Skill Building Class Inc

03/22/2026

Skill Building Class Inc
(Class #11 - Framing)

🛠 Volunteer Instructor: Morgan Rise, Owner of Mr_CustomBuilder

🎤 Guest Speaker: Chris Rios Owner of Moose Media

Class #11 opened with Joshua Hicks welcoming participants back and setting the working tone for the day.

Chris Rios, owner of Moose Media, led first and introduced media as a way to move through environments with awareness and access. Not just capturing images, but recognizing what is in front of you and documenting it with intention. He shared how this skill can open doors to new environments, new people, and experiences beyond what is familiar.

Morgan Rise with Mr Custom Builder, alongside Dustin, Suzanna Rise, Bruce Kaufman, and Mark Hammer followed with applied work. Participants were divided into groups of five and given a set of plans to construct couch chairs. All materials were provided, allowing each group to move from plan to ex*****on through measurement, cutting, and assembly.

The environment quickly became active, with participants working through decisions in real time, coordinating with one another, and taking responsibility for the outcome of their build.
As the structures took shape, participants tested what they had created by standing on them, sitting in them, and using them with confidence. What began as a plan became something functional and usable.

At the end, each group was given a condition to select one person to take the chair home. The dynamic shifted immediately. Participants negotiated, persuaded, and physically held onto the chairs while others pulled in the opposite direction. What had been built collectively now carried individual value.

Then the realization settled in. They already know how to build it. The chair was no longer limited, and the focus shifted from possession to capability without needing to be explained.

We are proud of our participants for how they showed up, worked together, and carried the process all the way through. Their effort, focus, and willingness to engage continues to define what this program represents.

As we approach graduation, participants will be recognized for their commitment and growth throughout the program. The Golden Tools Award will be presented to individuals who demonstrated consistency, accountability, and a strong standard of effort across all classes. This recognition reflects not just skill, but character, discipline, and follow through.

Graduation will also include guest speakers Marc Dossey, Kelly Wright, Joshua Hicks, Leonard Bush, Mark Hammer, Gregg Mackler, Bruce Kaufman Construction Incorporated, and others who will be present to share real world experience and perspective as participants complete the program.

We extend our appreciation to Morgan Rise and Chris Rios for their time and leadership in this class, along with Suzanna Rise, Dustin, Mark Hammer, and Bruce Kaufman for their continued presence and support in making each class possible.

We will see you next week for our final class and graduation.🏆

🛠 🛠
-The Blueprint to Early Opportunity-

03/18/2026

Huge shout out to Morgan Rise owner of Mr_CustomBuilder for donating the materials needed for our 11th Skill Building Class Inc! 🛠

03/16/2026

Just a quick share to start your Monday morning off appropriately. The Skill Building Class Inc is a safe atmosphere for youth to establish creativity, imagination, confidence, and work ethic. 🛠😎🛠

03/16/2026

Skill Building Class Inc
(Class #10 – UAS Operating & Drone Regulation)

🎤 Guest Speaker: Danny Belden – Twistid Ink / Twistid Arts Initiative

🚁 Volunteer Instructor: Nick Holmes – Owner, Higher Perspectives

Class #10 opened with Danny Belden of Twistid Ink and the Twistid Art Initiative, who spoke to participants about the deeper side of entrepreneurship.

Danny shared how imagination is not just something you have, it is something you use. When creativity is paired with learned skills, available resources, and the willingness to build something with your own hands, ideas can become real products and real opportunity.

Through his work creating props, art, and custom pieces, Danny showed the class that entrepreneurship often begins with curiosity and imagination, and grows through persistence, experimentation, and craftsmanship. Creativity is construction, problem solving, and business.

Following Danny’s talk, Nick Holmes, owner of Higher Perspectives, took the class into the field to introduce participants to drone technology and responsible flight operation. Nick allowed participants to take part in supervised flight tests, giving them the chance to actually pilot the aircraft themselves.

For many of the students, this was their first time operating a drone. Within minutes they were learning how to control flight, maintain awareness of their surroundings, and understand the importance of operating within aviation regulations and shared airspace.

Experiences like this expand perspective. Technology is powerful, but it requires discipline, responsibility, and respect for the rules that govern it.

What makes Skill Building Class powerful is the exposure to many different pathways. Trades. Technology. Creativity. Entrepreneurship. Each week another door opens, and participants begin to see how their skills, interests, and curiosity can shape their future.

We are grateful to Danny Belden, Nick Holmes, Bruce Kaufman Construction Incorporated, Mark Hammer, and Gregg Mackler for stepping forward to invest their time and knowledge into the next generation.

Next week we welcome Morgan Rise with Mr_CustomBuilder as our volunteer instructor for Class #11.

We’ll see everyone next Wednesday for our final class before graduation.

🛠 🛠
- The Blueprint to Early opportunity-

03/08/2026

Skill Building Class Inc
(Class #9 – Plumbing)

🛠 Volunteer Instructors: Kyle Workman & Brady Workman - Suncoast Plumbing
🎤 Guest Speaker: Gregg Mackler – Homosassa Printing

This week our Skill Building Class participants were introduced to the fundamentals of plumbing with volunteer instructors Kyle and Brady Workman of Suncoast Plumbing.

Guest speaker Gregg Mackler, owner of Homosassa Printing, opened the class by speaking with students about the responsibility business owners carry in helping strengthen communities through youth development. Gregg emphasized the importance of carrying knowledge with integrity, explaining that integrity is shaped by how we conduct our lives both in front of people and when no one is watching.

Following Gregg’s remarks, Kyle and Brady Workman led students through hands on plumbing exercises using PVC and copper pipe. Participants practiced measuring, fitting, and assembling pipe systems similar to those used inside real homes and buildings.

Participants were introduced to the process of soldering copper pipe, learning how plumbers clean and prepare pipe surfaces, apply flux, heat the joint with a torch, and draw solder into the fitting to create a strong sealed bond.

To ensure every participant had the opportunity to experience this process firsthand, Kyle and Brady Workman generously donated 40 copper pipe cut off pieces along with fittings, allowing each participant to assemble and solder their own copper joint.

Participants also used a Sawzall reciprocating saw to cut PVC pipe, learning proper tool handling, control, and safe cutting techniques commonly used by professionals in the field.

One of the featured activities included building a 2 inch PVC figure known as the “Yes Man,” inspired by Suncoast Plumbing’s motto:

“The Yes Man Can.”

A Yes Man is someone who shows up, takes responsibility, and finds a way to solve the problem.

The exercise helped participants visualize pipe layout while reinforcing a mindset of responsibility, initiative, and problem solving that is foundational within the skilled trades.

Skill Building Class Inc. continues to demonstrate what is possible when local tradesmen, business owners, and community leaders choose to invest their time and knowledge into the next generation.

We sincerely thank Kyle and Brady Workman of Suncoast Plumbing and Gregg Mackler of Homosassa Printing for showing up and investing in the future of our community.

We look forward to (Class #10 – UAS Operating & Drone Regulations) with Volunteer Instructor Nick Holmes owner of Higher Perspective, and Guest Speaker Danny Belden with Twistid Arts Initiative & Twistid Ink

🛠 🛠
-The Blueprint to Early Opportunity-

03/04/2026

Suncoast Plumbing, in the house! 🛠🔥

02/28/2026

Skill Building Class Inc
(Class #8 - Water Navigation, Basics of Fishing, and Introduction to Boater Safety)

🛠🌊 Volunteer Instructors
Sean Daugherty Captain of Mellow Mangrove Charters & Captain Billy Farrar

🎤🌐 Guest Speaker
Eric Landon, Citrus County Growth Development Director

Class #8 focused on developing practical water awareness, navigation fundamentals, and responsible boating practices. These skills are essential not only for navigating local waterways, but for navigating systems, decisions, and responsibilities in everyday life.

The class opened with Eric Landon challenging participants to slow down and pay attention to the environments they move through each day. He spoke about how natural systems and human built environments quietly shape behavior, safety, and development, often without people realizing it.

Through practical and relatable examples, he explored why communities naturally form around water, how infrastructure such as water systems, sewer, roads, elevation, and flood risk determine where people live and work, and why intentional design influences how spaces feel and function. He closed by encouraging students to observe their choices and reflect on how environment affects how they think, feel, and act, reinforcing awareness as the foundation for good judgment and responsible citizenship.

That awareness was immediately carried into hands on instruction.

Sean Daughtry and Billy Farrar led maritime instruction grounded in professional experience on local waterways. Sean instructed participants in small groups of four, rotating students on and off a boat stationed inside the shop. Participants climbed aboard to practice tying knots directly to the boat’s cleats, learning proper positioning, technique, and awareness in a realistic setting.

At the same time, Billy worked alongside participants rigging fishing poles and teaching essential fishing knots. Instruction included securing new fishing line to monofilament and properly attaching it to a quarter ounce weighted jig head fitted with a DOA artificial bait. Each step emphasized preparation, precision, and safety, reinforcing that responsible fishing and boating begin before ever entering the water.

All fishing poles, line, jig heads, and artificial bait were donated to the participants. Each student left the class with fully rigged equipment and the practical knowledge to use it safely and confidently.

What made this class especially impactful was the alignment between the guest presentation and the hands on instruction. Eric taught students how to recognize systems and environments. Sean and Billy taught them how to move responsibly within those systems. Together, the lesson showed that awareness, positioning, preparation, and judgment apply far beyond boating. The same skills that help someone navigate waterways safely also strengthen their ability to navigate challenges and decisions throughout life.

We extend sincere appreciation to Eric Landon for setting the intellectual foundation for the day, and to Sean Daughtry and Billy Farrar for delivering patient, hands on instruction rooted in real world experience. We also thank Bruce Kaufman Construction Incorporated and Mark Hammer for their consistent volunteerism and steady presence in support of our students. Their continued commitment reinforces the value of community stewardship through action.

We look forward to (Class #9 - Plumbing) with Volunteer Instructors Kyle Workman and Brady Workman with Suncoast Plumbing.🔧

🛠 🛠
- The Blueprint To Early Opportunity -

02/25/2026

Community Donation Alert! 40 fishing poles!📣

Be sure not to miss Class #8 - Water Navigation / Basics of Fishing / Intro to Boater Safety!🛥🌊

02/22/2026

Skill Building Class Inc
(Class #7 - Roofing)

🛠 Volunteer Instructor: Quality First Roofing, LLC

🎤 Guest Speaker: Joe Faherty

The class opened with our guest speaker, Joe Faherty, who spoke with participants about choices and how the decisions we make today can influence outcomes over time. His message emphasized awareness, responsibility, and the long term impact of everyday decisions. We appreciate Joe for taking the time to share his experience and perspective with the participants.

Following the discussion, participants transitioned into the hands on portion of the class. Under the guidance of Quality First Roofing LLC, the group removed shingles from a roof structure that was constructed specifically for this two hour session. After completing the tear off, participants worked together to clean the site, reinforcing jobsite discipline, teamwork, and accountability.

Once the work area was prepared, participants were instructed on the proper installation of roofing underlayment provided by Quality First Roofing LLC. After the underlayment was installed, each participant installed multiple shingles on the roof structure using both pneumatic and battery operated nail guns. This allowed students to work with professional tools while learning correct installation techniques.

Through direct participation, students quickly identified whether they enjoyed the physical labor of roofing or did not. Regardless of preference, they gained a clear understanding of how a roof system functions, how materials work together, and why proper installation matters.

We thank Quality First Roofing LLC for their instruction, materials, and continued support of hands on skill development.

We look forward to Skill Building Class, Class #8, which will focus on water navigation, basics of fishing, and an introduction to boater safety, led by Captain Sean Daugherty with Mellow Mangrove Charters and Captain Billy Farrar, with Eric Landon, Citrus County’s Growth Development Manager, joining us as the guest speaker for the class.

Call to Action📣

To other communities, educators, trades professionals, parents, and local leaders:

Youth empowerment does not happen through discussion alone. It is built through experience, mentorship, confidence, and hands on learning at an early age.

If you believe in skilled trades, real world education, and giving young people the opportunity to discover capability through doing, we invite you to take a stance. Support programs that put tools in hands, responsibility in reach, and mentors in front of the next generation. Share this work, replicate it in your community, or connect with us to learn how hands on early education can build confidence, purpose, and long term impact.

🛠 🛠
-TheBlueprintToEarlyOpportunity-

02/13/2026

Skill Building Class Inc
(Class #6 - Team Building & Communication)

🛠Volunteer Instructor: Leonard Bush, owner of Bush Boys Beehives and Raw Honey

🎤Guest Speaker: Amanda McConville

Skill Building Class #6 centered on team building and communication through conversation, hands on construction, and coordinated problem solving. The class emphasized that communication is not only spoken, but demonstrated through timing, awareness, cooperation, and shared responsibility.

The session opened with guest speaker Amanda McConville, who led an interactive communication exercise focused on self expression and engagement. Using a bag of well prepared questions, participants were invited to draw a question and respond, while others contributed their own perspectives. This exercise brought forward personality, character, interests, hobbies, and future thinking, while strengthening confidence, listening skills, and clear verbal expression. Students practiced speaking with intention and responding respectfully, reinforcing communication as a skill developed through participation and use.

Following the discussion, students moved into hands on instruction led by volunteer instructor Leonard Bush, owner of Bush Boys Beehives and Raw Honey. Leonard guided participants through building bee boxes, constructing racks for honey, and completing the assembly process. Students worked together measuring, aligning, fastening, and finishing components, learning how clear roles and coordination produce functional results. Once complete, the racks were placed into the bee boxes, allowing students to see how individual parts form a working system.

Leonard then gave participants the opportunity to sample raw honey from a bee box he provided for the class. This moment connected effort to outcome, reinforcing how patience, coordination, and care lead to real results.

Toward the end of the class, participants were divided into teams for a physical communication challenge. Each group was given two pallets and two 2x6x6 foot planks and tasked with moving the entire group from one pallet to the other without touching the ground. The groups quickly learned that success required planning, coordination, and trust. By using balance, pacing, and combined body weight, participants stabilized the planks so each person could cross safely. The same cooperation allowed the group to get the final participant across without touching the ground. The activity demonstrated how teamwork and logical thinking create solutions when individuals operate as one system.

To close the class, Joshua Hicks and Leonard Bush brought participants together in a circle. Appreciation was shared, and students were recognized for reaching the halfway point of the program. The circle served as a visual representation of unity, trust, and belonging. It was expressed clearly that this group of participants is one we are proud to stand with and proud to call our circle.

Skill Building Class #6 showed that when young people are given structure, responsibility, and meaningful challenges, communication becomes visible, teamwork becomes functional, and confidence develops through experience rather than instruction.

We extend our appreciation to Leonard Bush, owner of Bush Boys Beehives and Raw Honey, Mark Hammer, and Amanda McConville for their leadership, time, and commitment to the participants. Their presence and instruction contributed directly to the depth, engagement, and success of Skill Building Class #6.

We look forward to Skill Building Class #7, focused on Roofing, with volunteer instructors Quality First Roofing, LLC and guest speaker Joe Faherty.

(Participants are reminded that appropriate attire is required. Long sleeve shirts, jeans, and shoes or boots suitable for roofing work are recommended. Clothing should reflect conditions associated with shingle roofing activities.)

🛠 🛠
-The Blueprint to Early Opportunity-

02/08/2026

This is how you build competence instead of just talking about it.
Real environments. Real standards. Real outcomes.
Good on Citrus High School for giving students first-hand visibility into where skill, discipline, and craftsmanship actually lead.

Last week Citrus High Welding Technology senior students attended a field trip. We visited E-ONE In Ocala to see the manufacturing process of emergency rescue vehicles. We learned about firetrucks and the different varieties such as the pumper, tanker, and ladder trucks. We got to see all of the welding and fabrication that goes into building these massive machines. These informative trips show students first hand what a career in welding looks like in real time and the pride that goes into supporting first responders all over the world.

02/08/2026

There’s a difference between commerce and contribution.
Citrus Sports & Apparel operates on quality, clean design, and consistent ex*****on for local teams and organizations.
Local ecosystems stay strong when support goes to people who actually deliver.🛠💪