Breaking: Hyundai CEO: White House apologized for raid on Georgia battery factory
Business
Business

Stadium’s table maker gives jobs to those needing 2nd chance

By Matt Kempner
May 9, 2016

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.

Find out how Preston has found a way to profit and give people a second chance in life in my latest Unofficial Business column on myAJC.com.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

Follow Matt Kempner on facebookFollow Matt Kempner on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

A man makes a phone call in front of a train during Tracks of Hope, an event hosted by Norfolk Southern in support of Hope Atlanta, in Forest Park, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Norfolk Southern opened its executive vintage business train, typically reserved for company leadership and dignitaries, to the public in support of Hope Atlanta. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Norfolk Southern sale puts major Atlanta philanthropic force in question

For metro Atlanta philanthropic causes that enjoy Norfolk Southern's support, there are unanswered questions about how committed the company will be after it is acquired.

How Home Depot’s newest AI tool could give it an edge with pro contractors

The Vinings-based home improvement retailer said Wednesday it has launched a new tool that creates a complete materials list and quote for a single-family project.

Home Depot cuts outlook amid housing slump and consumer uncertainty

Home Depot said its net income dipped to $3.6 billion during the third quarter, down 1.3% from the same period last year.

The Latest

Older model used vehicles for sale at an independent dealership in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Nov. 11, 2023. Photo courtesy of Chris Hardesty.

Credit: Special

Beyond the odometer: What matters most in a used car

Why your car’s safety tech needs maintenance, too

OPINION

Saying goodbye to the Porsche 718 Cayman — for now

Featured

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones scores another victory over use of campaign cash

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appears to have scored another victory over Attorney General Chris Carr as the Republican gubernatorial candidates battle over campaign finance issues.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.’s season is over; needs surgery to repair ACL

Michael Penix Jr., whom the Falcons hoped was their quarterback of the future, will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his left knee.

Typewriter Tom fuels a growing interest in analog writing devices

Roswell's Tom Rehkopf owns about 1,000 typewriters, which he tinkers with at his workshop and happily shares with fellow aficionados, curious youngsters and even Tom Hanks.