A pathway to purpose.   

"Why I Founded The Next Generation of Tradesmen Foundation (NGTF)" – A Story by Brian Reid

As a kid navigating the public school system, I faced numerous challenges: underfunded schools, overworked and underpaid teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and many other complexities.

By the time I was a senior in high school, I found myself without a clear path forward. It felt like I was standing on a cliff without a parachute. Despite my efforts to maintain passing grades, school never felt rewarding, and I knew I wasn't ready—academically or emotionally—for college. I felt defeated.

Like many students who lack guidance, I began working odd jobs right after graduation. At first, earning a paycheck was enough to manage the early stages of adulthood. But as I started to envision my future—thinking about a family, a community, and a meaningful life—I realized there had to be more for someone like me. I wanted to be productive and contribute to the world around me.

After working various jobs, from fast food to retail, and through multiple staffing agencies, I eventually landed a stable job with a salary, benefits, and a 401K. However, after five years in manufacturing as a machine operator and forklift driver, I realized that my work was not financially, emotionally, or spiritually fulfilling. My life seemed limited to the knowledge and skills I had at that time.

I even relocated from Michigan to Texas, thinking a change of scenery would improve my work-life experience, but it didn’t. However, being in a new environment away from old distractions allowed me to explore new possibilities. Without a college degree, I knew I needed to acquire specific skills to change my circumstances.

I considered Barber College, but the schedule conflicted with my job. Then I found out about Dallas Community College's HVAC certification course. Initially hesitant because of my past struggles with school, I decided to take a chance and enroll after researching the HVAC field. Despite working six days a week, ten hours a day, I attended night school four days a week for five hours each night. It was exhausting, but I loved learning the trade.

After completing my one-year certification course with a 3.69 GPA, I quickly entered the workforce. My hard work paid off, and my income grew each year. By my fifth year in the field, I had started my own company, Serveway Heating and Air Conditioning.

From my own experience, I’ve seen a lack of awareness and appreciation for skilled trades as a viable career path for young people. This realization led me to create NGTF, a nonprofit foundation that aims to inform and guide young individuals, ages 14-21, about the opportunities in the skilled trades. Our society often emphasizes college degrees as the only route to a secure, successful, and fulfilling life, but that’s not entirely true.

In a world where jobs are being outsourced, automated, and downsized, skilled tradespeople are still essential. Construction workers build and renovate our homes, roads, and bridges. Electricians keep our power and communication systems running. Plumbers and pipe fitters ensure water and gas flow smoothly. HVAC technicians maintain comfortable environments in homes, workplaces, and beyond, and ensure our food is refrigerated and safe.

A career in the trades is rewarding and often comes with little to no debt, a fraction of the cost of a college degree. It’s a path for all kinds of people—those who excelled in school and those who struggled, introverts and extroverts, hands-on workers, and those who think with their minds. The trade industry has blessed my life, and at NGTF, we aim to inspire and guide the next generation of tradespeople toward a fulfilling and blessed future!