User Stories: Retired Educator Donates OMTech Laser to Empower Students
From Teacher to Changemaker: How One OMTech User is Transforming Lives Through Laser Engraving
Retired Wisconsin Educator Donates Laser Engraver to Grace Christian Academy, Raises Thousands for Local Charities
When Jack Schindhelm retired in 2011 after 40 years in education and manufacturing, he could have settled into a quiet life. Instead, he discovered a powerful way to combine his passion for teaching with his love of craftsmanship—and it's making a remarkable difference in his Wisconsin community.
A Retirement That Gives Back
Inside his Suamico, Wisconsin workshop, Jack spends his days creating something far more valuable than wooden plaques and laser-engraved signs. He's building connections, empowering students, and raising thousands of dollars for local charities—all powered by his OMTech laser engravers.
In January 2026, Jack's inspiring story was featured on local Wisconsin news, highlighting his remarkable impact on the community. But perhaps his most significant contribution came in 2025, when he purchased and donated an OMTech laser engraver to Grace Christian Academy, giving an entire generation of students hands-on access to modern design and manufacturing technology.
The Gift That Keeps Teaching
"The whole idea was to donate it," Jack explained in his news interview. "It doesn't have to be a class. It could be an extracurricular activity, but it's a new technology. The kids can learn this."
For Jack, who spent 28 years as an industrial arts and technology education teacher, the donation represents more than just equipment—it's an investment in students' futures. The OMTech laser engraver at Grace Christian Academy now provides young people with the same hands-on learning opportunities that shaped Jack's own career.
Grace Christian Academy, a PreK-12 Christian school in the Green Bay area, now has cutting-edge digital fabrication capabilities that rival much larger institutions. Students can explore design, engineering, entrepreneurship, and creative arts—all through one versatile tool.
More Than Equipment: A Philosophy of Service
Jack's generosity extends far beyond the school donation. From his home workshop, he creates religious items, signs, plaques, and custom pieces using his OMTech laser engravers. The results? Thousands of dollars raised for local charities.
"I'm making thousands of dollars that I can donate," Jack shared with news reporters. His creations support organizations like Saint Vincent de Paul and local churches throughout the Wisconsin area.
What makes Jack's work even more remarkable is his attention to serving everyone in his community. When he discovered that 50% of recipients at one organization didn't speak English, he began creating Spanish-language religious pieces. "I started making Spanish Our Fathers and Hail Marys," he explained. "And when I give it to them, they love getting it."
The Personal Impact: Finding Purpose and Connection
For Jack, laser engraving represents something deeply personal. As someone who has struggled with dyslexia and learning disabilities throughout his life, he understands the power of hands-on learning and the importance of building self-esteem through creation.
"That's why, in retirement, it gives me self-esteem," Jack said. "That's something I've struggled with because of my dyslexia and some of the other learning disabilities that I had throughout my life."
Beyond the charitable work, the craft provides vital social connection. "That gives me socialization. My wife and I are pretty much alone," he explained. Through his work, Jack has built a network of people who appreciate his craftsmanship and share his values of service.
Why Jack Chose OMTech
Jack's journey with laser engraving began in 2014 with a different company. After eight years of equipment issues and expensive shipping charges, he made the switch to OMTech—a decision he says transformed his capabilities and experience.
As one of OMTech's top demo room hosts in Wisconsin, Jack now shares his expertise with others considering laser engraving. His demo room page on OMTech.com offers visitors the chance to see OMTech machines in action and learn from someone who's truly mastered the craft.
What sets OMTech apart for Jack? Reliable equipment, responsive support, and a company that stands behind its products—critical factors when you're creating items for charity and education.
The Ripple Effect of One Donation
The OMTech laser engraver at Grace Christian Academy represents more than just a generous donation—it's the beginning of countless student success stories. Through Jack's gift:
Students Gain Real-World Skills:
- CAD design and digital fabrication
- Problem-solving and creative thinking
- Entrepreneurship and production concepts
- Technology literacy for the modern workforce
The School Gains New Capabilities:
- Custom signage and promotional materials
- Student-created fundraising products
- Enhanced STEM and art curricula
- Project-based learning opportunities
The Community Gains Future Makers:
- Students prepared for technical careers
- Young people empowered to create solutions
- A new generation of community-minded craftspeople
- Skills that stay local and strengthen the region
OMTech's Commitment to Education
Jack's donation exemplifies the values OMTech holds dear: empowering individuals to create, innovate, and give back to their communities. His story demonstrates what's possible when reliable technology meets passionate people.
OMTech is proud to support educators, students, and community leaders like Jack Schindhelm. Through our Education Program, we offer:
- Educational Pricing: Special discounts for schools and educational institutions
- Dedicated Support: Education-focused customer service and training resources
- Community Network: Connection with other educators and makers using OMTech equipment
- Comprehensive Resources: Tutorial videos, lesson plans, and implementation guides
From Suamico to Your Community: The OMTech Difference
Jack Schindhelm's story showcases what makes the OMTech community special. Our users aren't just operating machines—they're:
- Teaching the Next Generation: Like Jack donating to Grace Christian Academy
- Serving Their Communities: Raising funds for local charities and causes
- Building Connections: Creating networks of makers, educators, and craftspeople
- Making a Difference: Turning ideas into tangible impact
Whether you're a retired educator looking for meaningful projects, a school seeking to add digital fabrication to your curriculum, or someone who wants to turn a hobby into community service, OMTech provides the tools and support to make it happen.
Jack's Workshop: A Model for Purposeful Making
What can we learn from Jack's approach to laser engraving?
1. Start with Purpose Jack didn't buy a laser engraver to start a business—he bought it to stay mentally active and serve others. That purpose-driven approach has created far more value than profit alone ever could.
2. Use Quality Tools After years with unreliable equipment, Jack invested in OMTech machines he could depend on. Quality tools enable consistent output, whether you're creating for charity or education.
3. Share Your Skills As an OMTech demo room host and through his donation to Grace Christian Academy, Jack actively shares his knowledge. Teaching others multiplies impact exponentially.
4. Stay Connected Jack uses his craft to maintain social connections and community involvement. Making isn't just about the object—it's about the relationships built along the way.
5. Never Stop Learning Even after 40 years in industrial education, Jack continues to explore new techniques and applications. Laser engraving keeps his mind active and engaged.
The Technology Behind the Impact
The OMTech laser engravers in Jack's workshop and at Grace Christian Academy represent the perfect intersection of professional capability and accessible operation:
Versatile Applications:
- Religious items and spiritual gifts
- Custom signage for organizations
- Educational materials and teaching aids
- Fundraising products
- Community service projects
User-Friendly Operation:
- Suitable for both experienced makers like Jack and student beginners
- Comprehensive safety features for educational settings
- Intuitive software for design and production
- Reliable performance for consistent results
Built for Service:
- Durable construction for years of use
- Excellent support from OMTech team
- No hidden shipping costs
- Parts and service readily available
Featured in the News: Wisconsin Celebrates Local Hero
The January 2026 news coverage of Jack's work brought well-deserved recognition to his charitable efforts and highlighted the role OMTech laser engraving plays in his mission. The story resonated with viewers because it showcases:
- The power of purposeful retirement
- Technology serving community needs
- Education extending beyond the classroom
- Individual action creating collective benefit
OMTech is honored to be part of Jack's story and grateful for the opportunity to support his important work.
How You Can Make an Impact Like Jack
Inspired by Jack Schindhelm's example? Here's how you can start your own journey of purposeful making with OMTech:
For Individuals:
- Explore our range of laser engravers suitable for home workshops
- Visit an OMTech demo room near you to see machines in action
- Join our community of makers sharing projects and techniques
- Consider how your skills could serve local organizations
For Schools and Educational Institutions:
- Contact our Education team for special pricing and program information
- Review our curriculum resources and implementation guides
- Connect with educators already using OMTech in their classrooms
- Plan for student access to digital fabrication technology
For Community Organizations:
- Partner with local makers using OMTech equipment
- Explore fundraising opportunities through custom products
- Consider equipment donations from community members
- Leverage laser engraving for organizational needs
Visit Jack's Demo Room
Interested in seeing OMTech laser engravers in action and learning from Jack's extensive experience? His demo room in Suamico, Wisconsin, offers visitors hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance.
Visit Jack's Demo Room Page to:
- Schedule a visit to see machines in operation
- Learn from a master craftsman and educator
- Explore applications for charity work, education, or personal projects
- Get answers to your questions from someone who's done it all
The OMTech Promise: Empowering Your Vision
Jack Schindhelm's story demonstrates the OMTech promise in action. We don't just sell laser engravers—we empower people to:
✓ Create with Confidence: Reliable equipment you can depend on
✓ Learn Continuously: Comprehensive resources and responsive support
✓ Serve Your Community: Tools for charity work, education, and service
✓ Build Connections: Join a network of passionate makers and educators
✓ Make a Difference: Turn your ideas into tangible community impact
Join the OMTech Community
Every OMTech laser engraver has the potential to become a tool for positive change—whether it's empowering students at Grace Christian Academy, raising funds for local charities, or bringing someone's creative vision to life.
What will you create? Who will you inspire? How will you give back?
Ready to start your journey?
- Explore Our Products: Find the perfect OMTech laser engraver for your needs
- Visit a Demo Room: See machines in action at locations across the country
- Join Our Community: Connect with thousands of OMTech users sharing ideas and projects
- Contact Our Team: Get expert guidance on equipment selection and implementation
About Jack Schindhelm
Jack Schindhelm is a retired industrial arts and technology education teacher from Wisconsin with 40 years of experience in education and manufacturing. Since retiring in 2011, he has dedicated his time to creating charitable works and supporting education through laser engraving. Jack serves as an OMTech demo room host in Suamico, Wisconsin, and continues to inspire others through his generous community service.
About Grace Christian Academy
Grace Christian Academy is a non-denominational PreK-12 Christian school in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area, dedicated to providing rigorous, Christ-centered education. Their mission is to disciple students to walk with Christ while fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth. The school now offers students hands-on access to modern digital fabrication technology thanks to Jack Schindhelm's generous donation of an OMTech laser engraver.
About OMTech
OMTech is a leading provider of laser engraving and cutting equipment, serving makers, educators, businesses, and hobbyists across the United States. With a commitment to quality, education, and community, OMTech empowers users to bring their creative visions to life. Our comprehensive product line, educational resources, and nationwide demo room network make OMTech the trusted choice for laser engraving solutions.
Want to learn more about OMTech's Education Program or explore how laser engraving can serve your community?
Contact Our Education Team | Find a Demo Room Near You | Explore Our Products
Share Your Story: Are you using OMTech equipment for charitable work, education, or community service? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us at [email] to share your story and inspire others in the OMTech community.
OMTech is proud to support makers like Jack Schindhelm who use our equipment to create positive change in their communities. Through reliable technology, responsive support, and a commitment to education, we empower individuals and organizations to turn creative vision into meaningful impact.
