Lacing Up With
Meet Brian Nguyen, a self-made welder based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a level of dedication you don’t often find anymore. Brian didn’t take “no” for an answer when he decided which career he wanted to pursue. And there were a lot of no’s along the way. Hear from him about how he overcame obstacles, learned…
Justine didn’t take the “easy” route when she chose her career. She decided to put her willpower to the test in the pursuit of a steady paycheck (just like so many of us) and ended up learning the trade skills of masonry. Read more about Justine May’s challenges and triumphs as she learned what being…
Christopher Scully is an experienced, second-generation commercial diver and U.S. Navy veteran based in San Diego, California. He followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, who were both Navy divers as well, then began working in underwater ship husbandry and attending school full time after his service. Christopher took the time to share…
We sat down with Mike Taylor, a man living his American dream at the beach in Galveston, Texas, where he uses his background in carpentry to craft custom outdoor entertainment pieces that help people “make their beach life experience even better.” Read more about Mike’s experience starting a contracting business, his inspirations, and his struggles….
Brandon Reisinger is an electrician and second-generation tradesman working in Star, Idaho, working towards his Journeyman’s License. He’s a firm advocate for trade school, especially for those who want to pursue a solid career but didn’t quite fit in the traditional educational system. He admits, “I was not very good at school and thought I…
Bill Bryant, Co-Founder and Brand Manager for motorcycle outfitter Biltwell, wore his Thorogoods for a long-haul ride across Canada and Alaska. While we know that our boots are good for hard work on the jobsite, we’re now happy to say that they also make great motorcycle rain boots since Bill put them through the ringer…
Meet Emma Kinkade, a badass woman and welder who never gives up on her dreams. She believes that hard work and a willingness to learn will take you wherever you want to go. Hear more about her inspirations and career journey below. First & Last Name: Emma Kinkade Location: I am from a small town…
Jonathon Juedes and his two brothers, Joe and Jacob, work a third-generation dairy farm in the heart of Wisconsin. They know what it means to work hard, and the cows don’t stop needing care when the weather is bad or equipment breaks. Hear from Jon’s point of view about what working on a dairy farm…
They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Steven Pratt found his love for electrical work as early as twelve years old, carrying on a legacy started by his father and grandfather – but the best part is still helping people in need in his community after…
Shayne Salinas is passionate. From starting his own business creating workwear for blue collar folks to leveling-up his emergency response career by becoming a firefighter and EMT, he is constantly working to better serve his community. While juggling all of this, he still manages to remain a dedicated family man. Learn more about what lights…
Erika Diggins knows what it means to prove your worth. As a woman continuing a legacy of skilled trade work set forth by the hardworking men in her family, she has pulled herself up by her bootstraps to pursue her passion for Union welding. Now, mistakes and roadblocks can’t phase her – she’ll just figure…
Bobby Jovanović learned the value of skilled trades from his father and hopes to pass on their legacy of craftsmanship on to his son one day, too. As a Union Carpenter, business owner, and artist, Bobby understands the value of hard work and attention to detail. Read more about how this talented tradesman has pushed…