Operation Fresh Start began in Madison in 1970 as the brainchild of juvenile counselor Jack Osteraas. The program sought to provide Madison-area youth with practical job experience and skills, while rehabbing older houses in the community.

Fifty-four years later, Operation Fresh Start has expanded to provide construction and conservation teams throughout Dane County and has inspired similar programs across the country.

Brian McMahon (wearing the hat) leading a work crew in his early days with Operation Fresh Start.

In February, Operation Fresh Start announced the hiring of Brian McMahon as their new Executive Director after the retirement of thirteen-year veteran director Greg Markle. Brian’s tenure with OFS goes back many years, when he started out supervising a small construction crew. Brian came by the WORT studio to pay a visit to the 8 o’Clock Buzz.

Photos courtesy of Operation Fresh Start

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