Construction
Construction Student & Author
Paige Knowles is a recent high school graduate who now attends a community college for construction management. Although a student, she keeps busy by constantly sharing ideas to show her advocacy for the skilled trades. Paige is adamant about getting the youth interested in these fields, which she proves by publishing original content under her persona, Plumber Paige. Her book, “Plumber Paige - Let’s Replace a Showerhead” provides a look into the type of engaging material that can positively influence children early in their lives. Paige reaches older generations with her social media accounts – all found under the username plumber_paige – and with her youtube channel, Plumber Paige.
Master Journeyman Electrician
Gillian is a 3rd generation Master Journeyman Electrician, a 2nd generation IBEW 353 Toronto member, and has been working in the trades since 2005. Gillian is also a founding member of the Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT) group. When Gillian isn’t working, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and two Labradoodles. She also enjoys traveling internationally whenever she gets the chance.
Program Director
Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
Adam is a Heat and Frost Insulator who has served as a Business Agent, Director of Government & Community Relations, Apprenticeship and Health and Safety Coordinator, Youth Advisor to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and most recently a Program Director for the Provincial Building and Construction Trades, where he leads the Construction, Training and Apprentices Ontario and Tomorrow’s Trades initiatives.
President and CEO
Travis Walker is president and CEO of Mirmil Products, a custom architectural millwork company that caters to work in multiple millwork fields such as entertainment, gaming, institutional and multi-residential. Mirmil’s clients include Disney, MGM Resorts, Hard Rock Hotels and Yale and Harvard universities.
Vice President - Finance
McDonald Brothers Construction
Allessandro is the vice-president of finance for McDonald Brothers Construction and also served as President of the General Contractors Association of Ottawa. Allessandro could have put his skills to use in almost any sector, but he landed in the field of construction, because as he puts it, he “appreciates working for a company that provides something very tangible. It’s really grounding to be able to walk away from a project and see the direct impact a building can have on a community."
Industrial
Technical Sales Representative
Brent is a Technical Sales Representative and CNC machinist who has worked the Windsor area at a few different facilities. He has Automation and Tool and Mold experience with both Lemoine and Powermill cam software, running both vertical and horizontal machines during this time. He is now working in Metalworking Tooling Sales for Iscar Headquarters.
Melissa Phelan
Welding and Fabrication Technician
Missy is a Canadian Welding Bureau certified welder, a robotics programmer and technician and an ambassador for Everlast welders and Bessy Tools. Missy’s skills have allowed her to work in a number of different industries and to become a voice for finding what you love to do, working hard and lifelong learning.
Chris Hergott
Owner: XL Tool
President: Canadian Tooling & Machining Association
Chris is a Tool and Die Maker by trade and the current owner of XL Tool in Kitchener. He is also the President of the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association, who represent over 170 companies in the tooling and metalworking industry. Chris is a huge advocate for the skilled trades as a first choice career for youth and a testament to all of the opportunities that they lead to.
Welder & Manufacturing Technology Teacher
Georgetown District High School
Paul is a certified welder who now teaches his craft through his Manufacturing Technology course at Georgetown District High School. His Specialist High Skills Major Manufacturing and Welding program encourages many students to pursue welding and the many opportunities it offers to those who choose these careers.
Motive Power
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Dan is a Lead hand/Technical Trainer with Toromont Cat at the Ottawa location.
He helps a crew of technicians repair heavy equipment as well as teach apprentices/technicians, hydraulics, electrical/electronics and powertrain systems on the latest Cat equipment.
Automotive Service Technician
Zack is a young professional Automotive Service Technician currently working at RJ’s Muffler Shop, as well as a custom car building shop, specializing in ground-up full custom cars and trucks pre-1970. He was a student in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program where he excelled, earning the Wheels Driver Training Award for excelling in the program and earning top results.
Joe McKenzie
Fixed Operations Manager
Joe started in the Automotive industry in 1994, working part time while I attended college pursuing journalism and found very quickly that the automotive retail service industry is where I should stay. I truly enjoy the customer interaction and helping groom and coach people looking to follow the same path as I. I have worked with four different manufacturers in all roles in a dealership fixed department including detailer, apprentice, cashier, driver, tower operator, warranty, parts department, and then a long-time service advisor to assistant service manager, service manager and finally fixed operations manager.
John Cammalleri
Owner/Operator
John was the owner of T&J Tire and Automotive Center / Elemonator and is now semi-retired, selling the business after 34 years. He started his business with his brother at 21 years-old, is a licensed technician and ASE Master Technician, Drive Clean certified as a test and repair technician and is an executive board member of the Windsor Professional Automotive Repair Association (W.P.A.R.A)..
Service
Jordan Diniz
Private Chef, Culinary Artist & Owner
Jordan is a young chef who graduated from the George Brown Culinary Management program and interned at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto. He has been passionate about cooking since youth and two years ago opened his own catering business, Novus Fine Dining.
Nicole Cox & Cassandra Fledderus
Hairstylists & Co-Owners
Nicole and Cassandra have been hairstylists for 14 and 9 years, respectively, and both took the Hairstyling apprenticeship program at St. Lawrence College. These friends who worked in other salons for a number of years, decided to open their own salon in February 2021. Together they have both had the best year of our careers!
Morgan Robertson
Vice President & Horticultural Technician
Morgan started his horticultural journey by attaining a bachelor of commerce degree. By working for various landscape companies, he realized his passion was plants and the outdoors. He attended the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture and completed his horticultural technician red seal. He has had the opportunity to work under the tutelage of award winning landscape designers before starting Verdant Landscaping.
Ronni Orlando
Co-Owner, Horticulturist & Landscaper
Artistic Nature Lawn and Garden
Ronni has worked in landscaping for 17 years, with the same company for 16 of those years and a supervisor for 14 years. When her daughter went to Mohawk College for Horticulture, she decided to join her - you are never too old to learn! This past June they opened their own business, Artistic Nature Lawn and Garden.
