In 2016, after watching their two oldest children and friends approach their senior year of high school and consider their futures, the founders had four convergent realizations.

                Inferiority- The significantly fewer high schoolers contemplating a trade program or two-year degree appeared to feel inferior to their peers considering four-year degrees.

                Scarcity of Tradesmen- The founders had noticed longer wait times for home service and repair professionals to become available. Popular press began to report the ‘looming’ shortage of tradespeople as the median age of the industry was increasing and the number of apprentices was decreasing.

                Lack of Opportunity for Dabbling- With society’s shift from the farm and labor-based occupations, opportunities for all ages to engage in experiences that would create interest in the trades had diminished. Fewer local youth helped their parents do repairs around the house, work on cars, build structures, or make meals.

                Electronics- Perhaps kids were tethered to their electronics not because of electronics but because opportunities to putz around were not as prevalent as they once were.

These observations inspired the big idea for Big Ideas, Inc. They envisioned recreating “grandpa’s shop” and “grandma’s kitchen”. This would generate opportunities for youth to learn to use basic tools such as a tape measure, hammer, and saw. It would allow a chance to experience how an engine works, basic electricity circuits, soldering, welding, grinding, and greasing.

     Since the founding date, Big Ideas, Inc has morphed into more than just community classes. We have developed the Road Show, which allows us to bring trades exposure and the career potential behind it to any area. As of June 2021, over 1500 learners have gone through the Road Show, and over 400 have taken Big Ideas courses. We are changing minds with every event. And we are just getting started!