In this episode, you'll listen to the third session of my "Conversations with the Tattooed Electrician" - Donny Metcalf. He gives his opinions and insights on how differentiate yourself at the journey level in the electrician’s trade. He also discusses how to prepare for the inevitable economic downturns. As I noted in the last couple STP episodes, the overarching objective for these conversations with Donny to be directed by the feedback and questions that we get from you - the listener. Please...
Oct 05, 2019•41 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode, you'll listen to the second session of my "Conversations with the Tattooed Electrician" - Donny Metcalf. He gives his opinions and insights on what it takes to succeed as an apprentice starting out in the electrician’s trade. As I noted in the last STP episode, number 30, the overarching objective for these conversations with Donny to be directed by the feedback and questions that we get from you - the listener. Please send me your questions, comments and feedback for our "Conve...
Sep 17, 2019•26 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode, you'll hear from Donny Metcalf - Master Electrician from Waco, TX. We'll be discussing our plans to have a number of future episodes called "Conversations with the Tattooed Electrician." The overarching objective for these conversations will be to have Donny discuss - in increasing detail - the elements of becoming a successful electrician - as directed by the feedback and questions that we get from you - the listener. Here is a link to Donny's LinkedIn profile for your review. ...
Sep 17, 2019•20 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode, you'll listen to my conversation with Paula Rodriguez who recently graduated from the FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) program and currently employed as an Advanced Manufacturing Technician at Toyota. Paula talks about how she became associated with the FAME program and how her high school coursework in PLTW (Project Lead the Way) classes, helped her in being selected. Paula then goes on to describe the comprehensive education, training, and mentorship she ...
Sep 09, 2019•29 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode you'll listen to my conversation with Tony Davis - Executive Director of the Natchitoches Community Alliance Foundation and member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Tony helped lead the effort to launch the local GeauxFAME chapter to start training Advanced Manufacturing Technicians in Natchitoches region. We discuss the near-immediate economic benefits experienced by their region from instituting their unique, market-specific implementation of the FAM...
Sep 09, 2019•44 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode you'll listen to my conference call with Matt Franz & Chris Coker - both US Army veterans and with Ricardo Garcia, a veteran of the Air Force. We have a fantastic conversation where these guys offer their suggestions and recommendations to active duty military personnel and veterans on successfully transitioning into the civilian workforce after military service. They provide their insights on the timing, tactics, and mindset needed to translate military experience and traini...
Sep 02, 2019•38 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode you'll listen to my conversation with Jimmy Croan, who on behalf of Northwood University, works with the FAME program to offer program graduates - who will already have earned an Associate's degree - the opportunity extend their education with a Bachelor's degree in on of two distinct tracks: Business Management or Lean Operations and Supply Chain Management. The FAME career and education pathway is designed to be flexible as a "hop-on, hop-off" education tracks that even offer t...
Aug 26, 2019•25 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode, you'll hear from Tim Spurlock on how American Diesel Training Centers took a different approach in developing its training infrastructure and program. Tim describes how they are making a real difference in the lives of those who complete its training and for the businesses that depend on them to provide them with the trained, diesel technicians that they desperately need. Tim and his co-founder Chris Ellis have created an innovative, world-class training model and infrastructure...
Aug 19, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode, you'll hear my conversation with Ben Damerow, who's is the Director of Michigan Works! Southwest and the W.E. Upjohn Institute of Employment Research. Ben will discuss how Michigan Works! Southwest in conjunction with the Upjohn Institute work closely with the City of Kalamazoo and a number of committed organizations in the area to make a tremendous impact on closing the Skills Gap for the region. For more information about Michigan Works! Southwest please go to: http://www.mich...
Aug 13, 2019•20 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode, you'll listen to my conversation with Robbie Heinrich, who is Engineering Manager at the Louisville, KY plant of Dana Corp. as well as the president of the Greater Louisville Chapter of KYFAME. He talks to us about the incredible results being experienced those attending as well as those sponsoring FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education. For more information about FAME please go to: http://fame-usa.com If you'd like a complete list of all Skilled Trades Playbook e...
Aug 05, 2019•43 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode, we'll be hearing from Von Washington, who is the Executive Director of Community Relations at the Kalamazoo Promise. The Kalamazoo Promise is a pledge by a group of anonymous donors to pay up to 100 percent of tuition at any of Michigan's state vocational schools, colleges, and universities for graduates from Kalamazoo's public schools. For more information about The Kalamazoo Promise please go to: https://www.kalamazoopromise.com If you'd like a complete list of all Skilled Tra...
Aug 01, 2019•36 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode, you'll listen to my conversation with Tim Lawrence, who outlines the many great programs and opportunities SkillsUSA offers its more than 400,000 members to help them learn about the Skilled Trades by working with over 6000 schools across the country. For more information about SkillsUSA please go to: www.skillsusa.org If you'd like a complete list of all Skilled Trades Playbook episodes categorized by topic please click here Please follow us on Facebook at @SkilledTradesPlayboo...
Jul 29, 2019•27 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode, you'll listen to a quick bit of advice from Spence Rogers on how to be successful entering one of the Skilled Trades. If you'd like a complete list of all Skilled Trades Playbook episodes categorized by topic please click here Please follow us on Facebook at @SkilledTradesPlaybook If you have any comments or you have any ideas on how I can improve the value proposition of the Skilled Trades Playbook podcast series, please post a note on Twitter to @aybcareers or send me an email...
Jul 26, 2019•9 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode, you'll hear from Mike Mitchell, who leads the Lowe's initiative, Generation T, which aims to change the negative perceptions surrounding the construction trades, while connecting students and potential workers to training programs and apprenticeship opportunities. To learn more about Generation T, please click here Please send me your comments and feedback, as well as any ideas on how I can improve the Skilled Trades Playbook podcast series. Also, if you have any suggestions on ...
Jul 22, 2019•32 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode, you'll listen to my conversation with Luke Kujacznski, who outlines how the Momentum Employment program offered through the Urban Alliance in Kalamazoo, Michigan. To date, Momentum has helped more than 200 folks rise above their issues with criminal pasts, homelessness, substance abuse and extreme poverty to train them with the skills to help them find great jobs in the Skilled Trades. The proven results of the Momentum program are clearly measurable and repeatable. As such, thi...
Jul 19, 2019•46 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode, you're going to hear my conversation with ShuJuanna Hayes. At 44 years old, she'll be going into her second year of the Federation of Advanced Mfg. Education (FAME) work-based learning program after having gotten her GED and her Associates degree at a local community college. After years of working at minimum wage jobs, ShuJuanna will soon become a highly-paid Advanced Manufacturing Tech. You'll be absolutely taken over by her energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the FAME progr...
Jul 17, 2019•28 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode, you'll listen to my conversation with Jennifer Sproul. She is the second NAWIC official that I spoke with regarding the opportunities, programs, and support NAWIC offers its members. After my call with Erin Adkins-Oury, I realized that I had neglected to ask some follow up questions so rather than bother Erin again, Jennifer was kind enough to speak with me. NAWIC is a tremendous organization doing great work to support the careers and futures of women in the construction indust...
Jul 14, 2019•19 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode, you'll listen to my conversation with Erin Adkins-Oury, who outlines the networking opportunities for women in all areas of the construction industry. She speaks to the mentoring and career enhancing relationships women have access to as members of the National Association of Women in Construction or NAWIC. For more information about NAWIC please go to: http://www.nawic.org If you'd like a complete list of all Skilled Trades Playbook episodes categorized by topic please click he...
Jul 14, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode, you'll hear my conversation with John Morris. He's the president of the Ohio Valley Associated Builders and Contractors as well as president of the Ohio Valley Construction Education Foundation. John speaks to the opportunities available in the construction trades along with the programs, services, networking opportunities that local ABC chapters make available to its members. Please feel free to send me you comments as well as any ideas on how I can improve the Skilled Trades P...
Jul 11, 2019•35 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode, you'll hear from Spence Rogers. He dropped out of college after realizing that it wasn't for him. Through a friend discovered that his real passion was being a plumber. In a few short years, he has gone on to build a very successful plumbing contracting business in Seattle - Rain City Plumbing. Spence is a savvy businessman - wise beyond his years, in my humble opinion. He offers excellent insights on hiring and working with Millennials as well as some absolutely on-target advic...
Jul 07, 2019•42 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode, Matt Franz talks about how to effectively plan and execute the process of transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce. He speaks about how to specifically translate the experiences and skills that our military folks gain while in service to make themselves even more competitive for prospective, civilian employers. Matt also lays out the opportunities that exist across the Supply Chain/Logistics field. Please feel free to send me you comments as well as any idea...
Jul 02, 2019•37 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode, you'll listen to my conversation with Jeff Markway, a retired, very successful general contractor from St. Louis. Jeff talks about how to become a successful contractor in the high-end, competitive, remodeling arena as well as how to plan for and manage the succession process of selling/handing down a family business to the next generation. He did it taking over Markway Construction from his father to himself and his brothers, and then from his generation to his nephews. Please ...
Jul 02, 2019•35 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode, I am speaking with Dave Campbell - the Superintendent of Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency or KRESA. It is the intermediate school district that supports the special education and CTE program, and other programming needs of nine school districts in the Kalamazoo, MI region. Dave provides a broad view of the collaborative, innovative ways in which the local community is working together to bring about tangible, measurable change, while helping to close the Skills Gap fo...
Jul 02, 2019•34 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode, you'll hear my conversation with Garth Bauknecht, who's successful, general constructor in the Atlanta area. Garth gives his candid, honest opinions and insights on the residential construction trades, on how to succeed in good and bad economic times while managing your sub-contractors and your business along with your clients expectations to ensure that they are all always referenceable. Please feel free to send me you comments as well as any ideas on how I can improve the Skil...
Jul 02, 2019•53 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode, you'll hear from Terry Bierwirth - a former media industry professional and Mom, based in Eugene, OR. Terry decided to launch a grassroots initiative - My Work My Future - to help other parents, their kids, and the local/regional community at large understand and navigate the multitude of options available in the Skilled Trades. She is committed to making My Work My Future the go-to resource in her local and regional area. Please feel free to send me you comments as well as any ...
Jul 02, 2019•21 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode, you'll hear from Trent Hornbeck, who went to college for his bachelors and masters degrees. Once out of school, working as a teacher, he shifted gears to start from scratch to become a successful electrician, crew chief and trainer/educator helping others learn what it takes to become an electrician. Trent does a great job walking us through the steps and areas to focus on if you want to build a career as an electrician. Please feel free to send me you comments as well as any id...
Jul 01, 2019•37 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode, Josh Munns and Josh Denton from Ground Up Construct talk about some of the truly innovated work that they doing to help transform the dialogue and thinking surrounding hiring and getting hired in the construction skilled trades. Ground Up Construct provides a new online platform with tools, training and other services to help folks find work with great employers as well as help employers becoming more effective at attracting and retaining equally great tradespeople. For more inf...
Jul 01, 2019•40 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode you'll hear from Chris Schuler - the Director of Training for Tulsa Welding School. Chris talks candidly about how TWS prepares its students to get ready for great careers as welders to take advantage of the opportunities available across the country and worldwide. Chris lays out TWS' time-proven steps and process to help you decide how to move forward on becoming a welder. The TWS website has a lot of great resources and videos for quick reference. For more info on the Tulsa Wel...
Jul 01, 2019•25 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode, you'll hear about how Kalamazoo, MI, under the leadership of Mayor Bobby Hopewell, has the marshaled the resources and gotten a number of great organizations and truly committed folks to work together to help close the Skills Gap. This is a real-world example of the tangible, measurable results a community can have if they set meaningful objectives and hold each other accountable to results for our children, our families and our communities. For more info on Bobby Hopewell, here...
Jul 01, 2019•29 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episodes, you'll listen to Larry Kron - a successful general contractor from Seattle who gives his candid thoughts and opinions on how to be successful as a small, niche general contractor. He provides his rules of thumb for building a solid remodeling contracting business as well as how and who to select as clients and who to stay away from altogether. He does get a little colorful in his language but he's a great guy all around... so be aware. ;) Please feel free to send me you comment...
Jul 01, 2019•41 min•Season 1Ep. 3
