The surprise isn't that the Atlanta Falcons want to add furnishings that will make the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium feel less concrete and cold. What's surprising is who will build the 120 or so hand-crafted tables that the football team has ordered.

All will be constructed by Lamon Luther, a small Douglasville company that relies on an unusual group of employees.

"Our whole workforce has been affected by homelessness and addiction," said Brian Preston, who started the business after his wife asked him to build furniture she saw on Pinterest.

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As artificial intelligence reshapes the world, tasks usually performed by entry-level employees can be done by AI. Two Georgia organizations are helping the financial technology industry by providing training for a post-AI world. (Illustration: Philip Robibero/AJC)

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Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman