Troublemaker to CEO: Championing a Career in Construction

If you’d told me as a child that I would one day become the president and CEO of a national skilled trade education group, I would have never believed you. Not because I lacked ambition, but because I was headed down the wrong path. I was a classic troublemaker—smart but rebellious, always testing boundaries.

Then, one teacher changed everything. In 9th grade, she recognized my potential and believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. Her unwavering support and guidance didn’t just help me turn my life around— it inspired me to do the same for others. That’s when I decided to become a teacher, determined to recognize and support students who, like me, were at risk of going astray. I gravitated toward adult education, realizing that many adults, much like my younger self, needed the kind of support I never received. For them, education was a chance to rewrite their stories, just as I had rewritten mine.

Today, I lead StrataTech Education Group, which encompasses a network of skilled trade schools including The Refrigeration School (RSI) and Tulsa Welding Schools (TWS) across four states. These institutions provide an alternative to traditional education, offering adult learners the opportunity to train as electricians, welders, line workers, and HVAC/R technicians.

Breaking the Stigma Around Skilled Trades

Unfortunately, many still view these careers as “blue-collar” jobs for those who couldn’t make it through college. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.  Skilled trades are not a “fallback” option, they are a pathway to stable, well-paying careers that support our nation’s infrastructure. Every building, every light, every HVAC system exists thanks to skilled tradespeople. Without them, our society wouldn’t function. These jobs are no longer low paying; today, skilled trade professionals are in high demand. For those seeking financial independence, this is one of the fastest and most reliable routes to success.

Moreover, the physical demands of these careers often mean early retirements for seasoned workers in their 50’s, creating a significant need for new talent. The good news is Gen Z, often called the “toolbelt generation,” is stepping up to the challenge. Unlike previous generations, they are recognizing the rewards that come with skilled trades careers: competitive wages, job security, and the autonomy of being an expert in a field that will always be in demand.

However, the outdated stigma still lingers. The reality is that skilled trades offer a path to wealth, independence, and respect. As someone who was once labeled a “troublemaker,” I deeply relate to those who are underestimated.

The people who thrive in the trades-whether they’re welders, electricians, or HVAC technicians—often share a similar background: they didn’t have an easy time in school, and they’ve fought for a second chance. That’s exactly who our schools serve. Our campuses are intentionally located in major cities, near bus lines, and in communities where adult students need access the most. We meet them where they are.

Serving the Adult Students Who Need it Most

For us, it’s always been about serving the students who need us most. These are individuals with a clear goal: they need work, and they need it now. They have bills to pay and families to support. Our skilled trade schools prioritize providing them with the training and resources they need to succeed.

There’s also a profound shift happening within the skilled trades industry. At StrataTech, we’re proud to say that women and people of color make up a growing percentage of our student body—far surpassing industry norms. Women alone account for approximately 12% of our students. We also strive to create welcoming, inclusive campuses for all students. People of color make up nearly 75% of our student population, with the majority of our schools’ students coming from diverse backgrounds.

Approximately 80% of our students are Pell-eligible, meaning they qualify for federal financial aid due to their financial need. This is a point of pride for us, as it shows we’re serving the students who need us most, making the biggest impact where it’s needed most. Each year, our schools help place around 5,000 graduates into skilled trade jobs.

How Graduates are Leveling Up for Success

The trade industry is in demand for professionals who possess profound insights, expert skills and determined mindsets. Students who complete programs at TWS and RSI campuses enter their chosen industry with these non-negotiables, along with a sense of pride and accomplishment, increasing their confidence when next to seasoned professionals.

Graduates meet the high infrastructure demands in the construction industry, reducing workforce gaps, improving project efficiency and strengthening the economy. The construction industry is focused on sustainable practices along with emphasizing the importance of workers’ health and safety. StrataTech welding students learn to be proactive and energy-efficient throughout various assignments and projects, resulting in advanced knowledge of sustainable practices suited for the construction industry. Welders are essential in construction, as they strategize with building plans and blueprints, operate necessary equipment and increase building durability. It’s important for skilled tradespeople in construction to be precise and constantly move with intention to ensure the safety of their peers and clients. StrataTech ensures that graduates enter the field with expert training and knowledge, allowing safety protocols to be followed and executed efficiently.

Due to company partnerships and resources available at all campuses, StrataTech maintains a 90% job placement rate for graduates. Many students may not understand the intricacies of job searching, but StrataTech students are given the opportunity to connect with local and national businesses, organizations and professionals to maximize time spent in their programs.

StrataTech is partnered with various businesses throughout the schools headquarter markets— Dallas, Houston, Tulsa, Phoenix and Jacksonville, allowing students to create connections while collaborating with potential future employers. With these partnerships, StrataTech is expecting 53,000 graduates to be employed by the end of 2025 and 73,000 by 2027. StrataTech continues to provide a steady flow of workforce candidates to ensure industry standards are met and maintained.

With guidance counselors and career placement teams available as a key source for students, graduates are equipped with the knowledge needed to join professionals in their prospective fields. These teams provide students with information on the various career paths available along with valuable insight and perspective on how to be successful throughout their chosen career.

When students receive their first job offers, many are stunned by the salaries they can now command—sometimes higher than they ever imagined. It’s a profound achievement: rewriting their stories and creating new futures for themselves.