Our History

Founded as Skookum in 1988, Tessera began with a simple yet powerful mission: to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. What started as a small initiative employing developmentally disabled students has grown into a national leader in disability and veteran recruitment. Over the decades, we have expanded our impact across industries such as government, aerospace, manufacturing, and education.

Through strategic growth, acquisitions, and a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation, we have evolved into a trusted provider of essential services. In 2025, we rebranded as Tessera—symbolizing the strength of our diverse workforce and our unwavering dedication to empowerment, inclusion, and excellence. Today, we continue to build on our legacy, creating opportunities that make a lasting difference.

Tessera's headquarters building located in Bremerton, WA.

Timeline

Early 1980s

Skookum’s founder, Jim Westall, begins seeking ways to expand the horizons of his developmentally disabled students at Port Townsend High School.

A historical groundbreaking ceremony for the Skookum K.C. Nomura Building, featuring six men using golden shovels to turn the soil. A sign in the background reads "Future Home of: Skookum" and lists supporting organizations, including the State of Washington and Jefferson County. The event takes place under a tent, with onlookers observing in the background.

1988

Skookum Educational Programs is incorporated. It initially operated with the Skookum Jump Rope Factory in a rented garage. The company’s primary goal is to create employment opportunities for graduating students with disabilities.
Two employees work together at a table, assembling and organizing colorful wiring. One employee, wearing a gray shirt, listens while the other, in a blue work shirt, explains something using a pen. A sign reading “QUALITY” is visible on the wall.

1993

Skookum expands into service contracts, winning a contract to operate the Jefferson County Recycling Center.

A group of seven smiling workers wearing reflective safety vests stand together in front of large stacks of compressed cardboard, likely at a recycling facility or warehouse. The individuals are dressed warmly, indicating a colder environment, and appear friendly and engaged.

1994

Skookum takes over janitorial and grounds maintenance services at the Naval Magazine Indian Island. This marks the company’s first significant involvement with the AbilityOne Program, which allows nonprofit companies to create jobs for people with disabilities through federal contracts.
Two workers in high-visibility vests walk along a grassy path. One places a hand on the other’s back in a supportive gesture as they work on maintaining the landscape.

1997

Skookum secures its second AbilityOne contract, cleaning the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. This contract helps Skookum grow its annual revenue from hundreds of thousands to over $5 million and increases employment to more than 150 individuals with disabilities.
Two custodial workers clean a long hallway. One mops the floor while the other sweeps near a bench. A bright yellow mop bucket sits between them.

2000

Skookum is named Washington State’s Medium Non-Profit Employer of the Year.

2001

Skookum expands its reach, securing a contract to operate the Army’s Central Issue Facility at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Later that year, Skookum is recognized as SourceAmerica’s Contractor of the Year.
A group of soldiers in camouflage uniforms walk in a line with carts loaded with gear inside a military facility. Their backs are turned to the camera as they move through a supply area.

2002

Skookum is awarded a second Army contract for Wheeled Vehicle Maintenance at Fort Lewis, contributing to a substantial increase in revenue. The Washington State Governor names Skookum Large Non-Profit Employer of the Year.
A mechanic in a dark work uniform repairs a military Humvee inside a maintenance garage. The hood is open, revealing the vehicle’s engine.

2005

Skookum becomes the prime contractor for janitorial and grounds maintenance services at Navy Region Northwest.
A Tessera grounds maintenance worker operates a Toro push mower, trimming the grass along a sidewalk outside a modern brick building. The worker wears a navy-blue shirt, protective earmuffs, and sunglasses, focusing on the task at hand. Trees and landscaping surround the area, creating a well-maintained outdoor space.

2006

Skookum expands outside the Northwest, securing a contract to service and repair the Government Services Administration (GSA) vehicle fleet at Fort Riley, Kansas.
A Tessera mechanic wearing a navy-blue uniform and cap works under the hood of a vehicle. Focused on repairs, he uses tools to adjust engine components in an industrial garage setting.

2009–2014

Skookum’s continued focus on exceptional customer service helps the company grow rapidly, adding new AbilityOne contracts and diversifying its portfolio in Facility Management.
A worker in a high-visibility safety vest and camouflage cap uses a tablet to inspect and monitor industrial piping inside a facility.

2019

Skookum acquires an Aerospace Manufacturing Facility in Kent, Washington, diversifying revenue and creating new job opportunities for people with disabilities.
A machinist in safety glasses and a black Tessera-branded shirt stands confidently with arms crossed in front of a large industrial CNC machine. The American flag hangs in the background.

2024

Skookum merges with Skils’kin, a nonprofit based in Spokane, expanding its workforce and services, with operations at Malmstrom, Warren, and Fairchild Air Force Bases. This merger brings 200 new employees into the Skookum family.
A Skookum and Skils’kin merger announcement graphic. The Skookum logo, featuring a stylized tribal design, is displayed alongside the Skils’kin logo against a blurred background of employees at work.

2024 (End of Year)

Skookum employs 1,600 people across 13 states and the District of Columbia, continuing its mission to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
A Tessera employee sits at his desk, smiling at the camera. He wears a navy-blue company polo, and his workstation includes a computer monitor, keyboard, documents, and office supplies. A jacket is draped over the back of his chair.

2025

Skookum rebrands as Tessera, reflecting the company’s evolution into a unified organization where every individual contributes their unique talents to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

A Tessera mechanic in a navy-blue uniform and cap works under the hood of a vehicle, using tools to make adjustments. The setting is an industrial garage, with various equipment and tools visible in the background.