Building Talent Foundation and Hearth & Home Technologies Partner to Promote Careers in Fireplace Installation

(Washington, DC, and Lakeville, MN) November 11, 2024 — Building Talent Foundation and Hearth & Home Technologies are excited to announce a strategic collaboration to promote career pathways for young adults and career changers in the skilled trades, with a special emphasis on the high-demand field of fireplace installation.

Hearth & Home Technologies will engage with Building Talent Foundation’s JobsToBuild platform by sponsoring a career exploration page specifically dedicated to fireplace installation. This resource will offer insights into training programs, safety protocols, and opportunities for advancement, equipping job seekers with the information needed to pursue this fulfilling career path.

This partnership aims to address the acute and persistent shortage of fireplace installers by providing relevant career guidance, training resources, and job opportunities to unemployed youth and adults. Combining Hearth & Home Technologies’ deep industry knowledge and Building Talent Foundation’s established network of education and employer partners nationwide, the two organizations will work together to inspire job-ready individuals to consider careers in fireplace installation, connect them with on-the-job training and employment opportunities, thus benefiting job seekers and the employers who need their skills.

“We are excited to welcome Hearth & Home Technologies as our Champion and Social Investor. Partnering with Hearth & Home Technologies is a pivotal step in promoting specialized careers like fireplace installation. Together, we’re empowering people to pursue meaningful work that supports their personal and professional growth, while strengthening the industry,” stated Branka Minic, the CEO of Building Talent Foundation.

Sarah Wellcome, Senior Vice President of Member & Community Relations at Hearth & Home Technologies, added, “We are proud to guide individuals toward rewarding careers in skilled trades, especially in areas like fireplace installation where expertise is crucial. Partnering with Building Talent Foundation helps us to expand our reach deeper into communities where we operate, and to strengthen the talent pipeline towards our trade partners.”

For more details, visit www.BuildingTF.org and www.hearthnhome.com.

About Building Talent Foundation

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. Building Talent Foundation's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction.

A key resource brought by BTF to industry and community partners is the JobsToBuild career platform, an innovative online tool designed to connect job seekers with career opportunities in the construction industry. JobsToBuild also offers career exploration and access to local training programs for youth and career changers, inspired to succeed in the construction sector.

For more information visit www.BuildingTF.org, www.JobsToBuild.com, and follow Building Talent Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

About Hearth & Home Technologies

Hearth & Home Technologies® (HHT) is the nation's leading manufacturer and installer of hearth products, including a full array of gas, electric, wood, and pellet-burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, and fire tables. Headquartered in Lakeville, Minnesota, with distribution around the world, HHT operates USA-based manufacturing facilities and provides engineering design, installation training, and retail sales locations for builders and consumers. Our partnership with a wide network of distribution partners creates thousands of job opportunities in the industry, allowing individuals to work with Hearth & Home Technologies or through our many distribution partners. Committed to innovation, we prioritize high-quality products and expert installations designed to enhance warmth, comfort, and connection in every home.

For more information, please visit www.hearthnhome.com.

Media Contact:

Contact: Syreeta Ziegler, MarCom Manager, Building Talent Foundation
Email: syreeta.ziegler@buildingtf.org  Phone: 770.990.9080

Building Talent Foundation and Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Announce Strategic Collaboration to Promote Careers in Construction

A Collaborative Effort to Enhance Education, Training, and Employment Opportunities for Job Seekers with Hispanic Businesses in the Construction Industry

Washington, D.C., Florida, - October 14, 2024 – Building Talent Foundation (BTF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the education, training, and career progression of youth and people from underrepresented groups in the residential construction industry, and the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FSHCC), a leading nonprofit association dedicated to promoting the economic advancement of Florida’s Hispanic business community for over two decades, are proud to announce a collaboration. The partnership was brokered by a key member of each nonprofit, Lennar, one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, which saw symmetry between the two organization’s initiatives.  This new partnership will support the growth of Hispanic construction companies with a new source of qualified skilled workers.

As of 2023, Hispanics make up approximately 34% of the national construction workforce, but in Florida, this percentage is significantly higher, reaching about 59%. This reflects the vital role Hispanic workers play in the state’s construction industry where it stands as the third largest industry for Hispanic employment. Building Talent Foundation actively works to connect job seekers with opportunities in the construction industry. Building Talent Foundation helps ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have access to stable careers and growth in this essential field.

This partnership underscores the significant role the Hispanic community and businesses play in the growth and sustainability of homebuilding. Through this initiative, Building Talent Foundation and Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are committed to enhancing workforce diversity and providing resources to support the long-term success of both job seekers and employers.

Lennar is one of the Leading Builders of America that founded Building Talent Foundation, with the goal to build a sustainable workforce in homebuilding. Jeremy Susac, Vice President of Government Affairs stated, “Lennar truly appreciates the leadership and focus of both the FSCC and Building Talent Foundation. We applaud the strategic alliance between BTF for the betterment of Florida’s construction industry.”

Branka Minic, CEO of Building Talent Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We’re excited to work with Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to fuel the growth of Hispanic firms in the construction industry and empower youth to become homebuilders,” said Branka Minic, CEO of Building Talent Foundation. “This partnership strengthens our commitment to bridging the talent gap by connecting job seekers with career opportunities.”

Julio Fuentes, President, and CEO of FSHCC, also commented on the collaboration: “This collaboration with Building Talent Foundation is a crucial step in helping our members strengthen their teams. By working together, we will impact both Hispanic businesses and communities in Florida.”

The collaboration is set to commence immediately, with both organizations committed to leveraging their resources and expertise to create a meaningful impact in the state of Florida. For more information about the Building Talent Foundation and the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, please visit their websites at www.buildingtf.org and www.fshcc.com.

Media Contact:

Contact: Syreeta Ziegler, MarCom Manager, Building Talent Foundation
Email: syreeta.ziegler@buildingtf.org  Phone: 770.990.9080

Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Email: info@fshcc.com
Phone: 561-513-8096

About Building Talent Foundation:

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. Building Talent Foundation's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction.

A key resource brought by BTF to industry and community partners is the JobsToBuild career platform, an innovative online tool designed to connect job seekers with career opportunities in the construction industry. JobsToBuild also offers career exploration and access to local training programs for youth and career changers, inspired to succeed in the construction sector.”

For more information visit www.BuildingTF.org, www.JobsToBuild.com, and follow Building Talent Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

About Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce                                                                                   

The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit association committed to promoting the economic advancement of Florida’s Hispanic business community, improving the quality of life for every Hispanic in Florida.

Building Talent Foundation and Greater Orlando Builders Association Deepen Strategic Collaboration to Address Talent Shortage in Residential Construction

Collaboration Aims to Connect Skilled Job Seekers with Construction Employers

Washington, D.C., Orlando, FL, October 10, 2024, 2024 –Building Talent Foundation (BTF), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the education, training, and career progression of youth and people from underrepresented groups in the residential construction industry, and the Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA),  a leading organization representing Central Florida's homebuilding industry, focused on supporting local builders, promoting growth, and connecting members with valuable resources and skilled talent, announce their new collaboration. This alliance aims to promote careers in homebuilding to youth, and to connect employers in Central Florida with skilled job seekers through innovative solutions like Building Talent Foundation career platform, JobsToBuild.com.

Central Florida remains one of the leading housing markets in the US. More than 10,000 permits were issued in the greater Orlando area, which led the state in new home construction activity among metro areas between October 2022- October 2023. (Conte, 2023)The partnership between GOBA and BTF will support the growth of the region’s homebuilding industry, through joint initiatives to strengthen the talent pipeline into the sector, and the linkages between hiring managers and job seekers.

As an active member of the GOBA Workforce Development Committee, Building Talent Foundation is engaging GOBA members in BTF Career Events, and their volunteers as classroom speakers and role models for students in local schools.

Branka Minic, CEO of Building Talent Foundation, emphasized the importance of partnering with GOBA, "This collaboration between two strong organizations is vital for addressing Orlando’s workforce challenges. Together, we can provide employers with the skilled workers they need to thrive. Our goal is to continue empowering youth and underrepresented groups to build fulfilling careers in residential construction."

Chassity Vega, CEO of GOBA, highlighted her organization’s dedication to supporting workforce development: “GOBA remains committed to driving growth in Central Florida’s homebuilding industry. By partnering with Building Talent Foundation (BTF), we enhance our ability to connect members with top talent, making it easier for employers to find the skilled workers they need. This collaboration strengthens local builders and supports the overall growth of the region’s construction sector.”

Media Contact:

Contact: Syreeta Ziegler, MarCom Manager, Building Talent Foundation
Email: syreeta.ziegler@buildingtf.org                                                                           Phone: 770.990.9080

Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA)
Phone: 407-629-9242
Email: info@greaterorlandoba.com
Website: www.GreaterOrlandoBA.com

About Building Talent Foundation:

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. Building Talent Foundation's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction.

A key resource brought by BTF to industry and community partners is the JobsToBuild career platform, an innovative online tool designed to connect job seekers with career opportunities in the construction industry. JobsToBuild also offers career exploration and access to local training programs for youth and career changers, inspired to succeed in the construction sector.

For more information visit www.BuildingTF.org, www.JobsToBuild.com, and follow Building Talent Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

About The Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA):

The Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA) is a nonprofit association dedicated to being the authority, educator, and promoter of the housing and building industry in Central Florida. GOBA’s mission is to provide its members with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the construction industry. For more information, visit www.GreaterOrlandoBA.com.

 Works Cited

Conte, A. (2023, October 20). Retrieved from Orchard: https://orchard.com/blog/posts/cities-with-the-most-new-construction-single-family-homes

Building Talent Foundation Renews Ongoing Partnership with Resideo Technologies to Reach Students in Trade Industry and Appoints Dana Huth to its Board of Directors

Empowering the Next Generation of Skilled Tradespeople

(Washington, DC) September 4, 2024 — Building Talent Foundation (BTF) announced that it will be renewing its strategic partnership with Resideo Technologies into 2027, recommitting to jointly inspire, train and mentor the next generation of homebuilders. Resideo, a leading global provider of solutions for home comfort, energy management, security, and safety, and BTF will continue to focus on students interested in careers in HVAC, security, and smart home industries, and introduce them to training and employment opportunities in residential construction.

 BTF provides mentoring and career coaching for college-age students, placing them with local employer partners who are local HVAC, security, and smart home contractors. Through this network, BTF has partnered with Resideo to provide equipment donations and online training to nine of its college partners in six states.

 "As we scale BTF’s initiatives across the U.S., Resideo’s continued support is invaluable,” said Branka Minic, CEO of BTF. “By bringing their state-of-the-art technology and know-how to schools, Resideo is a role model for all companies aiming to resolve today’s talent shortage across building trades.”

 BTF is also collaborating with Resideo on promoting careers in skilled trades to more than 100,000 youth and unemployed adults per year, during BTF career events, and on BTF’s career platform, JobsToBuild. In addition, BTF is pleased to announce the appointment of Dana Huth, Chief Revenue Officer, Products & Solutions at Resideo, to its board of directors. Dana's extensive experience and passion for advancing the skilled trades will enhance BTF's leadership and strategic direction.

 Dana Huth, Chief Revenue Officer, Products & Solutions at Resideo, stated, “Our partnership with Building Talent Foundation reflects Resideo's unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and driving positive change within the residential construction industry. By working together, we are accelerating and deepening the impact on people’s lives and communities.”

 Resideo has pledged an investment of $300,000 annually, in support of BTF’s programs to strengthen and diversify the talent pipeline and bring 100,000 new workers into the homebuilding sector by 2030.

 To learn more about the program's impact visit Resideo’s newsroom. For more information about both organizations, visit Resideo's website and Building Talent Foundation's website.

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About Building Talent Foundation: Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. Building Talent Foundation's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction.

A key initiative under BTF is the JobsToBuild platform, an innovative online tool designed to connect job seekers with career opportunities in the construction industry. This platform serves as a bridge between talent seeking to enter or advance in residential construction and employers looking for skilled talent. JobsToBuild offers resources such as job listings, career coaching, and training programs, ensuring that users are well-prepared to succeed in their roles.

For more information visit www.BuildingTF.org, www.JobsToBuild.com, and follow Building Talent Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

About Resideo Technologies:

Resideo is a leading global manufacturer and developer of technology-driven products and components that provide critical comfort, energy management, smart living and safety and security solutions to over 150 million homes globally. Resideo’s trusted First Alert® brand offers smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, escape ladders, and water leak detection solutions. With proven expertise for more than a century, the company’s Honeywell Home smart thermostats help balance indoor air quality and offer energy savings. Through the ADI Global Distribution business, Resideo also is a leading wholesale distributor of low-voltage security and smart living and life safety products for commercial and residential markets. For more information about Resideo, visit FirstAlert.com, HoneywellHome.com, or Resideo.com.

The Honeywell Home trademark is used under a long-term license to Resideo from Honeywell International Inc.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Building Talent Foundation:  Syreeta Ziegler | syreeta.ziegler@buildingtf.org

Resideo Technologies:  Sarah Reckard | sarah.reckard@resideo.com