The competition was fierce at the third annual Bustin’ Clays with The Builders, but the biggest win was the overwhelming support for future trades workers.
On Oct. 8, The Builders Association welcomed 80 members and partners that split into 20 teams for the sold-out fundraiser at Lawrence County Sportsman’s Club. The event supports pre-apprenticeship programs, scholarships and education expenses that help students pursue careers in the trades.
The goal goes beyond helping young people find their first jobs. It’s about developing skilled workers and future leaders who will carry the construction industry forward.
“When our members come together for an event like this, it shows their commitment to building the future workforce,” said Ken Reid, association services director, The Builders. “The funds raised help give students the training, tools and opportunities they need to turn interest in the skilled trades into a career.”
Building a workforce, carrying on a legacy
For some Builders’ members, construction is both a career and a family legacy, with skills, knowledge and businesses passed down.
However, it’s not limited to family ties. Other longtime workers can rise through the ranks, take on leadership roles and eventually become owners of the companies where they built their careers.
“For our contractors to stay in business, we need to bring up that next generation of leaders who can build on what’s already there. You can see that happening within our membership,” Reid said.
That connection is evident for Mark Kasula, co-owner of United Contractors Inc. (UCI) and a member of The Builders’ executive committee.
Kasula’s 15-year-old son, Sam, is among the next generation interested in pursuing carpentry.
“We’re seeing quite a few younger people coming into UCI, and I’m seeing that same interest among Sam’s friends and my older son’s friends,” he said. “And that’s good because we need them.”
Kasula also served on the Bustin’ Clays planning committee, alongside Matt Benson of Straightline Interiors and Jeff Mason of Overall Solutions.
Aiming for big prizes
There was plenty of excitement on the course, including two impossible shot stations featuring large tool package prizes donated by Power Tool & Supply.
Raffle highlights included a 12-gauge shotgun, a large cooler donated by HBK and more tool prizes.
Prizes were also awarded to the following shooters and teams:
- Impossible Shot 1: Josh Thompson, UCI
- Impossible Shot 2: Matt Benson, Straightline
- Highest Overall Shooter: Keith Deak, DeSalvo Construction
- 3rd Place Team: Iron Workers 207 (Nate McCon, Hunter Urso, Eric Burguglio and Kacie Johns)
- 11th Place Team: DeSalvo Construction (Rob Wilt, Joe Morris, Keith Deak and David VanDusen)
- 17th Place Team: Bodine and Company (Matt Bodine, Ryan Bodine, Steve Moore and Cody Martin)
There was also generous support from sponsors who helped make the fundraiser possible:
- Partner sponsors: Western Reserve Building Trades and Power Tool & Supply
- Shell sponsor: Bodine and Company
- Premium sponsors: Liberty Maintenance Inc. and Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 23
- Lunch sponsors: Sodexo Roth, Yurchyk & Davis, F.N.B. Wealth Management and Ironworkers Local 207
Woody’s BBQ provided lunch, and special thanks go to the planning committee for its hard work organizing the event and keeping everything running smoothly.
By supporting students today, The Builders’ members and industry partners are investing in the skilled workers, leaders and business owners who will keep construction strong for years to come.
“There are so many different career paths students can pursue in the skilled trades. We want to help them discover what interests them, understand what’s possible and get the right start toward a successful future,” Reid said.
To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities and the pre-apprenticeship program, contact Ken Reid or call The Builders at 330-539-6050.
