Latest news with #MikeRowe
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Mike Rowe And PureTalk Team Up On Trades For America's Military Vets
Mike Rowe's new skilled trades partnership is a logical next step in his tireless advocacy for trades careers. Last month the former host of the long-running show 'Dirty Jobs' and CEO of his own trades non-profit, the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, announced a partnership with veteran-run Covington, Georgia-based wireless provider PureTalk to promote skilled trades among America's military vets. Why veterans? 'Because they've got the soft skills down,' Rowe told me on my Manufacturing Talks Web Show and Podcast yesterday. 'They're going to show up on time. They're going to stay late if need be. They'll tuck their shirt in. You know, you don't have to worry about so many of the things that employers struggle with beyond the skill itself. They're teachable by and large. But of course, more than that, we kind of owe them, you know?' One practitioner with long experience with veterans and trades training couldn't agree more. Tony Lawrence is the program manager for another partnership in that world, the Academy for Advanced Manufacturing, through which Rockwell Automation and ManpowerGroup provide a free 12-week program in industrial automation for select military veterans. 'I've seen firsthand the extraordinary potential our U.S. veterans bring to the skilled trades,' he told me via email. 'Veterans possess a unique combination of discipline, leadership, and technical aptitude that aligns perfectly with the demands of advanced manufacturing and other high-skill industries. Yet, many transitioning service members face challenges translating their military experience into civilian credentials.' That's where Rowe and the leaders at PureTalk want to help. 'There ought to be a vet-friendly on-ramp into every business as far as I'm concerned, but especially the skilled trades,' said Rowe. The new partnership, which culminated in a $50,000 donation PureTalk made last year to Rowe's mikeroweWORKS Foundation, is something Rowe says developed over the past several years. 'PureTalk was a bit of a surprise, because you don't think of a wireless company as a skilled labor play, right?' he explained. 'But I do this podcast… called 'The Way I Heard It,' and we have all kinds of advertisers who like to come and I'm increasingly focused on only working with companies who make something in America, because I'm passionate about that, or who share my belief that closing the skills gap has become a matter of national security, and just through weird circumstances, these guys at PureTalk, they were advertising on my podcast. And I was in Georgia almost a year ago, and decided to drop in on them, you know, just to say hi and introduce myself. And I met the owner of the company, and I saw the fact that, you know, they've got this great campus down in Covington… They gave me the nickel tour and when I left, I said, 'Look, if there's anything I can ever do with you guys beyond this podcast relationship, let me know.' Like a week later, the owner made a very generous donation to my foundation, and I love that, you know, obviously. And then I look closer and what they're doing with our veterans—America's Warrior Partnership is an incredible foundation, and they're super supportive of that. I just like them.' According to PureTalk's leaders, that feeling is mutual. 'We're proud to partner with Mike Rowe, whose longstanding leadership in advocating for skilled labor and supporting veterans aligns perfectly with PureTalk's mission,' said William Curry, chief strategy officer at PureTalk's parent company Telrite Holdings, via email. 'It's been a great journey so far, from backing Mike's podcast, 'The Way I Heard It,' and the impactful work of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, to now expanding our partnership to help veterans and hardworking Americans find the support and connection they deserve.' That approach rings true for Lawrence. 'That's where programs like ours step in—bridging the gap through intensive training, mentorship, and direct pathways to employment,' he said. 'By investing in our veterans and equipping them with 21st-century skills, we're not just filling a critical workforce gap—we're honoring their service with opportunity. Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy, and empowering veterans to lead in these fields is both a smart business strategy and a national imperative." For Rowe, it's also about just doing the right thing for those of our citizens who have sacrificed so much on our behalf. 'When I think about our vets... I think about what we do to prepare them for the fight,' he said. 'I think about boot camp and basic training. And we're pretty good at getting a citizen ready to be a war fighter, but we're not real good at getting a war fighter ready to transition back into polite society, right? We need a reverse boot camp of some kind, and I'm doing what I can to try and push that boulder up the hill too.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Largest SkillsUSA National Conference in History Showcases America's Future Skilled Workforce
Students, Teachers and Industry Converge in Atlanta June 23-27 to Spotlight the Enduring Value of Skills LEESBURG, Va., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The largest gathering of America's future skilled workforce will convene in Atlanta, June 23-27, at SkillsUSA's National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). More than 18,000 attendees — including middle school, high school and college/postsecondary students, teachers, school administrators and business partners — will celebrate the accomplishments of the top career and technical education (CTE) students in the U.S. while showcasing the value of career-ready skills in solving the nation's workforce development challenges. The SkillsUSA conference is a recognized CTE hotspot and workforce development destination event. This huge, multi-faceted conference features the SkillsUSA Championships, where more than 6,800 students — each a state champion — will compete for national gold, silver and bronze medals in 114 hands-on workforce development competitions, from construction and transportation to extemporaneous speaking, welding and everything in between. The event occupies over 1.79 million square feet (31 football fields or 41 acres) of space at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). Happening simultaneously with the SkillsUSA Championships will be SkillsUSA TECHPSO, one of the nation's largest technical education expositions. TECHSPO will feature more than 200 exhibitors from education and industry eager to meet the next generation of skilled professionals and career-ready leaders. Rounding out the event are professional development workshops for students and teachers, two general sessions and a community service project that benefits Atlanta children. The event will also celebrate the highest membership numbers in SkillsUSA's 60-year history: more than 443,000 student and teacher members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. "Our organization is growing and so is our conference," said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. "As a talent pipeline and vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA is proud to gather our future leaders in the great city of Atlanta as we positively influence a generation of students who will make a difference in their communities, the nation and the world. This event is much more than a conference or convention — it is a workforce development event where America's future skilled workforce can connect directly with their future employers. It's a place for our members and supporters to show the nation that skilled career pathways are more valuable and in demand now than ever before and that these careers provide amazing opportunities for personal and professional success." On Tuesday, June 24 SkillsUSA members and supporters will gather in State Farm Arena for the largest and most exciting event of the week, the Opening Session. Our keynote speaker is Mike Rowe, best known as "the dirtiest man on TV" from the iconic series Dirty Jobs. He is an Emmy Award-winning host, narrator, bestselling author and producer who has turned storytelling into a platform of purpose — sharing the journeys of everyday people who've built meaningful careers through skill, determination and old-fashioned work ethic. Rowe's message resonates deeply with the values of leadership, dedication and practical skills that SkillsUSA embodies. The SkillsUSA conference will be led by students like National High School President Kallie Allen of Massachusetts, who says, "Attending the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference is honestly one of the best experiences I've had in high school. I get to meet leaders in industry, learn about careers I didn't even know existed, and connect with students from all over the country who are just as passionate about their futures as I am. Being involved with SkillsUSA and attending this national event really expands my horizons and opens my eyes to what's possible for my future." Aerotek — a leading workplace solutions provider in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance — is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 conference, and hundreds of other industry representatives from American companies will be on site to support the competitions and other events all week. Students and teachers will converge in Atlanta ready to grow, learn and lead, and the SkillsUSA has announced that Atlanta is our conference home through 2033. One-day guest passes are available to the public. Visit for options and pricing and to learn more about the event or to follow the conference coverage. About SkillsUSA SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at and follow us on Facebook ( Instagram ( and LinkedIn ( Media Contact Clare Briner, SkillsUSA, 703-737-0625, cbriner@ Facebook View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SkillsUSA Sign in to access your portfolio
Fox News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
James "Murr" Murray joins Jimmy for the comedy state of the union
Comedian, writer and 'Impractical Jokers' star James 'Murr' Murray joins Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla about the show business and what's going on in the comedy world. Mike Rowe discusses the value of work
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Warner Bros. Discovery Lays Off Staffers Across Cable Channels
Warner Bros. Discovery is undergoing a new round of layoffs. The job cuts, which are numbered in the double digits but described to The Hollywood Reporter as being well under 100, come across the company's linear cable groups. No particular channel was affected more than others, a person with knowledge of the layoffs said, and no specific function was targeted. More from The Hollywood Reporter 'Dirty Jobs' Host Mike Rowe Sues Discovery Over Denying Streaming Royalties Warner Bros. Discovery Shareholders Reject David Zaslav's $51.9 Million Pay - But It's a Symbolic Vote Disney Lays Off Several Hundred Employees in Cost-Cutting Measure In December 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery took steps toward spinning its cable channels away from its studio and streaming businesses, a la NBCUniversal and the newly created Versant. A reorg at WBD created a global linear TV division, which is the one impacted today. The new corporate structure aims to bolster its 'strategic flexibility and create potential opportunities to unlock additional shareholder value,' the company said back then. 'Since the combination that created Warner Bros. Discovery, we have transformed our business and improved our financial position while providing world class entertainment to global audiences,' WBD president and CEO David Zaslav said at the time. 'We continue to prioritize ensuring our global linear networks business is well positioned to continue to drive free cash flow, while our streaming and studios business focuses on driving growth by telling the world's most compelling stories. Our new corporate structure better aligns our organization and enhances our flexibility with potential future strategic opportunities across an evolving media landscape, help us build on our momentum and create opportunities as we evaluate all avenues to deliver significant shareholder value,' Zaslav added. In May, CNBC's David Faber reported that a NBCU/Versant-like split for WBD was 'imminent.' Well, that hasn't happened — not yet at least. Cable television still generates cash for companies, but the value is dwindling fast. The jewels in a media-company's crown these days (and for the future) are their studios and streaming services. Earlier this week, Disney laid off several-hundred employees. A week or so prior, Disney's ESPN slashed 300 jobs. In March, about 6 percent of Disney Entertainment Networks and ABC News staffers were let go. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise Errore nel recupero dei dati Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati
Associated Press
04-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Roof Maxx and Mike Rowe Team Up to Spotlight the Changing Landscape of Roofing
DELAND, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 4, 2025 / In March, Roof Maxx welcomed TV personality, narrator, and trades advocate Mike Rowe to DeLand, Florida for a special day of filming centered on the rapidly growing roof rejuvenation industry. The shoot spotlighted Roof Maxx - the company that pioneered roof rejuvenation - and its innovative, sustainable approach to extending the life of aging asphalt roofs with a USDA-certified, soybean-based Rowe, Dealer and Roof Maxx CEO Mike Rowe preparing to apply Roof Maxx to a customer's home with the help of James Canata, DeLand Florida Dealer and Roof Maxx CEO, Mike Feazel. Throughout the day, Rowe explored Roof Maxx's signature product alongside Roof Maxx CEO and co-founder Mike Feazel, taking a close look at how asphalt shingles have changed over time-specifically how today's shingles often lack the durability of those made even a decade ago. Rowe also spoke directly with Roof Maxx dealers and customers, capturing real-world stories that demonstrate how roof rejuvenation is changing the way homeowners and roofing professionals think about maintenance, sustainability, and value. 'It's a great American story-opportunity meets ambition with a little frustration, and suddenly, here you are.' said Mike Rowe after hearing Mike Feazel tell the story about how he co-founded Roof Maxx with his brother after seeing the quality of asphalt shingles rapidly decline after spending decades in the roofing industry. Mike Rowe is best known as the host of Dirty Jobs and the voice behind Deadliest Catch, but his passion for the skilled trades extends far beyond television. Through his foundation, mikeroweWORKS, Rowe has helped provide millions of dollars in work ethic scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in the trades-encouraging a return to practical, hands-on education and opportunity. The content captured during this filming day is currently being released in a series of short videos, available at and across Roof Maxx's social media platforms. These videos offer a behind-the-scenes look at how roof rejuvenation is reshaping the roofing industry - and why more and more contractors, homeowners, and communities are getting on board. About Roof Maxx Roof Maxx is the world's first sustainable roofing solution, offering a revolutionary, plant-based treatment that extends the life of asphalt roofs by 5 years per application - up to 15 years total. With thousands of treatments applied nationwide, Roof Maxx is helping homeowners save money while reducing roofing waste and supporting eco-friendly home maintenance. Contact InformationKylie Hunt Senior Marketing Manager 614-977-1932 SOURCE: Roof Maxx Technologies, LLC press release
