Dive into the art of landscaping with our expert presenters, guiding attendees through the secrets of planting fall bulbs for vibrant sprint blooms. Discover the cutting-edge equipment used by landscape professionals, unveiling the science behind picture-perfect gardens. Hailing from northwest CT, Yardscapes stands tall as the region’s award-winning landscape company, uniquely accredited in the state. With a legacy dating back to 1990, we are your trusted partners in full-service design, construction, and maintenance for both residential and commercial spaces. Unearth the beauty beneath every landscape.

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.

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.

Introducing Cole Goodrow, founder of Quartersawn Construction, and our exciting new presenter at this year's Touch A Trade event. Cole brings a wealth of expertise to our gathering, and he will be leading an interactive workshop on constructing 4x8 mock walls complete with window installations and shingle/clapboard siding over a rainscreen. What makes Cole's session truly unique is its inclusivity, as children of all ages can actively participate in the process, while those old enough to grasp the concepts will gain invaluable insights into the fascinating world of building science. Join us for an enlightening and hands-on experience with a construction maven who's passionate about sharing knowledge.

Meet Bill Brague, a seasoned professional in the realm of organic land care, proudly holding a CT-NOFA certification. Bill's remarkable journey spans two decades, driven by an unwavering passion for the great outdoors. During the growing season, he emerges as a skilled arboreal detective, adept at diagnosing and remedying diseases plaguing tress and shrubs, ensuring their sustained vitality. As winter blankets the landscape, Bill seamlessly transitions to the world of pruning and removals, contributing to the tree care team's expertise. Currently, Bill is an esteemed member of Arbor Services of CT, Inc., where his commitment to preserving the beauty of nature shines brightly. His extensive experience as a plant health care technician has bestowed upon him a treasure trove of insights, which he will share during his TradesUp Experience titled, “A Day in the Life of a Plant Health Care Technician.” During this enlightening experience, Bill unravels the art and science behind the precise applications that safeguard the health and vibrancy of our beloved trees and shrubs. Join Bill in his mission to unveil the secrets of preserving the green wonders of our environment.

Kevin Ireton, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Kentucky, embarked on an unconventional path, spending a decade as a carpenter. This unique career choice took an unexpected turn in 1986 when he joined Fine Homebuilding magazine's staff, eventually rising to become its chief editor, a role he held until his retirement from publishing in 2009. Kevin now resides in western Connecticut, pursuing his passions as a freelance writer and builder.

At this year's TradesUp event, Kevin Ireton will be featured in the Tool Booth, where he will serve as a knowledgeable guide, introducing the audience to the various tools utilized in the trades. His extensive experience as both a craftsman and an editor in the field of homebuilding positions him as an ideal presenter to educate and engage attendees in the world of trade tools and craftsmanship.