Meet the Founder: Brandon Patterson - "Creating an Impact Keeps Me Going."

One of the most unglamorous jobs I had was cleaning out porta potties. ⁠

It’s was a great way to keep me down to earth and out of trouble.

How'd you get into the industry?

I was born and raised in the industry. My family owned and operated a plumbing business for over 30 years. ⁠

Doing plumbing, heating and cooling, electrical, underground etc. ⁠

Since I grew up in the industry I think I’ve been naturally drawn to it. ⠀

After high school, a little college and some tech school I met a girl and before I knew it we were moving out west for work. ⁠

It was during the housing boom of the mid 2000s and we both worked Ferguson Enterprises.

We lived in Colorado, Vegas, Omaha and then back to Iowa.⁠

I got a lot of experience to see the residential, commercial, municipal and government sides of the business.

I then got into real estate and focused on custom homes. ⁠

Once I moved back to Iowa I got heavily involved with the Home Builders Association. ⁠

And put a lot of effort into committees and engaging with the building community. ⁠

Our HBA started working to privately fund a skilled trades academy in Des Moines and as part of that team I was super proud of what we built. ⁠

We were able to bring Mike Rowe to town to help kick off the academy. ⁠

And since then we have formed a non profit called Iowa Skilled Trades, which continues to bring events, awareness, scholarships and more to Iowa. ⁠

Right now we’re really working on sustainable funding models for skilled trades programs. ⁠

With COVID, we're bringing everything virtual to the students that aren’t able to get to shop class this year.⁠

"Leaders in our industry of all walks of life, ages, cultures and genders are creating a positive spotlight on our industry."

And I think COVID is actually going to help certain parts of our industry. ⁠

Forcing us further out of our shells to engage with others. ⁠

Whether it be recruiting or potential clients. ⁠

We are going to see who’s willing to adapt. ⁠

What's your mantra?

I really am not a ra ra guy.⁠

I get my energy when I see the positive growth and engagement in our industry.

"Creating an impact keeps me going."

Where can people connect with you?

Hammr Profile hammr.com/brandoniowaskilledtrades

Instagram @iowaskilledtrades