I hope you don’t mind me sharing a personal story in this
newsletter, but sometimes a reminder of what initiative really looks
like comes from the least expected places—like your own family. Please read
to the end.
My grandson Dean is 15 and lives in Ellicott City, Maryland.
I’ll admit this right up front: I’m a very proud grandfather… and maybe just a
little jealous. When I was 15, my biggest accomplishment was showing up on
time. Dean, on the other hand, has been quietly building something most adults
never do.
Dean started mowing lawns at age 10. By 11, he was mowing a
dozen yards a week, shoveling snow in the winter, and taking on just about any
yard work he could find. Along the way, he became a champion swimmer, passed
his lifeguard test, and even qualified as a tour guide at the National
Aquarium. That alone would be impressive for a kid his age—but that’s not the
part that made me write this.
When my daughter and son-in-law bought a home in Howard
County, MD, just outside Baltimore, it came with a large detached garage—and
several big power tools left behind, including a commercial welder. Most kids
would have been intimidated. Dean taught himself how to weld. Now, in his spare
time, he picks up non-operating lawn mowers, go-karts, and small-engine
equipment, fixes them, brings them back to life, and sells them. I bought him a
big sign for the garage—Dean’s Garage—because sometimes you don’t wait
for permission to take yourself seriously.
Here’s where the story really gets interesting.
At Howard High School, Dean noticed that the wood shop
hasn’t been used since the pandemic. Instead of shrugging and moving on, he
asked if he could help restart it. His idea was simple: organize a woodworking
class for other students who want to learn how to build things with their
hands. He was told the instructor responsible for the shop is currently out for
health reasons—but if Dean could put together an action plan and find
interested students, the school would consider it. He’s already done both. Now
he’s waiting for the teacher to return.
That’s why I’m reaching out.
Dean asked me if I could help him connect with local
people who work in construction and woodworking. He knows he’ll need
some lumber and materials for small projects—but more importantly, he wants
local involvement. Craftspeople. Builders. Small businesses. People who believe
skills are passed hand-to-hand, not just screen-to-screen. His whole plan is built
around community, not big-box stores.
If you—or someone you know—might be willing to encourage
him, offer advice, donate a few scraps, or simply say “keep going,” I’d love to
hear from you. I don’t personally know all the craftsmen in his area, so any
guidance or introductions would mean a lot.
This industry talks endlessly about the next generation.
Dean isn’t waiting to be invited into it—he’s already knocking on the door.
And I couldn’t be prouder.
Contact me at Modcoach@gmail.com if you want to learn
more, offer your support, or help these students learn hands-on.
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