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

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

Gregg D’Attile, President
President & CEO, Art Plumbing, AC & Electric
Coral Springs, Florida

Peggy Hildebrandt, Vice President
President & Owner, Connors Plumbing & Heating
Waseca, Minnesota

Lara Beltz, Secretary
Vice President, Beltz Home Service Co.
Findlay, Ohio

Marty Cullen, Treasurer
President & Owner, Perfect Plumbing, Heating & Air
Garden City, Idaho

Mike Barker, Trustee
President & Owner, Barker & Sons Plumbing & Rooter
Orange, California

Anthony Caccia, Trustee
Director of Sales, James Caccia Plumbing
San Mateo, California

 

Mike Bergstrom, Trustee
External Operations & Partner, Thornton & Grooms
Farmington Hills, Michigan

Phil Smitherman, Trustee
President & Owner, Aux Home Services
Bessemer, Alabama

Lauren Martin, Trustee
Vice President, Seaside Plumbing
Berlin, Maryland

Julian Scadden, Trustee, Ex Officio
President & CEO, Nexstar Network

Frank Blau, Jr., Honorary Chairperson
Founder, Nexstar Network

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.