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Doug Ford wants to build a better workforce for the trades

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Press Release

Doug Ford wants to build a better workforce for the trades

Doug Ford and the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition have a plan to get students interested in the trades.

 |  Donna Abbott-Vlahos, Albany Business Review

Doug Ford is president of the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition Inc. He's shown here at Curtis Lumber, where he's vice president of purchasing and public relations.

Doug Ford attended SUNY Oneonta thinking he’d become a high school math teacher, but his plans changed early on. Instead, he got an entry-level job at Grossman’s Lumber and rose up the ranks to manage six different stores.

He joined Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa after Grossman’s closed in 1996 and never left the hardware business.

In recent years his focus has been trying to get more young people into the construction industry. The early results are encouraging.

Are you handy with tools? No, I don’t consider myself handy at all. I can do the basic stuff. The skills that I learned to be a teacher basically transferred to be a manager. I didn’t stay in this business because of the product. I stayed because of the people.

I turned 66 this year. I should be thinking about retiring. I’m trying to figure out how I can stay in the game and not retire.

How did the Northeast Construction Workforce Coalition get started in 2018? I sit on the Saratoga Builders Association board. At every board meeting we would talk about the fact they could build more if they only had the labor. We would do this month after month. Finally, I spoke up and said we need to do something or take it off the agenda. What that did was got me appointed to a task force. I partnered up with Pam [Stott, administrative assistant at Curtis Lumber].

What did you do? Pam and I met with every single school in Saratoga County and came away realizing as an industry we were doing nothing to help ourselves. The colleges were in there. The military was in there. Other businesses were. Our industry was not.

What happened next? We came away realizing we weren’t doing our job and started interacting with juniors and seniors. We quickly realized that’s short-sighted. Fast forward seven years. We now have a program for elementary school kids, middle school, high school and college students. It’s not the trades or college. You can get into the trades via college. It’s just one of the pathways.

What do you do with the elementary school-aged children? We do toolbox builds. They’re extremely popular. The important thing for us is that toolbox goes home. The kids are excited. They talk to their parents and that’s where that process starts to build. We talk about the tools, the science, the technology.

It depends on the age group. We connect it to what they’re learning in school. If you go into the trades, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to do math or science. It’s all part of a bigger picture.

It makes sense to get them interested when they’re young. Are there case studies showing this has worked elsewhere? Not that I’m aware of, but we are doing some tracking. We are seven years into this. We’re just getting to that point where we’re seeing evidence that what we’re doing is working. It’s not a once-and-done kind of thing. Another challenge we have is there’s less than 10% females in the trades. We did a summer camp for fifth-, sixth- and seventh-grade girls this past year. We had 21 girls. They loved it. On day one we put a power screwdriver in their hand and they were scared to death. By the fifth day they were using pneumatic nailers and loving it. It was a huge program and something we’re going to continue to build on.

You’re seeing results. I’ll give you an example. I got a phone call just before Christmas last year. The woman was beside herself. Her son had graduated from Saratoga High an athlete and top student and went to Clemson University.

On his way home at the end of his first semester he called his mom and said, “I absolutely do not want to do this. I never wanted to do it. You guys pushed me into it.” She asked if I could help him. He came in and presented himself well.

He was an Eagle Scout. He had done a project on the backstretch at Saratoga and that’s what really piqued his interest in working with his hands. I set him up with two days with a remodeler, two days with a new homebuilder, two days with a commercial builder, two days with the carpentry union. I said, “If you do this you’re going to come away knowing whether this is something you really want.” He did it. At the end he was offered a job by the commercial builder, Munter Enterprises. He’s still with them today.

Pam Stott retired from Curtis Lumber and became the coalition’s first executive director a couple of years ago. They allowed Pam and I to focus on this initiative. Jay [Curtis, president,] is very insightful. He realized if our customers can’t find labor they’re not going to build and we’re dependent on them being busy. It really boils down to the fact we exist because people are building and have projects.

Interview edited and condensed for length and clarity.


Doug Ford

Title: President, Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition; vice president of purchasing and public relations, Curtis Lumber

Age: 66

Grew up: Otego in Otsego County

Resides: Wilton

Family: Wife, Lisa; two children and three grandchildren


Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, Inc.

Year founded: 2018

Nonprofit formed: August 2023

Member organizations: 70-plus

Number of local school districts participating: Approximately 30

In-school programs: Toolbox assembly, dodecahedron build, builder presentations

Outside school programs: Construction site tours, career exploration at local businesses

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6th Annual Capital Region Gives Back (Matt Whitbeck, VP of NCTWC Honored)

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6th Annual Capital Region Gives Back (Matt Whitbeck, VP of NCTWC Honored)

On Dec. 11th, the Capital Region’s charitable community gathered at Putnam Place for the 6th annual Capital Region Gives Back, an event that honors 10 local do-gooders and raises money for the nonprofits they represent.

 |  NCTWC

This year’s annual fundraiser, a celebration of community impact and philanthropy, was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors Rotor-Matic Sewer & Drain Solutions and Caffe Italia Ristorante, as well as the recognition of an inspiring group of 2024 honorees.

Emcee Mark Mulholland of NewsChannel 13 hosted the evening’s festivities, introducing the honorees and highlighting their incredible contributions to the community. Each honoree went home with a floral bouquet, generously donated by Samantha Nass Floral Design, as a token of appreciation for their efforts.

While the night celebrated these local leaders and their nonprofits, it also included a friendly competition to see who could raise the most funds for their cause. In a spirited conclusion, Tracy Muscatello, founder of HeartsHerd Animal Sanctuary, emerged as the top fundraiser. As a reward, she received a gift card to Saratoga’s newest luxury destination, Brookmere Resort.

This unforgettable evening showcased the power of collaboration, generosity, and community spirit. The event brought together sponsors, supporters, and honorees to celebrate the vital work being done in the region, all while raising funds to support these life-changing organizations.

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Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition Hosts a “Sell Out” Crowd To Drive Awareness About The Trades

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Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition Hosts a “Sell Out” Crowd To Drive Awareness About The Trades

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition recently held a highly successful membership mixer at Saratoga National, drawing a full house of trades professionals, supporters, parents, and community members. The event highlighted the importance of raising awareness about career opportunities in the construction trades, featuring compelling stories from three parents whose children have benefited from the Coalition’s outreach programs.

 |  NCTWC

NCTWC membership mixer

“By collaborating with local schools, businesses and legislators, we aim to educate and promote the trades as a viable and rewarding career option for the next generation.” 

Doug Ford, the President of the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition.

NCTWC mixer. Pam Stott with attendees.

Pictured Above: Pam Stott of NCTWC with attendees of the NCTWC Mixer in November.

One of the parents, Ramon Dominguez, shared their experience: “The support and resources provided by the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition helped my child understand the vast opportunities in the trades. They’ve now found a fulfilling career path, thanks to the Coalition’s programs and connections.”

The event was made possible through generous sponsorships from Andersen Windows & Doors, LeChase Construction, Degraff – Bloom Custom Home Builders, and Curtis Lumber Co. These sponsors played a vital role in supporting the Coalition’s mission of fostering the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

For more information or to get involved with the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, please contact Doug Ford at doug.ford@curtislumber.com or Pam Stott at Pam@NCTWC.org.

NCTWC mixer. Pam Stott with attendees.

About Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition  |  www.NCTWC.org : The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition’s mission is to educate, inspire and connect people in pursuit of rewarding careers in the trades, driving economic growth while building and sustaining our communities. What started as a small task force within the Saratoga Builders Association (SBA) in Saratoga County along with the support of Curtis Lumber’s leadership has grown into a 501c6 Not For Profit that continues to grow rapidly. It includes businesses and individuals with varying professional backgrounds, all united in a mission to dispel misconceptions about the trades and educate about the benefits and opportunities that they offer. The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition Board of Directors along with Pamela Stott the Executive Director is made up a very diverse group of committed members.

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NCTWC and Saratoga Builders SoH Present: Viking Chair Build Event for Middle School Students!

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NCTWC and Saratoga Builders Showcase of Homes Present: Viking Chair Build Event for Middle School Students!

Are you a middle school student or know someone who is? Here’s an exciting opportunity to roll up your sleeves, learn some hands-on building skills, and take home a one-of-a-kind creation! The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce, in partnership with the Saratoga Builders Showcase of Homes, is hosting a Viking Chair Build event, and you’re invited!

 |  NCTWC

What’s Happening?

On Sunday, October 6th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, middle school students will have the chance to build and decorate their very own Viking chair. This event is all about sparking creativity and inspiring the next generation of skilled tradespeople. And don’t worry, no experience is needed! With guidance from experienced professionals, students will learn basic woodworking skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Event Details:

  • When: Sunday, October 6th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Where: 9 Magnolia Drive (Juniper Ridge), Halfmoon
    Next to Abele & Belmonte Showcase Homes
  • Who: Middle School Students (parents are welcome to attend)
  • What’s Included: All materials to build and decorate the chair, plus snacks and beverages to keep everyone fueled throughout the day.

Why Attend?

This event is a unique opportunity for young students to explore careers in the trades, while creating something they can take home and show off with pride. Whether your child is curious about construction or just enjoys hands-on projects, this event promises a fun and educational experience.

How to Register:

Registration is completely free! Simply email Sam Ratti at sratti@northvillecsd.org to reserve your spot. Be sure to sign up soon, as space may be limited.

Don’t miss this chance to join other middle school students in building, creating, and having fun! We look forward to seeing you there.

Sponsored by:

martin-electric

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