Jeremy Makins is a seasoned presenter returning to this year's TradesUp event, ready to bring back the excitement surrounding all things tile! With a commitment to quality and a passion for home improvement, Jeremy is the driving force behind J SIX Home Services.

As the owner of J SIX Home Services, Jeremy is proud to lead a locally owned and fully licensed Home Improvement Contractor based in the state of Connecticut. With a focus on small to medium-sized projects, their expertise spans a wide range of home improvements. Their dedication to excellence is evident in their EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm status and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Jeremy's journey to entrepreneurship began after a successful career in sales, customer service, marketing, and management. A Midwest native turned New Haven resident for over a decade, he shares a 100-year-old home in the Westville neighborhood with his wife, a talented designer and realtor, and their five energetic boys.

Don't miss the chance to join Jeremy at TradesUp, where you can dive into the world of tile installation and cutting while experiencing his enthusiasm and knowledge for home improvement.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Marc Audette is a Connecticut licensed Electrical Contractor who has been in the electrical profession for over 35 years. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Haven. He began his career working in Groton, CT performing commercial, industrial, marine and residential work. Marc has worked both as Project Manager and Construction Manager, gaining experience in all phases of his profession. Through his work in the field, he saw areas of the trade that could be improved upon and designed a practice of operating as a partnership. His approach is about collaboration - with lighting suppliers, manufacturers, tradespeople, architects, designers and most importantly, the homeowners. This idea sparked the desire to venture out on his own. He attained his Masters Electrical license and founded Audette Electrical Services in 1999. He has owned and operated AES for over 20 years, consistently researching, training and specializing in premier brands such as Lutron Electronics and Kohler Standby Generator System. AES services include home renovation, new construction, lighting control and integration, generator installation to name a few.