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.
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Latest Articles
Electrical Wiring Safety Protocols and Techniques
Running a single extension cord in your home can create multiple points where cords can kink, short out, or get pinched, potentially leading to tripped breakers, damaged outlets, or even fire.
Apr 11, 2026 · 12 min read
Lowe's Foundation Pledges $250M to Train 250K Workers by 2035
By 2035, the Lowe's Foundation plans to train 250,000 skilled trades workers with a $250 million investment, a scale of corporate workforce development rarely seen, according to Entrepreneur .
Apr 11, 2026 · 4 min read
Lowe's Foundation Pledges $250 Million for Skilled Trades Training
By 2035, Lowe's aims to have trained a quarter-million skilled trades workers, a workforce larger than Boise, Idaho's entire population.
Apr 11, 2026 · 2 min read
What Are Types of Professional Landscaping Services?
In 2024, the U.S. landscaping services market hit $178 billion, a figure larger than the annual revenues of many well-known corporations. This financial scale confirms the industry is far removed from
Apr 11, 2026 · 4 min read
New York Brewery Closures Signal Consolidation Amid Shifting Industry Trends
After a decade of operation, Strong Rope Brewery's Gowanus location, a pioneer in using all-NY hops and malt, is closing its doors this March.
Apr 11, 2026 · 5 min read
Lowe's Foundation Pledges $250M for Skilled Trades Technology Education
In Columbus, Georgia, a new TV docuseries sponsored by the Lowe's Foundation spotlights local craftsmen.
Apr 10, 2026 · 3 min read
How Advanced HVAC Refrigerant Management Works: A Complete Guide
Understanding advanced HVAC refrigerant management is crucial for modern technicians. This guide breaks down what you need to know to handle refrigerants safely, efficiently, and legally.
Apr 9, 2026 · 7 min read
Lowe's Pledges $250 Million to Combat Skilled Trades Shortage
The Lowe's Foundation is pledging $250 million over the next decade to train plumbers, carpenters, and electricians, a direct response to the critical skilled trades shortage facing the U.S. construction and home improvement industries.
Apr 9, 2026 · 4 min read
Beyond the Press Release: Why Large Private Sector Investments Are Crucial for Trades
Lowe's recent $250 million investment to train 250,000 tradespeople is a critical model for how large private sector capital can sustainably address the nation's escalating skilled trades gap, vital for economic growth and infrastructure development.
Apr 9, 2026 · 6 min read
The Shift to Energy-Efficient Automated Industrial Motors: What It Means for Operations
The accelerating shift towards energy-efficient automated industrial motors is reshaping manufacturing. This analysis explores the regulations and technologies driving the change and what it means for operational costs.
Apr 9, 2026 · 8 min read
Agentic AI Adoption Trends Signal a New Era for Industrial Trades
Recent market reports reveal staggering growth in agentic AI adoption for industrial applications. This trend is set to fundamentally reshape the skilled trades by 2035.
Apr 8, 2026 · 7 min read
Lowe's Invests $250 Million in Skilled Trades, Citing AI's Limits
The Lowe's Foundation is committing $250 million to develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals, a move its CEO says is critical in an era where AI's physical limitations are becoming clear.
Apr 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Lowe's Boosts Skilled Trades Investment, CEO Touts Human Expertise Over AI
Amid a growing labor shortage, Lowe's is quintupling its investment in skilled trades training. CEO Marvin Ellison asserts that human ingenuity and physical skill will remain irreplaceable, even as AI advances.
Apr 8, 2026 · 6 min read
Lowe's $250M Is a Start, But Government Incentives and Education Reform Must Fix the Skilled Trades Shortage
While corporate investment like the Lowe's Foundation's $250 million is a welcome step, it cannot single-handedly solve the skilled trades shortage; a comprehensive solution requires robust government incentives and fundamental educational reforms.
Apr 7, 2026 · 6 min read
The Digital Vending Shift: Reshaping Industrial Supply Chain Efficiency
A look at the growing trend of digital vending in industrial supply chains, a shift from reactive, time-consuming procurement to automated, on-demand inventory at the point of use.
Apr 7, 2026 · 7 min read
Lowe's Foundation Pledges $250 Million for Skilled Trades Training
In a major move to combat the national labor crisis, the Lowe's Foundation has committed $250 million over the next decade to fund skilled trades training for 250,000 new professionals.
Apr 7, 2026 · 5 min read
KOSSIPA Launches Skills Acquisition Program in Kogi Central Targeting 2,000
The Kogi State Social Investment Programme Agency (KOSSIPA) has launched a new skills acquisition program in Kogi Central, aiming to train over 2,000 applicants. This initiative seeks to address unemployment and foster self-reliance by providing practical, in-demand skills.
Apr 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Youth Skilled Trades Programs Get Boost from New Grants, Summer Initiatives
New grants from The Home Depot Foundation are supporting youth skilled trades programs, while a Michigan-based summer initiative offers free training. These efforts aim to address the persistent skills gap and introduce young people to in-demand careers.
Apr 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Advanced HVAC System Diagnostics: A Complete Guide to Troubleshooting Techniques
Advanced HVAC system diagnostics is no longer a luxury for technicians—it's a necessity. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step approach to troubleshooting, ensuring accurate and efficient repairs.
Apr 6, 2026 · 9 min read
The Meta Boric Acid Shift: What It Means for the Materials Market
For decades, 56% B2O3 content was the standard for boric acid. Now, a new 80% B2O3 product is reshaping the market, creating a new high-value category and redefining industrial efficiency.
Apr 6, 2026 · 6 min read