Full Circle but Gear Shaped

In 2009, another challenge—and opportunity—arrived. Wendy Young approached him with a question: would he consider going back to school for a business degree? He said yes immediately. “I went to Rockford University in their bachelor’s program for business management… I graduated in 2013, and when I graduated, I really full-circled that and said, the thing was, if you’re not going to get a degree, get a trade. I had gotten a trade… and then I had the opportunity to pursue the degree.” But he’s quick to point out something crucial: for many people, the trade-first, degree-second path is not only viable—it may be more effective. “If I had gone straight to college from high school, I wouldn’t have had direction… I think a lot of people have to be able to walk with purpose—to show intent—and carve out a space for themselves.” That belief now shapes his approach to workforce development. Young people don’t necessarily need immediate clarity—but they do need exposure. They need mentors. They need opportunity. Most of all, they need intention.