RD

Rick Donovan

Trades Editor

Rick Donovan brings over 15 years of experience in the trades to his role as Trades Editor at AllTradesJournal. Before joining the publication, Rick worked as a lead carpenter for a regional construction firm, where he oversaw numerous residential and commercial projects. He also holds certifications in welding and HVAC, giving him a broad understanding of various trade disciplines. Rick's practical experience and commitment to quality reporting make him a trusted voice for professionals and enthusiasts in the trades.

Expertise

ConstructionWeldingHVACPlumbingElectrical WorkCarpentryTool ReviewsSafety Standards

Coverage Areas

Trades
Industry Practices
Construction Tech
Tool Innovation
Automotive Services

Latest Articles

Scientists and AI interfaces in a modern Indian CDMO lab, showcasing the surge in demand for AI skills in pharmaceutical research and development.
Industry

India's CDMO Sector Sees 178% Surge in AI Skill Demand

In India's contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) sector, demand for AI-linked skills has exploded by 178% over the past two years, yet less than 1% of the existing research and de

May 29, 2026 · 7 min read

Professionals using advanced AI interfaces in a modern office, symbolizing GISI Consulting Group's growth and technology integration for future hiring.
Trades

GISI Consulting Group plans to hire 1,000 by 2026 using AI

GISI Consulting Group plans to hire 1,000 new project managers and leaders by the end of 2026, even as it aims to equip all 10,000 employees with AI tools, according to Construction Dive .

May 28, 2026 · 2 min read

Philadelphia students on a tour of Citizens Bank Park, learning about skilled trades careers from professionals working on stadium infrastructure.
Trades

Phillies Host Skilled Trades Program for Philadelphia Students

Just last week, 50 students from Mayfair School's trades curriculum toured Citizens Bank Park, gaining firsthand insight into the vital roles skilled professionals play in maintaining a major league s

May 27, 2026 · 3 min read

Split image contrasting AI robots with skilled tradespeople working with tools, symbolizing Lowe's investment in human labor.
Industry

Lowe's CEO bets $250 million on trades over AI for future workforce

While headlines trumpet AI's imminent takeover of the workforce, Lowe's is committing a quarter-billion dollars over the next decade to recruit and train 250,000 skilled tradespeople, betting on wrenc

May 27, 2026 · 3 min read

Architects and engineers collaborating over detailed blueprints of advanced door hardware systems, emphasizing critical decision-making for future construction projects.
Trades

Experts Evaluate Complex Door Hardware Scenarios for 2026

A major hospital project in Phoenix faced a six-month delay and $3 million in cost overruns last year.

May 26, 2026 · 3 min read

U.S. Capitol building facade cracking, with money bags being diverted, symbolizing the siphoning of funds from the federal building repair budget.
Services

GSA: Congress diverted $15.6B from building fund since 2011

Since 2011, Congress has diverted over $15.6 billion from the General Services Administration's federal building fund.

May 26, 2026 · 2 min read

A visual representation of the shift in AI policy, contrasting the structured regulation of the Biden era with the less defined approach of the Trump administration.
Trades

Trump's Team Scraps Biden's Landmark AI Order Amid Policy Shift

Donald Trump's team quietly called off a landmark Biden-era executive order intended to regulate artificial intelligence this week, just 18 months after its initial signing.

May 26, 2026 · 2 min read

A solar-powered bird bath fountain in a lush garden, with water flowing and a bird perched nearby, illuminated by golden hour sunlight.
Trades

Affordable Solar Bird Bath Fountains for Your Garden

During a recent Memorial Day sale, a solar lantern birdbath from Wayfair was available for just $50, highlighting the surprising affordability of these eco-friendly garden features, a key consideratio

May 25, 2026 · 3 min read

A beautifully decorated living room with furniture and decor items on sale during Wayfair's Memorial Day Clearance event.
Trades

Wayfair's Massive Memorial Day Clearance on Furniture & Decor

During Wayfair's Memorial Day Clearance, discounts on furniture and decor can reach an astonishing 84 percent off, according to Southern Living .

May 24, 2026 · 2 min read

A state-of-the-art electric riding mower working on a large lawn at dusk, with an older gas mower visible in the distance.
Trades

Zero Turn, Riding, or Electric Mower: Which is Right?

The Ego Power+ T6 Riding Mower silently tackles a half-acre yard on a single charge, signaling a quiet revolution in lawn care that challenges the roar of traditional gas engines.

May 23, 2026 · 2 min read

Close-up of the Seed Snail Method with tiny seeds rolled in a moist paper towel strip inside a plastic sleeve, ready for germination.
Trades

Seed Snail Method: New Research Confirms Benefits, Highlights Risks

A recent National Gardening Association study found the viral Seed Snail Method boosts germination rates by 30% for small-seeded vegetables, but also increases 'damping off' disease by 15% due to high

May 23, 2026 · 3 min read

A collapsed second-floor deck showing damage and exposed spray foam insulation, illustrating DIY renovation risks.
Safety

DIY spray foam risks second floor load paths nationwide

A recent incident in Ohio saw a second-floor deck collapse, which investigators linked to altered load paths from a DIY exterior renovation project, highlighting a growing, unmonitored risk in homes n

May 22, 2026 · 4 min read

New York Penn Station exterior at dusk with construction cranes and scaffolding, symbolizing a major renovation project.
Trades

Halmar Skanska Partnership to Lead New York Penn Station Renovation

The $8 billion renovation of New York Penn Station, a project discussed for decades, now has a master developer, Penn Transformation Partners.

May 22, 2026 · 2 min read

Ranger Leverless Auto Bead Lifter tool automatically lifting the bead of a car tire, showcasing modern tire service automation.
Trades

Ranger Leverless Auto Bead Lifter Tool Automates Tire Service

Facing an aging workforce and high turnover, tire service shops can now eliminate the strenuous manual labor of bead lifting.

May 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Aerial view of the ongoing reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, with heavy machinery and new structural elements being put in place.
Trades

Maryland Authority Announces $4B+ Key Bridge Procurements

Maryland's Key Bridge reconstruction efforts in 2026 involve four separate procurements announced by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).

May 21, 2026 · 3 min read

Futuristic New York City subway station with AI-powered trains and autonomous drones, showcasing advanced transit technology.
Trades

Eighteen Startups Test New Tech for NY Transit Systems

More than half of the 18 companies selected for New York's latest Transit Tech Lab cohort are deploying AI or autonomous technologies.

May 21, 2026 · 2 min read

A vibrant, modern public park in Saudi Arabia, showcasing green spaces and recreational areas, symbolizing new private sector development opportunities.
Services

Saudi Arabia tenders 50 public parks for development

Fifty public parks across Saudi Arabia are now on the block for private companies to rehabilitate, operate, and maintain for 15 years.

May 20, 2026 · 3 min read

A modern bridge at sunset, representing the significant increase in federal bridge funding proposed by the BUILD AMERICA 250 Act.
Trades

House Committee Introduces BUILD AMERICA 250 Act for Transportation

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee proposes boosting annual bridge funding by $3.

May 20, 2026 · 2 min read

Young UK adult working on plumbing and electrical systems, with a subtle AI interface in the background, symbolizing a shift towards skilled trades.
Trades

UK sees surge in skilled trades education amid AI fears

Enrollment in UK plumbing and electrical courses surged by 40% last year, according to UK colleges.

May 20, 2026 · 2 min read

A skilled tradesperson collaborating with an AI interface in a modern workshop, illustrating AI augmenting human roles in the trades.
Trades

Ethical AI in Skilled Trades: Demand for Workers Will Rise, Not Fall

In a surprising twist, a recent industry report projects AI integration will lead to a 15% increase in demand for electricians and plumbers over the next decade.

May 19, 2026 · 3 min read