#73 Kilroy's Workshop: Revolutionizing Skilled Trades Training, Rethinking Teaching, & Critical National Security Concerns

Ron Hardman is a software engineer turned master blacksmith, which led him to founding Kilroy’s Workshop—an American skilled trades school and shared workspace where creators of all kinds can learn everything from blacksmithing and blade smithing, to CNC machining, welding, additive design and manufacturing(3d-printing), and everything in between. Kilroy’s Workshop now has locations in multiple states, and Eli Timm, shop manager of their Colorado Springs location, joined Ron and Zach. It all started with an airplane hangar and a dream, and now Kilroy’s serves over 5,000 creators each year. And Eli climbed the ranks of the organization, having begun as one of Ron’s students as a teenager. Discover how this unique organization is breaking barriers by making trades education accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, ADHD, and autism, while partnering with programs like Wounded Warrior Project to serve veterans alongside everyone else. Other topics include:7-week welding certifications that lead to $70K+ careers to addressing America's critical skilled labor shortage, America’s manufacturing vulnerabilities, starting over in an entirely new career, shortcomings in our education system, what makes a great teacher, how Ron’s philosophy has enabled him to open doors for so many others, what it takes to build a booming business in a niche, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the spirit of creation. You can learn more about Kilroy's Workshop at kilroysworkshop.com.You can learn more about Kilroy's Workshop at kilroysworkshop.com.Zach’s book is on the wayit’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website.Follow And Support The ShowFollow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends.Website: https://zachtidwell.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388Instagram: @ZachCTidwellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/X: @ZachCTidwellApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod#GIB #GoingInBlindPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm.