Ep 178 Erin Izen- HomeDepotFoundation.org

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres welcome Erin Izen, Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation®, for an uplifting conversation about service, opportunity, and the power of skilled trades to transform communities.Erin shares how The Home Depot Foundation® is helping address the skilled labor shortage through its Path to Pro™ program, which provides free training, scholarships, and career resources to help individuals build meaningful careers in the trades. From supporting U.S. military veterans to empowering young people through partnerships with organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America®, Erin highlights how strategic investment and community collaboration can open doors to lifelong careers and generational stability.This episode is a reminder that building futures is not just about tools and materials. It is about lifting people up, restoring purpose, and creating pathways to prosperity through skilled work. If you believe in strengthening your workforce, supporting your community, or inspiring the next generation of trades professionals, this is an episode worth sharing.🔗 Learn More and Get InvolvedThe Home Depot Foundation® — https://HomeDepotFoundation.orgPath to Pro™ — https://www.pathtopro.com/Veteran Support Programs — https://corporate.homedepot.com/page/veteran-housing-grants📌 Episode HighlightsNearly $600 million invested in veteran causes and skilled trades initiatives400,000+ open skilled trade jobs nationwideHow Path to Pro™ prepares the next generation of tradespeoplePartnering with Boys and Girls Clubs of America® to inspire youth earlyWhy community engagement and workforce development go hand in hand🎧 Subscribe & Share the MissionIf you believe in empowering the trades, building stronger communities, and creating pathways to prosperity, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Trades Podcast01:23 Meet Erin Izen and Home Depot Foundation03:15 Home Depot's Commitment to Veterans and Community10:52 The Path to Pro: Addressing the Skilled Labor Gap21:30 Engaging Youth and Parents in Skilled Trades27:31 Diverse Pathways into the Trades28:16 Investing in Youth: Path to Pro Updates29:30 Focus on Key Trade Skills32:37 Challenges in Trade Education34:34 Community Engagement and Support37:01 Addressing the Skilled Trades Shortage38:37 Empowering Future Generations40:00 Innovative Approaches to Trade Training42:53 Influencing Young Minds46:16 Partnerships with Boys and Girls Club48:46 Creating Generational Wealth through Trades About The Trades PodcastWebsitehttps://www.thetradespodcast.comHosted byJeff Mudd and Danny TorresThe Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community. Support the Trades MovementIf this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.