Here are a number of excerpts taken from email messages that came in to FHBpodcasts@taunton.com and keepcraftalive@taunton.com.
I’m an original FH subscriber and I’d be remiss I didn’t say what a great magazine it is. I especially applaud your campaign to to promote careers in the building craft. It’s a huge source of challenging (in a good way), creative, and fulfilling careers — and good living wages. For good measure, these jobs seem as close to being “export proof” as a job can get. Thanks again for your help.
Walter Dadik, Newfane, Vermont
I wrote in a few months ago about how your #keepcraftalive campaign had helped me build up the courage to take the leap and get out of my finance desk job. Well I can happily say that I finally quit last week and will be working with a buddy of mine who has been in the business for a while now. Really pumped and ready to get to work. Awesome coverage at IBS this year, loved hearing from Nick, Johnny, Shawn, and Tyler on the podcast. Keep up the good work guys!
Mike
My name is Nate and I wanted to extend my thanks for what you guys do each week. I just finished up episode 33, the last show from Orlando, and was extremely impressed with the discussion on managing your business. I am also very excited to see how the #KeepCraftAlive Movement is taking on momentum.
I always toy with the idea of owning my own residential company, but chose the slightly more secure commercial construction option back in 2012 after I got my construction management degree. Southeast Michigan (where I lived) has not been known in recession years for their robust construction industry.
Anyway, keep it up — just wanted to say thanks!
Nate Hawes, Barton Malow Company
Hey guys,
I’m super excited to hear about the ‘keep craft alive’ campaign. Closing the skill gap is one of the most important issues facing our industry as well as the country as a whole. I was wondering if there is anything else we can do to help promote this cause besides the usual social media/donation route? Perhaps a link via our website? Anything to advance this campaign. Thanks, love the show. Keep up the great work.
Jon Drabnis, Vice President, North Central Construction
nccwva.com
Instagram: @nccwva
First off, you guys rock!
I’ve told Justin this before but just recently I left behind a career as a project manager for a large site contractor to follow my passion for homebuilding and finish carpentry. I attribute much of that decision to the influence the magazine has had on me over the years. You are definitely doing your part to keep craft alive.
Doug Boyer, Swedesboro, New Jersey
Hello from Toronto!
I am a project manager and landscape architectural designer for a large hard and soft landscape construction company based in Toronto, but with offices in Orlando, Vancouver, and Ottawa. I also am on my third home in almost 20 years, and as the son of a Snap-on Tools dealer and hobby woodworker, I am very proud of my hands-on tactile, tangible skill set of home renos, landscape work, woodworking, and design. I would be proud to represent the Canadian contingent of readers and listeners and would love to find a way to contribute to FHB, either as a brand ambassador, contributor, or in any way possible. I applaud your recent #keepcraftalive ideals, and especially your discussions on skills building in our industries and in the schools / apprenticeships to keep the manpower and way of life of fine craft and passion moving.
Jim Collins
I received an email recently regarding the skills gap and your KeepCraftAlive initiative. I thought you may be interested in our current project with Habitat.
I have taught at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa since 1990. I work with students in the Architectural Technology and Construction Management programs. Here are some links to my webpage as well as the programs:
- http://faculty.kirkwood.edu/jlopez/
- http://www.kirkwood.edu/architectural
- http://www.kirkwood.edu/constructionmanagement
At Kirkwood, we look for opportunities to provide real-life projects so the students can get hands-on construction experience. Our latest project is to work on a pre-fab design for an energy efficient small home for Habitat for Humanity.
We have already put together some of the modules and will begin pouring a foundation this spring. Feel free to contact me if you think this would be something you would like to cover in your magazine. Thank you for your time,
Jorge A. López, Architect, Professor, Architectural Technology
