We’ve been busy! I'm excited to share the recent wave of media attention we've garnered over the past month. This exposure has not only amplified our mission but also underscored the crucial role of skilled trades and advanced industries in shaping a prosperous future for America.

As we wrote about last month, we launched our app in a pilot phase with a few classes of students at Lincoln Technical Institute campuses in Connecticut. Since then, the momentum has only grown. Our team connected with students, workforce leaders, employers, and faculty at the SkillsUSA conference in Atlanta. We had some great conversations about our mission, earned plenty of praise, and collected even more constructive feedback about where we can improve the app experience. 

During our pilot launches, I wrote an Op-Ed published in the Washington Post, "I went to trade school during law school. It left me stunned." In it, I addressed the pressing issue of the skills gap in our advanced manufacturing sector and highlighted the growing number of middle-class jobs available in the trades and advanced industry. I also advocated for a shift in perception towards these vital roles. This piece really resonated - it was the most viewed article on the Washington Post that day, and has over 1,700 comments to date. We’ve seen the thoughts resonate within the industry and have led to a number of additional media appearances. 

Fox Business's The Big Money Show: Here, I covered the economic impact of the skills gap and how Thurgood Industries is bridging this divide by connecting workers with promising careers in advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades.

CNN's Smerconish Show: This platform allowed me to share my personal journey from law school to launching Thurgood Industries, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for all Americans, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.  

Nyberg WTNH (abc): A wonderful opportunity to reach a local audience, discussing the significance of our platform in supporting the community and providing accessible career pathways.

The Manufacturing Report, with Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (to air in late August): Scott and I engaged in an in-depth conversation about the state of American manufacturing, and explored how Thurgood Industries is positioned to rejuvenate the sector by connecting skilled workers with industry demands.

Capturing the Zeitgeist of Our Time

These media appearances have not only increased our visibility and opened the doors to exciting new collaborations, but they have also captured the zeitgeist of this moment in history, where there's a growing recognition of the value of skilled trades and advanced industry careers. At Thurgood Industries, we are at the forefront of this movement, providing a platform that connects workers to fulfilling careers and helps them realize their full potential.

Looking Ahead

We are thrilled about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. The support and interest we've received reinforce our commitment to our mission. As we continue to grow and expand, we remain dedicated to creating a community where skilled workers can thrive and connect with meaningful career opportunities.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make strides in closing the skills gap and building a brighter future for the American workforce.