Our Story

For more than 50 years Tri County Industries has improved the lives of people with disabilities while providing added value to local businesses. Humble beginnings have led to amazing growth and impact.

Once upon a time, in the bustling heart of Rocky Mount, NC, a small yet significant chapter in the story of compassion and empowerment began to unfold. It was 1966 when a man named Ben Greenberg and other families driven by love and a profound sense of duty, laid the cornerstone of what would soon become a beacon of hope for many. These parents with adult children facing life with disabilities, saw the need for change, for a place where individuals like their beloved children could not only survive, but thrive.

With unwavering determination, Ben and the other families transformed a humble warehouse on S. Church Street into the Rocky Mount Sheltered Workshop. Within those walls, dreams took flight, and barriers began to crumble. Here, every day was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as individuals with disabilities discovered their talents, honed their skills, and found a sense of purpose they thought was lost.

As the years swept by, the workshop grew, its impact echoing far beyond the confines of its walls. In 1972, a pivotal moment arrived as a workshop was established and named: Tri-County Industries for the Handicapped, Inc. The change heralded a broader vision, a commitment to serve not just one community, but many, across counties and boundaries.

But it was in 1974 that fate intervened, weaving the threads of two remarkable stories into one. Enter Chet Mottershead Jr., a man whose courage and resilience knew no bounds. Having lost both legs in a harrowing helicopter accident during the Vietnam War, Chet understood firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. With a heart as large as his spirit, he joined Tri-County Industries as the job placement manager, a role that would define his legacy.

For Chet, this wasn't just a job—it was a calling. With boundless empathy and unyielding determination, he worked tirelessly to break down barriers and forge pathways to employment for those society had often overlooked. His own journey of triumph over adversity served as a guiding light, inspiring others to embrace their own potential and defy the odds stacked against them.

In 1977, Chet's leadership and vision were duly recognized as he ascended to the position of President, a role he would inhabit with grace and distinction for over two decades. Under his stewardship, Tri-County Industries flourished, evolving into a beacon of inclusion and opportunity for all.

And so, the story of Tri-County Industries is not merely one of buildings and milestones; it is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief that every individual deserves a chance to shine. As we look back on our journey, we do so with gratitude for those who paved the way, and with a renewed commitment to continue their legacy, one story at a time. For in the tapestry of our shared history, it is the threads of kindness and compassion that bind us together, weaving a future bright with promise and possibility.

In 1975, the workshop bid farewell to its humble beginnings on S. Church Street, embarking on a new chapter as it relocated to Atlantic Ave. and changed its name to Tri-County Industries—a move that would lay the foundation for decades of innovation and progress. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of Atlantic Ave., Tri-County found a home, a sanctuary where dreams took flight, and possibilities knew no bounds.

But it was in 1979 that the organization etched its name in the annals of history, as Chet Mottershead Jr. and his dedicated team achieved a feat unmatched in North Carolina: Tri County Industries was the first in eastern North Carolina to receive the coveted three-year CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), accreditation on the first try; a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. Every three years. Tri-County still stands as a beacon of quality and integrity, setting a standard for others to follow.

As the years marched on, so did Tri-County Industries, expanding its reach and its impact with each passing day. New programs emerged, each one a testament to Tri-County’s unwavering dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities and challenges. And as the warehouse expanded, so too did the organization’s capacity to serve, with an additional 3,500 square feet added in 1992 totaling 46,000 square feet—a testament to Tri-County’s boundless ambition and unwavering commitment to its mission.

In 2001, a new chapter dawned as Brenda Cogdell took the reins, her leadership guiding Tri-County Industries through four decades of growth and innovation. Under her stewardship, partnerships flourished, grants were secured, and the organization’s reach extended far beyond the borders of Nash and Edgecombe County. With partners like Boddie Noel aka Hardees, Honeywell, and countless local businesses and manufacturers, Tri-County became a force for change, a catalyst for inclusion, and a beacon of hope for all.

But as one chapter ends, another begins, in 2020, Margaret Sharpe stepped up to lead Tri-County Industries into a new era of possibility and promise. With dreams as vast as the Carolina sky, Margaret and her team set their sights on new horizons, new programs, and new possibilities. From Pre-ETs, (Pre-Employment Transition) guiding students on the cusp of adulthood to explore their interests and passions, to SPARK, igniting the flames of opportunity for 100 individuals to have 100 jobs independently by 2027, Tri-County remains steadfast in its commitment to building brighter futures for all.

Under Margaret Sharpe's leadership, Tri-County’s long term support program (TCI’s Day Program) continues to thrive, providing work training opportunities while also providing community inclusion activities such as outings, activities and self-advocacy training. These opportunities are provided by partnerships and sponsorships through Trillium Health Services.

There has been some confusion and uncertainty about the existence of Tri-County Industries (TCI) due to several challenges over the years. Flooding from Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016 severely impacted TCI, with the latter bringing 24 inches of water. Despite these setbacks, and the challenges including Covid-19 in 2020, TCI demonstrated remarkable resilience.

The organization's name also contributed to the confusion. To address this, TCI underwent a rebranding in 2024. This change aimed to clarify its mission and identity. The new logo visually unifies TCI’s diverse programs, each represented by a distinct color, symbolizing community, collaboration, impact, faith, and integrity.

With this rebranding, TCI eliminates any remaining uncertainty about what it represents and does, ensuring a clearer and stronger presence moving forward.

And yet, amidst the dreams and aspirations lies a simple truth: TCI Works has outgrown its current space, its walls bursting at the seams with the promise of what's to come. But as the organization looks to the future, it does so with hope in its heart and a vision in its eyes—a vision of a new building, a new beginning, and a new café, where our clients in our Long-Term Support Program (Day Program) can learn, grow, and thrive in a space of their own creation.

For in the tapestry of TCI Works' storied history, one thread remains constant: the unwavering belief that every individual, regardless of ability or circumstance, deserves a chance to shine. And as the organization continues its journey, one step at a time, it does so with gratitude for the past, hope for the future, and an unyielding commitment to the dream that started it all: the dream of a world where everyone belongs, and everyone has the opportunity to reach for the stars.