The story of how XT Innovations in Bucyrus, Ohio, got started is a pretty simple. In 2008, Baja Marine closed and “relocated”—at least until bankruptcy turned off the lights—to Fountain Powerboats in Washington, N.C. That left about 400 people, many of whom had worked at the Baja plant for most of their adult lives, out of work.

In a city of less than 13,000 people, the death of the town’s largest single employer has a ripple effect that goes beyond the loss of 400 jobs. It has an impact that extends far past 400 people no longer drawing a paycheck. It changes everything.

Read More: Restoration Spotlight: Dave Leonhardt at XT Innovations