Why I Believe in Skilled Trade

When I was a kid, college wasn’t in the cards for me. I wasn’t the kind of guy who wanted to sit in a classroom for four more years after high school. I wanted to work with my hands, to build something real. So, at 13, I started tagging along with my dad, who worked in paving. I carried tools, swept up, and watched him and his crew work. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those summers shaped the rest of my life.

Fast forward to today, and I run my own business in the trades. I’ve been at it for decades now, and I can say this: skilled trades have given me everything I could’ve hoped for in a career. Honest work. Financial stability. The satisfaction of seeing a project done right. And, most importantly, a sense of purpose.

The Value of Hands-On Work

There’s something about working in the trades that just feels good. When you finish a job, whether it’s paving a road or fixing a driveway, you can see the result. It’s right there, solid and useful. You know it’s going to make someone’s life a little easier. There’s pride in that.

Sure, it’s tough work. You’ll sweat. You’ll get your hands dirty. But at the end of the day, you’ll know you’ve accomplished something that matters. A lot of people I know spend their days behind a desk, never really seeing the impact of what they do. For me, it’s the opposite. I drive past roads I’ve paved or parking lots I’ve repaired, and I think, I did that.

The Opportunity in Trades

People don’t realize how much opportunity there is in the trades. You don’t need to spend four years in college or rack up debt to start earning a good paycheck. I started out learning on the job, and before long, I was running projects. Eventually, I took the leap and started my own company.

There’s real money in this work, too. A lot of tradespeople I know make as much—or more—than college graduates. And the best part? You’re doing something that can’t be outsourced or replaced by a machine. Roads need to be paved. Houses need plumbing. Electrical systems need fixing. This work is here to stay.

Breaking the Stereotypes

One thing that bugs me is how people sometimes look down on the trades. They think it’s dirty work or that it’s not as important as some office job. That’s just not true. Skilled trades require precision, problem-solving, and expertise. And let me tell you, running a business in this field takes just as much smarts as running any other kind of business.

The trades aren’t a fallback—they’re a career. I’ve built a life doing this, and I know plenty of others who’ve done the same.

Inspiring the Next Generation

If there’s one thing I’d like to see, it’s more young people getting into the trades. There’s a shortage of workers right now because a lot of older tradespeople are retiring. That means there’s a huge demand for new talent.

When I talk to young people, I tell them this: If you’re willing to work hard, learn the trade, and take pride in what you do, you can build a great life. You don’t have to follow the same path as everyone else. There’s no shame in working with your hands—it’s something to be proud of.

Building a Legacy

For me, the trades are about more than just making a living. They’re about leaving something behind. The roads I’ve paved, the jobs I’ve done—they’re a part of my legacy. They’ll be here long after I’m gone, serving the community, helping people get where they need to go.

So, if you’re thinking about what to do with your life, consider the trades. It’s honest, rewarding work that makes a difference. And who knows? One day, you might look back, like I do, and feel proud of the career you’ve built.