Wilson Betances is a master electrician, contractor, author, and the Founder & CEO of Energize Us – a fast-growing education, media, and professional development platform redefining the future of skilled trades leadership. With 17+ years in the electrical trade, Wilson is now focused on addressing the structural issues holding the industry back. Grounded in his lived experience and the mentors who shaped him, he’s challenging the trades to rethink how we recruit, train, and keep skilled workers. Through Energize Us, he’s building a holistic ecosystem that supports people from their first day on the jobsite through becoming successful contractors. In this interview we cover: > Wilson’s Journey: Growing up in NYC and entering the electrical trade young > Cultural Conditioning: Overcoming scarcity mindset, silence, and conflict avoidance > What Energize Us is: How the platform began and its three pillars: media, education & professional development > Fixing the Pipeline: Why every contractor demanding “3–5 years experience” is breaking the system > Apprenticeship Dropout Rates: The real reasons so many apprentices leave within their first year > Leadership Development: What the new trades leader actually looks like > Gatekeeping & Culture Problems: Hazing, knowledge hoarding, outdated masculinity, and other norms pushing people away > Innovating Around Retention: How Energize Us is eliminating real-life bottlenecks like housing, childcare, and support > Future Vision: Wilson’s goal to influence workforce systems nationally and help modernize trades education and culture ----- Guest info: Wilson Betances, Founder & CEO @ Energize Us (https://energizeus-edu.today/) Connect with Energize Us, ✉️: Info@EnergizeUs-EDU.today; (mailto:Info@EnergizeUs-EDU.today)Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/energizeusedu/) Connect with Wilson on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/willmbetances/) & LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/energizeus/) Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com): Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/); ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com (mailto:amanda@theskilledproject.com) Follow on Instagram, (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/)TikTok, (https://www.tiktok.com/@theskilledproject)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@The-Skilled-Project) Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast Leave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0GmqZQILiYJItHLvRit0rF54DGspFRJSii2mSH0Gf-2nbCg/viewform?usp=sf_link) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

* This episode includes discussion of suicide in the construction industry. Listener discretion advised. Angelo Suntres didn’t choose construction, construction chose him. After earning a mechanical engineering degree, he took a job in the industry simply to pay the bills. What he found instead was purpose and a deep sense of pride in building spaces that serve the community. Now, with 20+ years experience in mechanical and MEP construction in Canada, Angelo is dedicated to improving the human experience in the skilled trades and broader construction industry through his global platform – The Human Side of Construction (https://www.angelosuntres.com/), two books (The Human Side of Construction (https://www.angelosuntres.com/book) and Rebuild Construction (https://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Construction-Actionable-Insights-Generational/dp/B0F7H76QV5)), an online course, and coaching the next generation of industry leaders. In this interview we cover: > Angelo’s Journey > How Human Side of Construction started > Generational divides between talent > Diversity & inclusion realities > Construction's leaky workforce pipeline > Mental health & suicide > Angelo's vision for the future Studies Mentioned: > Building Better 2025 (https://www.nccer.org/research/2025-building-better/) > Mason, L. et al. (2024). Comorbidity of anxiety and depression in adult ADHD (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12179154/) > Behind the High Vis: A Mental Health White Paper (https://www.onthetools.tv/home/mental-health-white-paper/) ----- Guest info: Angelo Suntres, Founder, Human Side of Construction (https://www.angelosuntres.com/) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/humansideofconstruction/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@humansideofconstruction), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXE3URiBlOFk0TmBOeatGYA) Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com): Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/) Follow on Instagram, (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/)TikTok, (https://www.tiktok.com/@theskilledproject)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@The-Skilled-Project) Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast Leave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0GmqZQILiYJItHLvRit0rF54DGspFRJSii2mSH0Gf-2nbCg/viewform?usp=sf_link) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jeremy Mistretta is the founder of New Age Artisans (https://www.newageartisans.com/), a plaster contractor and manufacturer based in Bozeman, Montana, and the creator of the Plaster Portal (https://www.newageartisans.com/plaster-portal), a global online learning hub preserving and teaching ancient plaster techniques. A self-taught craftsman with an English literature degree, Jeremy has transformed a chance encounter with plaster into a thriving career. His work spans high-end residential projects, historic restorations, and global knowledge exchanges, including a recent restoration and transformation of a 500-year old mosque in Morocco into a women and children’s center. Through New Age Artisans and the Plaster Portal, Jeremy is redefining how traditional craft can thrive in the modern era, while ensuring he gives back to the industry that’s provided so much for him. In this interview we cover: > Jeremy’s Journey: From East Coast summer jobs and a literature degree to discovering his plaster passion in Montana > Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks: The importance of mastering both trade skills and business acumen > The Clientele: Serving the 1% of the 1% in Montana’s luxury home market, Yellowstone Club, while staying grounded in craft and community > The Plaster Portal: A global education platform preserving ancient techniques and connecting artisans worldwide > Manufacturing Plaster: How New Age Artisans has developed its own line of plaster blend from local aggregates in Montana > Building Company Culture: Creating a circular economy that reinvests in employees, craft, and educating the next wave of plasterers > Cultural Responsibility: Giving back to the birthplace of Tadelakt through the restoration of a 500-year-old building in Morocco > Labor Shortage Insights: Firsthand perspective on the urgent need for skilled tradespeople ----- Guest info: Jeremy Mistretta, Founder & Owner, New Age Artisans (https://www.newageartisans.com/); The Plaster Portal (https://www.newageartisans.com/plaster-portal) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/newageartisans/) Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com): Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/); ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com (mailto:amanda@theskilledproject.com) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theskilledproject), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skilled-project) Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast Leave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0GmqZQILiYJItHLvRit0rF54DGspFRJSii2mSH0Gf-2nbCg/viewform?usp=sf_link) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Keith Benson is the Automotive and Manufacturing Instructor and Engineering Department Chair at Petaluma High School (https://petalumacityschools.org/petalumahigh/) in Sonoma County, California. A former NASCAR technician and Ferrari mechanic, Keith left industry in 2019 to take over and build the very program that shaped his own career. Today, he’s preparing his high school students for in-demand careers by offering a world-class, hands-on education that fuses traditional trades with cutting-edge technology. Under his leadership, his programs have become national standouts — proving what’s possible when students gain confidence early and the power of Career and Technical Education (CTE) opening doors of opportunity for young people. In this interview we cover: > Keith’s Career Path: From high school shop student to NASCAR and Ferrari tech, and back to Petaluma High > Program Revival & Expansion: How Keith helped save and scale the auto and manufacturing programs, doubling class offerings > Real-World Skills & Industry Connections: Students are graduating with job offers, internships, and experience making NASA parts and earning NIMS (https://www.nims-skills.org/credentialing) certifications > The Truth About Technician Pay: We revisit Keith’s viral quote about mechanics earning up to $250K/year, and break down how pay scales, specialization, and hustle impact earnings > Confidence Before Competence: Why exposure, mentorship, and early wins are key to unlocking student potential > AI, Automation & Future Workforce: The coming wave of robotics and how Keith’s preparing students to build, program, and work alongside machines – not be replaced by them > Industry Evolving: Keith’s take on the future of transportation (Electric vs. Hydrogen-powered vehicles) > Work-Based Learning & Equity: Expanding access, bridging the experience gap, and how community and public-private partnerships make it all possible ----- Guest info: Keith Benson, Automotive and Manufacturing Instructor and Engineering Department Chair at Petaluma High School (https://petalumacityschools.org/petalumahigh/) PHASE Boosters (https://www.phaseauto.org/) – non-profit Keith started that helps fund PHS' CTE Programs Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com): Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/); ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com (mailto:amanda@theskilledproject.com) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theskilledproject), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skilled-project) Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast Leave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://www.theskilledproject.com/contact) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Amy Atchley is the co-founder and owner of Amy’s Roofing & Solar (https://www.amyrs.com/), a solar and roofing company based in Sonoma County, California. After 16 years as a high school educator, Amy made a bold leap during the pandemic, leaving the classroom to build a purpose-driven trades business alongside her husband. Together, they’ve created not just a company, but new kinds of skilled jobs to meet the demands of the clean energy transition. Amy is part of a growing movement of leaders reshaping the trades through innovation, inclusion and equity. In this episode we cover: > Amy’s Career Pivot: From high school teacher to co-founder of a solar roofing company > Solar Roofing as a Net New Skilled Job: How clean energy is creating hybrid roles that didn’t exist before > On-the-Job Training: Why most training happens hands-on and the lack of standardized solar & roofing education > Workforce Challenges: Aging workforce, difficulty finding people willing to do physically demanding roofing jobs, and the ongoing “race to the bottom” in contractor pricing > Immigration + Labor Inequity: Amy discusses undocumented labor, exploitation, how contractors skirt the system, and why the system makes it so hard to do the right thing > California Policy Friction: Why current licensing and apprenticeship models don’t support solar and battery storage roles, and the tension between the solar and electrician worlds in California > Advice to Her Younger Self: “Do the thing you want to do. Don’t psych yourself out. You’ll figure it out along the way.” > Finding Mentorship: The importance of a mentor when you’re starting a business. Shoutout to Letitia Hanke of The LIME Foundation (https://www.thelimefoundation.org/) and ARS Roofing (https://arsroofing.com/) ----- Guest info: Amy Atchley, Co-Founder & Owner, Amy's Roofing & Solar (https://www.amyrs.com/) ✉️: amy@amyrs.com (mailto:amy@amyrs.com) Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com): Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/); ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com (mailto:amanda@theskilledproject.com) Follow on Instagram, (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theskilledproject)& LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skilled-project) Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast Leave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://www.theskilledproject.com/contact) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Nick Hartman always felt a deep desire to help others, but he never expected the skilled trades would be the place where that calling came to life. After dropping out of college and bouncing between jobs, a random Facebook message from a friend led him to a warehouse role at an HVAC company. That decision would quietly change the course of his life. As someone with ADHD, Nick had spent years searching for a place to channel his energy and drive. The structure, pace, and purpose of the trades gave him exactly that. Today, he’s the Chief Growth Officer at Ongaro & Sons (https://ongaroandsons.com/), a fourth-generation plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company in Northern California. His job is more than growing the business, it’s about developing people and the culture of the company – a role that taps into his purpose in ways no title ever could. In this episode, we cover: > Nick’s Journey: How a Facebook message at age 27 led him into HVAC and changed his life > Growing Up Fast: What it was like being one of six kids raised by a single mother, and how that shaped his sense of responsibility and drive > ADHD as a Superpower: Nick’s experience navigating ADHD and how the trades gave him structure and purpose > Neurodiversity in the Trades: Why hands-on careers are a powerful fit for neurodivergent individuals > Mental Health: The unique challenges tradespeople face and how Ongaro & Sons (https://ongaroandsons.com/) is building a culture of support > Investing in People: Leadership, mentorship, and creating environments where others can thrive > Advice for the Next Gen: Especially for neurodivergent youth navigating school and career choices ----- Guest info: Nick Hartman, Chief Growth Officer, Ongaro & Sons (https://ongaroandsons.com/) Follow Ongaro & Sons on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ongaroandsons/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OngaroAndSons/) & TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@ongaroandsons?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc) Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com): Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/); ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com (mailto:amanda@theskilledproject.com) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/) & LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skilled-project) Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast Leave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0GmqZQILiYJItHLvRit0rF54DGspFRJSii2mSH0Gf-2nbCg/viewform?usp=sf_link) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Marielle Price didn’t grow up in a construction family, but after studying civil engineering and sustainable design at Stanford, she fell in love with the problem-solving, team-based nature of construction. After 7+ years in the field managing multimillion-dollar projects, Marielle made the leap into construction tech, joining Fieldwire (https://www.fieldwire.com/lp2/construction-management-software/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=hilti-na&utm_campaign=skilledafpodcast&utm_content=website) (now Fieldwire by Hilti (https://www.fieldwire.com/lp2/construction-management-software/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=hilti-na&utm_campaign=skilledafpodcast&utm_content=website)) as one of its first employees. As VP of Go-To-Market, she shares how her experience in traditional construction shaped her work in tech, what makes construction a uniquely human industry, and how software tools are helping builders focus less on paperwork and more on what matters – getting things built. In this interview we cover: > Her path from civil engineering to construction > Transitioning from traditional construction into construction tech > The team Marielle has built all pulling from industry > Software unlocking productivity & AI's role in construction > Culture shifts needed to attract talent > Marielle's experience as a new mom navigating a male-dominated workplace > Advice to the next generation and why going to trade school is a great option ----- Guest info: > Marielle Price, VP, Go-To-Market, Fieldwire by Hilti (https://www.fieldwire.com/lp2/construction-management-software/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=hilti-na&utm_campaign=skilledafpodcast&utm_content=website) > Connect with Marielle on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielle-price-98705594/) Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com/): > Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/); ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com (mailto:amanda@theskilledproject.com) > Follow on Instagram, (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theskilledproject), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skilled-project) > Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 > Subscribe to the podcast > Leave a kickass review > Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0GmqZQILiYJItHLvRit0rF54DGspFRJSii2mSH0Gf-2nbCg/viewform?usp=sf_link) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The construction industry has been a launchpad for transformation for Renae Sams. Raised with limited resources, and shaped by early loss and toxic relationships, Renae found strength, purpose, and financial independence through building. What started as a temp job turned into a decade-long career leading mission-critical construction projects for the military and major tech companies. That experience and the barriers she faced along the way, inspired her to launch Build-Her.org (https://www.build-her.org), a nonprofit dedicated to increasing visibility and creating real pathways for women, especially women of color, in construction and the skilled trades. She’s also the author of Build-Her, Be Heard (https://d3f3cc-cf.myshopify.com/products/build-her-be-heard). In this interview we cover: > Her early life story and journey, and how a temp job at an engineering firm led her into construction > Her role and work building mission critical building and military infrastructure all around the world > Finding financial independence in construction and what that security did for her > Launching Build-Her.org (http://Build-Her.org) and writing her book > Representation, respect & real talk on the culture shift needed in the industry > The importance of sharing your story > What it takes to succeed in construction ----- Guest info: Renae Sams, Executive Director & Founder, Build-Her.org (http://Build-Her.org) Grab her book – Build-Her, Be Heard (https://d3f3cc-cf.myshopify.com/products/build-her-be-heard)(also available in Spanish (https://d3f3cc-cf.myshopify.com/products/build-her-be-heard-en-espanol)) Follow on Instagram, (https://www.instagram.com/build_her_org/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559607329020), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/build-her-org/) Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com): Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/); ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com (mailto:amanda@theskilledproject.com) Follow on Instagram, (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theskilledproject), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skilled-project) Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast Leave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0GmqZQILiYJItHLvRit0rF54DGspFRJSii2mSH0Gf-2nbCg/viewform?usp=sf_link) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Aaron Valencia is living proof that the skilled trades can change lives. After overcoming addiction, homelessness, and incarceration, he found stability and purpose through hands-on work – first in house painting, then in classic car restoration. The trades didn’t just give him a second chance, they gave him a future and the chance to change the trajectory of others’ lives. That experience inspired him to start Lost Angels Career Center (https://www.lostangelscp.org/) in Lancaster, California, a nonprofit offering 12-week vocational training for underserved and at-risk youth. Using classic cars as the hook, the program teaches welding, bodywork, mechanics, CNC machining and composites—while also instilling soft skills, structure, and a deep sense of community. The program boasts a 97% graduation rate and a 95% job placement rate, with many alumni moving directly into careers in aerospace. A forward-thinking force in workforce development, Aaron is vocal about dismantling toxic job site culture, building retention through empathy, and creating a more inclusive, purpose-driven path for young people. In this interview we cover: > Aaron’s path into the trades: From poverty to getting into classic car restoration > How he's rebuilding lives through classic cars > Breaking down the stigma around blue-collar work > Accountability, developing this next generation's soft skills & second chances > Toxic job site culture and what needs to change > Community as the catalyst in helping young people > You can go anywhere: Your past doesn’t define your future ----- Guest info: Aaron Valencia, Executive Director & Founder, Lost Angels Career Center (https://www.lostangelscp.org/) Follow on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVu4vh1pEMB-AwiMgGWISFA), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/lostangelscp?fref=ts), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lost_angels_career_center/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@lostangelscareercenter) Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com/): Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/); ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com (mailto:amanda@theskilledproject.com) Follow on Instagram, (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theskilledproject) & LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skilled-project) Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast Leave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0GmqZQILiYJItHLvRit0rF54DGspFRJSii2mSH0Gf-2nbCg/viewform?usp=sf_link) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hayley Campbell, better known as Sparket Cadet, is a FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) electrical apprentice working in the mining industry in Brisbane, Australia. After a decade in hospitality, she took a leap at age 30 to chase a hands-on career in the trades—one of the best decisions of her life. Now, she’s thriving in a field she once thought was out of reach, proving that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. From working on massive equipment at a mining site to embracing her neurodivergence as a strength, Hayley’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, support, and willingness to start over, anything is possible. In this interview we cover: > Entering the Mining Industry – Hayley started in hospitality at 18 before transitioning into electrical work > Finding Electrical as a Career in Her 30s – After being laid off during COVID, she pursued an electrical apprenticeship despite initial doubts > Mining Innovation & Career Pathways – From massive Cat 7495 shovels to autonomous trucks, Hayley describes her work on cutting-edge mining tech and the foundational skillsets she’s learning that can take you anywhere > ADHD & Neurodivergence in the Trades – She shares her struggles with traditional education, her recent ADHD diagnosis, and why hands-on work suits neurodivergent minds > The Physical Demands & Benefits of Trade Work –Hayley debunks the myth that trades wreck your body, emphasizing strength, flexibility, and movement > Age Is Just a Number: Entering the Trades Later in Life – She highlights the value of mature apprentices and shares the story of a 52-year-old in her training > The Power of a Single Conversation – A chance encounter with a female tradeswoman set Hayley on her path, proving the impact of representation ----- Guest info: Hayley Campbell aka SparketCadet– 2nd Year FIFO Electrical Apprentice Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sparketcadet/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@sparket_cadet) Connect with The Skilled Project (http://theskilledproject.com): Founder, Amanda Luchetti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luchetti/); ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com (mailto:amanda@theskilledproject.com) Follow on Instagram, (https://www.instagram.com/theskilledproject/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theskilledproject) & LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skilled-project) Subscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast Leave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0GmqZQILiYJItHLvRit0rF54DGspFRJSii2mSH0Gf-2nbCg/viewform?usp=sf_link) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.