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The Department of War just backed the trades with a $10 million grant to launch Build Freedom. Milwaukee dropped a new cordless shear built for debris-free cuts in tight spaces. And The New York Times is paying attention to Gen Z and the trades.
Plus, SB Mowing raised ~$680K for a Wichita stranger in days, tips to stay cool in the heat, Milwaukee PACKOUT deals save Pros $50 at Acme Tools, an ex-NFL quarterback traded touchdowns for roofing, and AI-powered Pros pull ahead, and a free timesheet template.
Table of contents
Industry news
The Department of War just bet $10M on the trades
A new job-matching platform built to connect more Americans with skilled trades careers just launched with $10 million behind it. The Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) is funding the grant to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation as part of the new Build Freedom initiative. As Mike Rowe puts it: “Closing America’s skills gap has become a matter of national security.”
Check out how Build Freedom works
Milwaukee’s new shear cuts sheet metal without the mess
Another sign of how fast tools keep evolving: Milwaukee’s new M12 FUEL 16GA Scroll Shear delivers debris-free, burr-free cuts in tight ductwork. No chips, no cleanup, no rework. Built for the kind of precision that separates a good install from a great one.
Why Gen Z is choosing the trades over a 4-year degree
Trade school enrollment is up nearly 20% since 2020, and now The New York Times just profiled a new wave of young people choosing welding, HVAC, and electrical work over college.
AI is pulling early adopters ahead
Based on Housecall Pro’s survey of 245+ home service Pros, 48% are already using AI—and those who started early say the payoff keeps growing. Faster response times, hours of admin saved, and a bigger impact over time.
Champion the trades
Stories, shop talk, and field-tested tips, backing millions of Pros who keep the world running.
He raised ~$680K for a stranger in days
Spencer B. of SB Mowing built a massive following by transforming overgrown yards. This one turned into something much bigger.
After learning Wichita resident Debbie had fallen behind on rent, gone without food, and lost a $2,000 deposit to a contractor who never showed, Spencer spent two days clearing years of overgrowth by hand. Then he launched a GoFundMe to help cover Debbie’s rent and medical care. It raised nearly $680,000 in just a few days.
Got a story or tip worth the spotlight? Send it our way
Pro perks
- Acme Tools — Buy $250 of select Milwaukee PACKOUT gear and save $50.
- Home Depot — Save $150 on a RYOBI ONE+ 18V 6-Tool Combo Kit.
- CRAFTSMAN — Trade in a power tool battery at participating Lowe’s or Ace Hardware locations, and get a free new Craftsman V20 3Ah Advanced Battery + Charger Kit. Ends July 31st.
Time cards shouldn’t be a headache
Track every shift with a free timesheet template that’s simple enough for the field and organized enough for payroll.
Stay compliant
Google tweaked Local Services Ads on 7/6. Worth a quick check.
There’s no ranking impact, but it’s a good reminder to make sure your account is up to date.
Quick checklist:
- Make sure your license and insurance are current—verification can expire if you haven’t renewed.
- Remove references to Google Guaranteed, Google Screened, or License Verified if they’re still on your site or marketing materials.
- New to LSAs? Plan on 3–4 weeks for background, license, and insurance verification.
Five minutes now could save a headache later.
Recs
3 picks worth the click
- Trading the NFL for roofing — Ex-Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles is swapping touchdowns for the trades in a new six-part “rookie” series with NEXGEN Roofing.
- Beat the sweat — These hat liners catch the sweat before it starts dripping into your eyes. Cheap upgrade. Big difference when the heat cranks up.
- Pros’ hype songs — Ever wonder what’s blasting through jobsite speakers? Here are the songs Pros swear by.
Job size snapshot
How are tickets trending in the trades? Watch this spot for how average job sizes compare to last year—what’s up, what’s down, and where the money’s moving.
Average job size change by industry:
- Carpet Cleaning: 5%
- Electrical: 4%
- Garage: 5%
- General Contractor: 10%
- Handyman: 1%
- Home Cleaning: 6%
- HVAC: 6%
- Landscaping & Lawn: 2%
- Plumbing: 7%
- Other: 8%
This chart tracks average revenue per job across key trades using data from Housecall Pro businesses. We compare the past 28 days to the same period last year to spot trends in job size. Data includes all payment types (credit card, ACH, loans, cash, etc.), excluding service agreements.
