Our Story
Despite their foundational role in our world, the skilled trades have been undervalued, under-resourced, and largely disconnected from ecological and community needs. A number of wicked problems, such as labor gaps, unsustainable buildings, and socioeconomic educational disparities, have begged us to take a look in the mirror. Why does the building sector contribute 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions? Why are those serving society in some of the most critical jobs struggling with making a living or coping with substance addiction? And, most importantly, how can we reinvent healthier systems and outcomes within the skilled trades for people, buildings, and communities?
While the rumblings of a Trades Culture go back for years within the hearts and minds of its friends and founders, it wasn’t until 2024 that the concept began to formalize in earnest. Informal conversations around building trends, workplace culture and attitudes, and ecological impacts of construction in the Gunnison Valley became increasingly passionate as a small circle of colleagues dreamt up a more thoughtful, harmonious industry.
Learn about our team of founders
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Cillian was born and raised in Ireland where he was trained as an Architectural Technician. He has lived and worked in the US since 2007 in the construction and architecture industry in California, Alaska, Vermont, Utah, Hopi Land [Arizona] and Colorado. Discovering a love of the outdoors and cold alpine climates has driven his passion to create sustainable living solutions. Through his work in Gunnison, he has forged countless rewarding partnerships and friendships within the industry that paved the way for Trades Culture to exist and thrive. Cillian is the embodiment of dedication to a higher cause: every conversation can (at any time) turn into a powerful moment of synergy and momentum, no obstacle is too big, and everyone is welcome to contribute their ideas and experiences.
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Donny grew up enjoying the trails and rivers of central Texas. With a mind for problem-solving and technology, Donny graduated from Trinity University with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Sciences. During his studies, he also ran cross country competitively. He reflects affectionately upon the cool, early mornings spent jogging before the sun grew fierce. After graduation, Donny entered the renewable energy field working at dizzying heights to repair wind turbines. He then transitioned to solar energy, first with a company in Denver then with Nunatak Energy in Gunnison, where he still works as the engineering lead. In the last two years, Donny graduated with a Master in Environmental Management from Western Colorado University and attained his master electrician license. Underlying these many accolades, Donny is generous with his ambition and knowledge, bringing valuable ideas and experiences to Trades Culture.
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Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Andrew’s journey to Trades Culture has been a winding one. Though always captivated by the beauty and charm of a thoughtful structure, especially stone cottages and earthen cabins, Andrew pursued a career in writing, editing, and environmental education. It wasn’t until beginning Western Colorado University’s Master in Environmental Management program in 2022 that he began applying his skillset to resource consciousness in the built environment, particularly in historic building renovation and regenerative planning. There, he became enmeshed and evermore inspired within an emerging community of like-minded colleagues, friends, and community members. Trades Culture, in part, grew out of this synergy; Andrew looks forward to helping it grow into a powerful and refined vessel for the betterment of trades disciplines and the communities they serve.
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Will grew up in a small coastal town in South Louisiana. He considers his upbringing one of his most valuable assets, seeing each person, case, and cause with the unique individuality it deserves. His drive for adventure and to do good in the world led him to Appalachian State for his bachelor's degree in geography and to the National Park Service as a wildland firefighter. Recognizing its ability to drive undeniable results, Will turned to a career as an attorney, settling on Colorado’s Western Slope to establish his own law office. Will’s broad experiences and expertise, underlined by his passion to help people and ecosystems, attracted him to the Trades Culture mission and team. His consistent ability to find creative solutions, often backed by proven success with organizations, has been a major driver for Trades Culture to reach its goals.
Our Partners
Western Colorado University
Hearth Design Build
Northern New Mexico College
Nunatak Energy
Butch Clark Foundation
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