North of Ordinary was founded on a simple, powerful idea: that business growth and social impact can go hand in hand. Our mission is to provide meaningful employment for people with disabilities by taking on the small, labor-intensive tasks that can disrupt your business operations.
We deliver exceptional quality at a fair price. Our dedicated and capable team is committed to helping you reach your business goals by handling your packing, assembly, and light manufacturing needs with remarkable efficiency. Partner with us, and you’ll get the job done right while making a positive difference in the community.
OUR TEAM
North of Ordinary was founded by two families who share a passion for creating opportunities.
Scott and Jodie Johnson have been Aitkin residents for over 35 years, where they've raised their family and run their own business. Their son, Zachary, is the biggest Timberwolves fan ever and has Down syndrome. Thanks to the support of his family, friends, and the Aitkin community, Zachary has always been encouraged to succeed. As he reached adulthood, Scott and Jodie saw a need for more meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Their dream is for North of Ordinary to provide fulfilling work for Zachary and many of his peers for years to come. Zachary is also blessed to have an older sister, Kari Jo, and a brother-in-law, Peter, who live in Wisconsin.
Peggy and Tom Jones
with daughter Veronica and son Matt
Scott and Jodie Johnson with son Zachary, sister Kari Jo, husband Peter and granddaughters.
Peggy and Tom Jones have called Aitkin home since 1998. Their oldest child, Veronica, was born with numerous disabilities, which led them to connect with the local community of people with disabilities. Through these relationships, they became acutely aware that job opportunities are a crucial step toward full integration into society.
Their belief that "if we are able and available, then we should become job creators" led them to team up with the Johnsons and found North of Ordinary. The Joneses live on a hobby farm with a variety of animals and have another child, Matt, who lives in New Hampshire.
OUR PARTNERS
Growth Innovations is a nonprofit economic development corporation with the mission of “Improving quality of life through job creation, economic diversification and area development.” North of Ordinary is located inside one of Growth Innovation’s buildings, where we enjoy competitive rent and ancillary support. The early backing of Growth Innovations was critical to our successful business launch.
The Developmental Achievement Center of Aitkin County shares the NOCS mission of providing meaningful employment for people with disabilities. We contract with the DAC chore service to achieve the NOCS goal of providing community jobs that pay at least minimum wage. Ultimately, the goal of both NOCS and the DAC is to support full-time, fully integrated jobs for an increasing number of DAC clients.
What People Are Saying
“We trust North of Ordinary Custom Services to manage a very important but labor-intensive and repetitive area of our business. They have done a great job lightening our load with their consistently strong quality of service.”
Guy Williams, Production Manager
Hydro International
“I’ve been impressed with the quality of work from NOCS and their workers. They are able to grasp what needs to be done with minimal explanation, and then they just get down to work and keep at it until the job is done.”