SUPPORT THE TRADES
DONATE TODAY
Tradespeople have built our communities for generations and their skills will remain vital for years to come. By donating to Explore The Trades, you help preserve this legacy and empower the next generation of professionals.
Why Our Work Matters
Explore The Trades exists to bridge the technical talent gap by introducing students to careers in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical. The organization provides free resources that inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals while supporting educators and industry partners.
For decades, schools shifted focus toward four-year college pathways, creating stigma around the skilled trades and leaving many students unaware of these essential careers. By supporting Explore The Trades, you help restore pride in the trades, rebuild awareness in classrooms, and open doors for the next generation of plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. Now is the time to invest in the people who power the trades.
Partnering to Build the Trades Talent Pipeline.
For business owners and industry leaders, the video below is a powerful example of how partnering with local schools can help develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Watch the video to learn more and discover how you can support trades education in your community.
Explore The Trades hosted a compelling panel featuring Mayfair educator Evin Jarrett and former student Jamiah Washington. Their conversation, moderated by Executive Director Kate Cinnamo and Trustee Lauren Martin of Seaside Plumbing Inc., offers a firsthand look at how career and technical education (CTE) can shape futures and strengthen communities.
Company Spotlight
HD Supply contributed $10,000 to Explore The Trades to help grow the skilled trades talent pipeline. This gift reinforces their commitment to workforce development and advancing education in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades across the country.
HD Supply is a one-stop partner for skilled trades, providing the essential tools, supplies, and solutions that help professionals work efficiently. With fast delivery, easy online ordering, and dedicated sales professionals, they are committed to helping you succeed—whether you’re building your career, growing your business, or educating the next generation of tradespeople.
This webinar was recorded on March 6th, 2025.
Michelle shared, “At Pink Callers, we believe the future of the trades depends on inspiring the next generation to see the value and opportunity this industry holds. That’s why we proudly support Explore The Trades. By connecting teens and young adults with resources, training, and real career pathways, this initiative opens doors to meaningful, stable, and rewarding work. Our mission is to strengthen home service businesses, and that starts with cultivating skilled, motivated professionals who will carry the industry forward. Supporting Explore The Trades allows us to invest not only in today’s businesses but in tomorrow’s leaders.”
Donor Spotlight
Michelle Myers: Founder and CEO, Pink Callers
Michelle L. Myers is the founder and CEO of Pink Callers, a pioneering CSR agency that provides remote Customer Service Rockstars (CSRs), Dispatchers, and Office Managers to support home service businesses. Under her leadership, Pink Callers became the first-ever ServiceTitan-certified call center, setting a new standard for excellence in customer service operations.
Beyond Pink Callers, Michelle co-founded The CSR Academy, a specialized training partnership designed to elevate customer service professionals with industry-leading best practices. She is also a dedicated mentor for Women in HVACR, where she empowers and supports women in the trades.
Michelle’s leadership extends into her community as well—she serves as the Chair of the Christmas in Middleburg Parade, an iconic annual event that brings festive cheer to Northern Virginia.
In addition to Pink Callers, Michelle and her husband, Doug Myers, are partners in Wise Coatings of Loudoun, bringing high-quality floor coating solutions to homes and businesses in their area.
With a background in commercial construction and design, Michelle applies her expertise to the infrastructure and scalability of her companies. She lives outside of Washington, D.C., with Doug, their three children, and their two beloved French bulldogs.
She supports Explore the Trades as it engages with the next generation of youth in the trades, sharing the multitude of options outside of the traditional college experience and career track. She has been a proud donor since 2022.
How You Can Help
With support from donors and industry partners, Explore The Trades is helping assemble the technical workforce of the future. Your donation to Explore The Trades provides classroom and on-demand resources to educators, young adults, parents, and all those ready to begin a path to career success.
Explore The Trades is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity; EIN 20-3547319. Make a gift today to help empower the trades of tomorrow.
All contributions are greatly appreciated!
Donate to a Good Cause: Become a Monthly Supporter
You can make a big impact with a small monthly gift. By joining our community of recurring donors, you’ll help sustain Explore The Trades’ mission to connect students, parents, and educators with the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical industries. Your ongoing support provides the steady resources needed to encourage skilled trades professionals and strengthen communities nationwide.
Supporters who wish to become a monthly donor will receive the following:
- Special recognition on Explore The Trades’ website and annual donor recognition announcements
- An Explore The Trades digital badge to share on social media or your company’s website to proudly showcase your support of Explore The Trades
- Explore The Trades stickers and lapel pins
Your Annual Impact
$10
With a contribution of $10 a month,
your annual impact provides 12 poster
kits to schools across the country –
reaching over 6,700 students each
year, on average.
$20
With a contribution of $20 a month,
your annual impact provides 24 poster
kits to schools across the country –
reaching over 13,000 students each
year, on average.
$50
With a contribution of $50 a month,
your annual impact provides 60 poster
kits to schools across the country –
reaching over 33,000 students each
year, on average.
$100
With a contribution of $100 a month,
your annual impact provides 120
poster kits to schools across the
country – reaching over 67,000
students each year, on average.
Partner with Explore The Trades!
Partner with us to inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Explore partnership opportunities below to help guide the next generation into rewarding careers.
To discuss partnership opportunities, please contact:
Toni Bower, Donor Engagement Specialist: tonib@explorethetrades.org or 651-300-1612
Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director: katec@explorethetrades.org or 651-789-8518