Employment
✓Job preparation
✓ Employer connection
✓ Retention support
Reentry Support
✓ Work pathways
✓ Stability
✓ Opportunity
WHAT BEACON BUILDS
Youth Development
✓ Engagement
✓ Mentoring
✓ Career exposure
Workforce Readiness
✓ Practical skills
✓ Confidence
✓ Reliability
PEOPLE. WORK. GROWTH.
Family Engagement
✓ Communication
✓ Connection
✓ Follow-through
Employer Connection
✓ Business needs
✓ Talent matching
✓ Ongoing support
The workforce we need next is already here.
3.0 %
UNEMPLOYMENT
Thousands of people across Sheboygan County are disconnected from opportunity for different reasons: disability, justice-system involvement, substance use, homelessness, youth disconnection, and other barriers. Beacon helps turn overlooked potential into employment, stability, independence, and stronger community connection.
OVERLOOKED POTENTIAL → STRONGER COMMUNITIES
21.8K
MANUFACTURING JOBS
22.1 %
AGE 65+
WHY THIS MATTERS
SHEBOYGAN CAN’T WAIT FOR POPULATION GROWTH.
PROVEN LOCAL EXPERIENCE
BUILT FOR LIFE-CHANGING OUTCOMES.
For more than a decade, I’ve worked alongside students, families, schools, employers, and community partners to help people move through barriers and toward greater independence, connection, and opportunity.
✓ 14 years serving people facing barriers
✓ Special education and transition leadership
✓ Family, school, and community engagement
✓ Employer and workforce development
✓ Ph.D. in Special Education, ABD
✓ Deep professional roots across Sheboygan County
✓ Raising my family in Sheboygan County
-12 %
CHRONIC
ABSENTEEISM
SEE THE PERSON. FIND THE BARRIER. BUILD THE PATH. FOLLOW THROUGH.
+35 %
STUDENT JOB
PLACEMENTS
+90 %
FAMILY
PARTICIPATION
JOSIAH PLEDL
FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THE IMPACT
THE WORK SPEAKS THROUGH PEOPLE.
The strongest measure of this work has always been what changes for the people,
families, and communities involved.
“Too often, people decide what someone will never do or cannot do. I believe our job is to determine the opportunity and let the person determine the outcome.”
JOSIAH PLEDL
FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BEACON DEVELOPMENT GROUP
CREATE THE OPPORTUNITY.
LET THE PERSON DETERMINE THE OUTCOME.
FROM DREAM TO CAREER
Mike Hogan knew early that he wanted a future in sports media. Today, he leads athletics communications at St. John Fisher University, overseeing coverage for all 28 Cardinal teams.
“He believed in me and in turn, helped me believe in myself.”
Mike Hogan
Head of Athletics Communications
St. John Fisher University
BELIEVE THE DREAM.
BUILD THE PATH.
SHAPE THE FUTURE.
HOPE FOR WHAT COMES NEXT
“Josiah has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of special education students to be hopeful about their future.”
Mel Lightner, PhD
Former Superintendent, Grafton School District
Meaningful employment.
Greater independence.
Stronger outcomes.
“I NEVER THOUGHT NATHAN COULD HOLD A JOB.”
HE DID
Nathan worked at a fitness center, operated school coffee and popcorn carts, and worked promotions for the Lakeshore Chinooks. Those experiences helped create a path toward employment and a meaningful life after high school.
“Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”
Mary Reske
Parent
“Josiah started this journey by truly taking the time to know and understand my son. He proved to have a tireless work ethic and a passion for excellence.”
CONNECTION FIRST.
EXCELLENCE ALWAYS.
Greg Etter
Parent
“JOSIAH IS A FORCE OF NATURE.”
Lisa Pugh
Former Public Policy Director, Disability Rights Wisconsin
Energy.
Advocacy.
Belief in what people can become.
“I WAS IMPRESSED WITH HIS PASSION. IT’S HARD NOT TO BUY IN AT SOME POINT.”
Robert Brooks
Former Wisconsin State Representative