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About Us
Steve Turner
I started this campaign as a small business owner with 30 years of experience in the trade of auto and marine upholstery, and over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the growing challenge of finding skilled workers. The shortage of vocational training in both public and private schools has made it increasingly difficult to fill these vital roles.
At Bring Back the Trades, Inc., we are deeply passionate about reversing this trend. We are on a mission to ignite a movement that raises awareness of the incredible opportunities in the skilled trades. By partnering with local educators, community leaders, and trade businesses, we aim to reshape the perception of the trades within the educational system and highlight the immense value of these careers.
Our commitment goes beyond raising awareness—we’re taking action. Through scholarships, we’re empowering students across the United States to pursue post-secondary education in a trade of their choice, ensuring they have the skills needed to thrive in a career that builds our nation’s future.
We’re also spreading the word with our exclusive line of apparel, featuring logos that represent a variety of trades. Every purchase helps fund our scholarship program, creating pathways to education and employment in these essential industries. By supporting this initiative, you’re not just investing in the future of individuals—you’re helping strengthen the backbone of our country’s workforce. The trades are more than jobs—they are opportunities that will shape a prosperous future, and we are excited to be part of this vital movement.
shana brunye
As Chief Operations Officer of Bring Back the Trades, Shana Brunye helps lead the organization’s mission to inspire and support the next generation of skilled trades professionals. She oversees day-to-day operations, partnerships, events, and scholarship programs that connect students, parents, educators, and employers with real opportunities in the trades.
With a career spent building high-performing organizations across the energy, environmental services, and nonprofit sectors, Shana brings a deep commitment to workforce development, community partnership, and creating equitable pathways into essential careers.
Shana is passionate about reshaping perceptions of the trades and advancing the message that these careers are vital, and should be respected and accessible to all who want to pursue them.
Thank you for supporting this mission. Together, we are building stronger communities and ensuring the trades remain celebrated, valued, and pursued for generations to come.
Kennidy Ache
Kennidy grew up in rural South Dakota, where the skilled trades were part of everyday life and treated with genuine pride. Surrounded by people who built, repaired, and created the things her community depended on, she learned early on to value hard work, hands-on learning, and the people who keep our towns and families moving forward.
Her career eventually brought her to the East Coast, where she spent years working in K–12 education, youth programs, and community-focused nonprofits. No matter the role, Kennidy gravitated toward work that centered on connection, storytelling, and helping young people feel seen and supported as they explore what’s possible for their future.
Now as Marketing & Events Manager at Bring Back the Trades, she supports the organization’s communications, partnerships, and Skills Expos. She’s here to help us build welcoming, high-energy experiences that introduce students and families to the trades. At the heart of her role is a simple goal: help more young people discover that the skilled trades are meaningful, respected, and exciting careers where they can thrive.
BBTT in the News!
Highlights from Bring Back the Trades in the news.
