GRIT Foundation

10/09/2026

The GRIT Shop is open. I purchased my first item.

The GRIT mindset is based on the Socratic method…

“May cause follow up questions…”

Shop GRIT gear here:

https://www.thegritfoundation.com/shop/

10/07/2026

A meaningful moment for GRIT Foundation.

At NCI’s 2026 High-Performance HVAC Summit, GRIT’s mission received a special mention during the awards ceremony. We’re grateful to National Comfort Institute for recognizing the work of helping young people explore the skilled trades.

We believe curiosity grows when you get to try something for yourself. Through hands-on learning, GRIT helps the next generation discover skills, build confidence, and see possibilities for their future.

Thank you to everyone who supports that mission, including KALOS Services. Congratulations, Kalos Services, Inc. on your Large Contractor of the Year award!

10/03/2026

Who’s going?

Get your tickets! 🙌🏼

09/29/2026

It’s been a while in the making, but the GRIT Foundation website just got a refresh...

And yes, we now have official GRIT merch. 🙌

You’ve been asking, and we’re finally delivering. And if you know Bryan Orr, you know tradespeople merch and clever sayings are very much in his lane. And we're just getting started!

Got a funny, sharp, or inspiring tagline you’d wear? Send it our way. If we use yours, we’ll feature you in the GRIT newsletter.

Check out the shop at the link below!

https://www.thegritfoundation.com/shop/

Send funny, sharp or inspiring tagline ideas to:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Wear your curiosity. For the people who build, fix, teach, and keep learning. Explore GRIT Foundation gear, or get your next camp ready with welcome signs

09/23/2026

Introducing the GRIT Mentor Program!

You’ve got skills worth sharing. Now there’s a community to share them with.

We’re bringing tradespeople together to learn from each other, become stronger mentors, and help the next generation discover what’s possible in the skilled trades. We want YOU in the GRIT Mentor Network!

Here’s how to get involved:

- Apply and take our approximately three-hour online GRIT Mentor Course on SkillCat.
- Earn your GRIT Mentor Certification and digital badge.
- Join our public Mentor Directory so GRIT Camp hosts can find you and connect about mentoring opportunities.
- Connect with fellow mentors in our Facebook Group to share ideas, ask questions, and celebrate the wins.

Bring your experience. Find your people. Help someone discover their future.

Join the GRIT Mentor Network:
https://www.thegritfoundation.com/mentor-program/

09/16/2026

Last Monday GRIT Foundation attended the Ocoee High School Career Showcase, giving students the opportunity to explore what a career in the skilled trades can actually look like. Through hands-on activities and conversations with tradespeople, students were able to get a better understanding of the skills, tools, and career opportunities available in the trades.

Thank you Ocoee High School for providing us the opportunity to share our passion for the skilled trades.

09/16/2026

Ty and I set up at a highschool career expo at Ocoee High school on Monday morning.

The engagement with students is always a bright spot and a reminder that yes, the next generation is indeed drawn to meaningful work.

Keep sharing, keep mentoring, keep growing.

The trades and tradespeople are here to stay.

We have to be. 😏🙌🏼

09/14/2026

We recently had the opportunity to bring GRIT Workshops to the South Lake High School Construction Academy in Clermont, Florida. We brought hands-on learning and real-world trade experience into the classroom, giving students the opportunity to explore skills and concepts beyond their regular coursework.

Our workshops can be fitted to complement existing trade education by connecting hands-on activities with the knowledge and experience of working tradespeople. Through these experiences, students can learn directly from mentors, ask questions, discover with their hands, and gain a better understanding of what a career in the trades can look like.

We are excited to continue building relationships with local schools and organizations in Clermont and creating more opportunities to connect experienced tradespeople with the next generation of the skilled trades.

09/12/2026

We’re excited to be building a pathway into local high schools right here in Clermont, FL!

Ty Branaman, along with Bert and Anna from Kalos Services, Inc., had a great time connecting with high schoolers and piloting our hands-on building science workshop.

A huge thank you to Jared Fullerton for welcoming us into his classroom. We’re honored to have the opportunity to return as regular guest speakers and keep building these connections.

Thank you to everyone supporting GRIT as we develop more ways to strengthen mentorship and give youth meaningful, hands-on exposure to the trades!