What Was The Inspiration Behind The KeelWorks Foundation? – Thomas Garrod

by Fred Jones / January 5, 2026

“It felt like the universe was against me; I’m never gonna get a good job.”
-Thomas Garrod, Executive Director of KeelWorks

Like many, Thomas Garrod faced numerous setbacks and personal struggles in his attempts to achieve a career. He had dropped out of high school, married early, and had seven children before the age of 30.

Thomas worked in a variety of jobs from restaurants to sales, and despite the insufficient income, managed to go back to school. However, due to his learning disabilities, he failed many times to get a degree.

By the time he had gotten his Bachelor’s degree at 34 years old, the job market overwhelmingly held the attitude of “What have you done for me lately?” Despite Thomas’ qualifications and drive to succeed, employers only wanted to hire people with experience

Thomas has grappled with the fact that many are in the same boat as he was, facing both personal challenges and a lack of experience. This was the inspiration for KeelWorks; an organization dedicated to helping people overcome the obstacles to achieving new careers. KeelWorks “gets people to work” by giving them what most job seekers lack: real experience, practical skills, and a supportive community that believes in their potential.

Since 2008, its programs have helped hundreds of students and workers turn volunteer projects into credible resumes and stepping-stones to gainful employment. Newcomers step into a tested system like KeelWings, KeelMate, and the emerging KeelMaster program that turns goodwill and volunteer effort into life-changing careers for people who might otherwise be left out of the economy. In this way, the founder aims to help others achieve upward-mobility and comfort while making meaningful contributions of their own.