Case Study: How an Advisory Board Helped Pathfinder Manufacturing Transform Lives and Scale Its Impact

Pathfinder Manufacturing, based in Mukilteo, Washington, is more than just a Boeing supplier—it's a life-changing launchpad for at-risk high school students and adults. As a modern-day platform for teaching skilled trades, Pathfinder provides a unique blend of hands-on manufacturing training and academic support.

In partnership with Snohomish County public schools, Pathfinder's program offers students a second chance. Students are referred by their high school counselors as they're on the verge of dropping out—a decision that could define the rest of their lives. Instead, these students split their days: half in school, half in the workshop at Pathfinder. The result? A dual-graduation pathway that sets them up for lifetime success.

Graduates of the program don’t just earn diplomas—they gain industry-ready skills. So comprehensive is the training that many alumni can walk directly into aerospace jobs with Boeing or one of the 100+ supplier companies in the region, often bypassing the standard onboarding processes entirely.

The Challenge: Scaling a Mission with Limited Resources

Despite its powerful impact, Pathfinder Manufacturing faced significant challenges. Funding limitations made it difficult to retain counselors and staff. As student interest surged, the organization struggled to expand capacity. Its work remained largely tied to non-critical Boeing structures, restricting the complexity—and value—of projects it could offer students.

To move forward, Pathfinder needed outside guidance. And so, the leadership team turned to an often underutilized tool in the nonprofit world: an Advisory Board.

The Power of the Right People Around the Table

Unlike corporate boards, Pathfinder’s Advisory Board was composed entirely of passionate, unpaid volunteers—each selected for their expertise and alignment with the organization’s mission. The group included:

• Two representatives from Boeing’s manufacturing division
• A human resources attorney (critical due to Pathfinder’s unique model of mixing youth and adult workers)
• A business development and marketing leader
• A high school counselor familiar with the student demographic
• A seasoned grant writer

Together, this diverse team helped Pathfinder rethink its growth strategy. Within 18 months, their impact was nothing short of transformational:‍

• ‍Certified Gold Partner with Boeing: Pathfinder achieved this prestigious designation, allowing students to work on critical aircraft components, opening new pathways to higher-skill careers.
• ‍Diversified Client Base: With the board’s help, Pathfinder added 15 new customers across industries—agriculture, space, medical, energy, defense, and more—reducing its dependency on Boeing alone.‍
• Expanded Facilities and Capacity: With guidance from the grant writer and strategic planning support, Pathfinder secured new funding, expanded services to over 100 students, and built a second facility to accommodate increased demand.

A Wall of Impact

Visitors to Pathfinder today are greeted by a lobby lined with thousands of photos—students and staff whose lives were touched by the program. What began as a Boeing-aligned training facility now supports students from over 35 different schools, offering a proven, sustainable model for skill-building and hope.

This is a powerful example of what happens when an Advisory Board is used not for oversight alone—but as a catalyst for change. In the case of Pathfinder, a group of dedicated volunteers helped turn a struggling nonprofit into a regional force for education, workforce development, and second chances.