30 Under 30 Recipients Share Their Career Journey

We’re gearing up for the May kickoff of NKBA’s annual 30 Under 30 program which spotlights the next generation of kitchen and bath professionals.

Many of the program’s honorees have opted for paths other than the conventional four-year university track. Instead, they have “traded up” to vocational careers. And that’s what our Trade UP initiative is all about -- highlighting the importance of trade careers and the fulfillment one can get from pursuing a career in the skilled trades.

We recently spoke with two 30 Under 30 recipients about their career journey.

Jordan Parisse, owner of Philadelphia-based Ferrarini Electric and a project coordinator at the award-winning Ferrarini Kitchens. Baths. Interiors., grew up in the construction industry. And though he originally wanted to be a high school history teacher, once he began working at his family’s handyman business, Parisse shifted his focus toward remodeling. He abandoned the traditional community college path to piece together business administration, electrical and carpentry skills training creating what he calls, “my own doctorate in building and construction management.” Today, Parisse is a certified carpenter, master electrician and holds a number of other trade licenses.

In addition to declining societal views of the building trades, Parisse says that some teens face career barriers, especially those in under-resourced communities who don’t have access to the proper tools or training. This motivated him to create “Trades for Difference,” a non-profit job training organization that provides skills training and guidance for young people in his community.

Along with positive guidance and job skills training, the program also provides entrepreneurial learning relevant to the trades, technology and other industries, that Parisse believes can make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth.

>> Check out the organization’s current makeover plans for a new community learning center here and learn more about Ferrarini Kitchens. Baths. Interiors. here.

We also chatted with Dylan Beavers, a carpenter at his family’s business, Norm Tessier Cabinets in California.

Like Parisse, Beavers was exposed to the remodeling field at a young age. His grandfather started the company in the ‘70s, and Dylan began working in the factory during high school.

“People think they have to go to college to get a good job,” he says. “I’ve got a lot of friends who went to college and now they have thousands of dollars of student debt. I’m miles ahead of my friends when it comes to financial stability.”

>> Check out Norm Tessier Cabinets here.

Just like Beavers and Parisse’s stories, our Trade UP initiative is addressing the skilled labor shortage, changing the negative connotations associated with the trades, and inspiring students to seek a vocational career.

Read more about NKBA’s Trade UP initiative here.