philosophy with our passion for nature, and create a board of advisors that all have experience improving the world we live in. It’s the right group for the right reason at the right time. We can’t wait to get started,” Strauser adds.
