Our Mission

At Explore The Trades our mission is to recruit individuals to the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical trades. These industries keep our country running. Jobs in these industries are in high demand and come with great pay, career opportunities and job security. We want to help you discover that these careers aren’t just a choice – they’re the best choice.

 

About Us

Founded in 2005, Explore The Trades is committed to developing the next generation of a skilled workforce by changing the perception of the trades. The organization creates awareness of the trades through key industry statistics, career resources and connections with industry-leading residential service companies throughout North America.

Kate Cinnamo

Executive Director

Maddy Sorenson

Project Coordinator

Toni Bower

Donor Engagement Specialist

Testimonials

The Nexstar Legacy Foundation provides a channel for people in the home service industry to give back to their community. Businesses in the plumbing, HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration) and electrical industries provided funding to start the foundation in 2005. The foundation launched a scholarship program attract talent to these industries. We raise funds with events and other activities.

Explore The Trades Board of Trustees

Lara Beltz (President)
Co-Owner & Vice President
Beltz Home Service Co.
Findlay,Ohio

Peggy Hildebrandt (Vice President)
President
Connors Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Waseca, Minnesota

Mike Bergstrom (Secretary)
General Manager & Partner
Thornton & Grooms
Farmington Hills, Michigan

Lauren Martin (Treasurer)
Co-Owner
Seaside Plumbing
Berlin, Maryland

Anthony Caccia (Trustee)
Vice President
Caccia Plumbing
San Mateo, California

Marty Cullen (Trustee)
Owner
Perfect Plumbing, Heating & Air
Garden City, Idaho

Phil Smitherman (Trustee)
Owner
Aux Home Services
Bessemer, Alabama

Julian Scadden (Trustee, Ex Officio)
Nexstar Network
Bloomington, Minnesota 

Kate Cinnamo (Executive Director)
Explore The Trades
Bloomington, Minnesota
[email protected]

What We Do

Explore The Trades provides resources about careers in the trades of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical trades to educators, students, and parents across the country.

Our purpose is to create and build a foundational understanding of these trades for so many. Through classroom posters, trade-specific infographics, and videos, the organization is setting the stage for those who choose to enter the trades after high school.

Together with trades professionals, industry experts, and educators, Explore The Trades is bringing the trades back into the classroom.