Growing up, I discovered the power of working with my hands — fixing, building, and solving real-world problems. That path led me to become a precision machinist, handyman, and business owner. But the most meaningful work I’ve ever done began when I became a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

One of my Little Brothers was just eight years old when we were matched. He lived with his grandmother and had a deep love for trains. Every Saturday, we’d explore train yards, visit model shops, or build a sprawling train set that eventually filled a room in my house. I always told him, “If you can dream it, you can build it.”

Years later, long after we’d lost touch, I got a surprise phone call. It was him. He was now working for Northern Pacific Rail, married, with four kids — living the dream he’d once spoken of as a child.

That moment reminded me how powerful consistency, mentorship, and hands-on guidance can be.

Skilled Hands Training Center was built on that belief — that with the right tools, support, and encouragement, we can change lives. We’re here to restore confidence, unlock potential, and give people the skills they need to build a better future — one project, one student, one story at a time.