Our volunteer partners go the extra mile to create dynamic, educational experiences that bring the trades to life and inspire excitement for lifelong interests and rewarding careers.
Meet Daniel Rochford, your TradesUp Presenter, hailing from the picturesque town of Sharon, CT. As the owner of the renowned general contracting company, Old North Contracting, Daniel brings a lifelong passion for preserving timeless design aesthetics and authentic building materials to the forefront of their craft.
With a profound commitment to the art of craftsmanship, Daniel stands out as a true artisan in their field. Their “Carpentry by Hand” TradesUp experience promises to be enlightening and enriching. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the intricate world of hand-coping moldings, explore the nuances of wood species matching, and even try their hand at the refined skill of glass cutting, adding a touch of elegance and functionality to their own projects.
With an unwavering commitment to tradition and dedication to excellence, Daniel Rochford perfectly embodies TradesUp's mission, values, and vision. Come along on a journey led by Daniel, where you'll experience firsthand our shared dedication to creativity, precision, and the enduring principles that lie at the heart of TradesUp's mission.
Meet Eric Clinger, a returning presenter for 2023 TradesUp. Eric's journey through the world of craftsmanship and preservation began with a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978. He first delved into furniture building and restoration in Philadelphia, setting the stage for a remarkable career in preserving history.
Nevan Carling is a preservation timber and buildings archaeologist from Hartford, CT. He completed his undergraduate degree in Archaeology and Heritage Management at the University of York in the United Kingdom and is currently completing his MSc in Timber Building Conservation at the Weald and Downland Museum in Chichester, England. Nevan specializes in historic timber framing techniques and the repair of historic buildings, with a special interest in 17th and 18th century structures.
Elizabeth DiSalvo is an Architect who specializes in designing Sustainable Homes. For over 20 years she and her firm, Trillium Architects, have been dedicated solely to creating healthy, earth-friendly, low-carbon homes. Their work includes custom homes, affordable multi-family and modular, as well as some lite commercial projects throughout Litchfield, Fairfield, Westchester counties and beyond.
Eastern Water Solutions (EWS) is a trusted water services provider with a rich legacy dating back to 1966. Specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial water solutions, EWS offers a comprehensive range of services, from pump system installations and maintenance to sewage pumping systems. Under the leadership of Shane Grant, who took over the family business in 2005, EWS has expanded its expertise and established Eastern Industrial Pump Solutions in 2006. Shane fosters a collaborative work environment, valuing every employee as an integral part of the company's present and future.
EWS boasts certified professionals with extensive experience, adhering to the safest and most efficient practices. The company actively participates in the State of Connecticut pre-apprentice and apprentice program and holds various water and wastewater licenses. As proud members of leading water industry associations, including AWWA, CWWA, NGWA, and WQA, EWS is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and maintaining facilities' mechanical components at peak efficiency. Whether for residential homes, commercial properties, or industrial facilities, EWS offers reliable, environmentally friendly products and services, backed by their unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Nathan is a craftsman with 20 years of trades experience from basic residential construction to high-end cabinetmaking. Over the past 12 years he has been specializing in the restoration and preservation of old homes and historic buildings.