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Building Futures Together: HBI Partner The Home Depot Foundation’s Support for Schools, Veterans and 100 Black Men of America

Building Futures Together: HBI Partner Home Depot’s Support for Schools, Veterans and 100 Black Men of America

At Home Builders Institute (HBI), we know that a career in construction can change lives. The opportunities in this industry are vast, from hands-on skills to leadership positions. Thanks to partners like The Home Depot Foundation, those opportunities are expanding for even more people, including young adults, veterans, and underserved communities.

The Home Depot Foundation has long been a champion for building stronger futures, not just through construction products but by investing in programs that support education, veterans, and community organizations. Let’s take a closer look at how the Foundation is making a difference—and how their partnership with HBI’s free construction training programs can help you get started in this exciting industry.

Supporting Schools and Communities Through S2S Grants

One of The Home Depot Foundation’s key initiatives is their Path to Pro Program, which works to introduce more young people to the benefits of a construction career. A key component of this is the S2S (Schools to Skills) Grant. This program supports high schools and technical schools with resources to create strong construction training programs. It’s about building pathways for young adults to enter the construction industry with confidence and the right skills.

For students considering their future, this is a game-changer. By gaining hands-on experience in high-demand trades like carpentry, electrical, and HVAC, students can jumpstart their careers before they even graduate. With the support of The Home Depot Foundation and their S2S Grants, schools across the country can provide the tools and training necessary to help students succeed in the construction industry.

Explore the Path to Pro program and see how you can benefit from the training and resources The Home Depot Foundation provides through partnerships with HBI and other institutions. Learn more about Path to Pro.

Military Veterans: The Home Depot Foundation and HBI Have Your Back

The Home Depot Foundation’s commitment to veterans is another standout aspect of their community efforts. As a company that values the discipline, work ethic, and leadership skills veterans bring, Home Depot has long supported programs aimed at helping veterans transition to civilian careers, particularly in construction.

HBI, through its Military Veterans Program, offers free training designed specifically for veterans. This program is supported by The Home Depot Foundation as part of their ongoing commitment to provide career pathways for former service members. The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, but with The Home Depot Foundation and HBI working together, veterans can enter the workforce with a solid foundation of skills and industry certifications.

Check out HBI’s free construction training for military veterans to learn how you can get started.

Empowering the Community: 100 Black Men of America

The Home Depot Foundation’s efforts go beyond education and veterans. They are also committed to introducing more people to the skilled trades. A perfect example is their support for 100 Black Men of America. Through mentorship and education, 100 Black Men of America provides guidance to young adults, encouraging them to pursue careers in industries like construction.

HBI shares this mission of creating opportunities for all, and with the support of partners like The Home Depot Foundation, we can offer free, high-quality training programs that open doors to lasting careers. Whether you’re interested in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC systems, the construction industry has a place for you.

Learn more about the 100 Black Men of America initiative here.

Why a Career in Construction?

For young adults exploring career options, construction offers more than just a job. It’s a chance to build a rewarding career in a field that’s constantly growing. Whether you prefer working with your hands or aspire to manage projects and lead teams, the construction industry is full of opportunities.

Here are just a few of the benefits of a career in construction:

  • Job Stability: Construction is a vital industry that always has demand for skilled workers. Whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial projects, you’ll find steady work in this field.
  • High Earning Potential: Skilled tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters can earn great salaries, with opportunities for advancement as you gain more experience.
  • Hands-On Learning: If you enjoy working with your hands and seeing the tangible results of your labor, construction is the perfect fit. You’ll be able to build, create, and see the fruits of your work every day.
  • Career Growth: The construction industry offers clear pathways for advancement. Starting in an entry-level position doesn’t mean staying there—many professionals move up the ranks to supervisory or management roles.

At HBI, we provide free training programs that equip you with the skills you need to enter the construction industry confidently. Whether you’re a high school student, a veteran, or a member of an underserved community, HBI has a program for you.

Check out HBI’s Fall 2024 Construction Labor Market Report for insights into career opportunities in construction and building.

Start Your Construction Career Today

The Home Depot Foundation’s commitment to supporting schools, veterans, and underserved communities aligns with HBI’s mission to prepare individuals for successful careers in construction. Whether you’re a young adult looking to start your career, a veteran transitioning to civilian life, or a community member seeking new opportunities, construction offers a rewarding and stable future.

Check out our previous blog posts for more information on the diverse career paths in construction and how HBI’s free programs can help you succeed. With The Home Depot Foundation’s support, there’s never been a better time to build your future in the construction industry.

Ready to get started? Visit HBI’s training programs to learn how we can help you build the skills for a successful career.

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MARIO GONZALEZ
Vice President of Workforce Training & Employment
Mario joined HBI as a Regional Career Development Coordinator of HBI’s Military Services in 2019 and was promoted to Associate Vice President of WTE Community & Corrections Programs in 2022.
 
Now serving as Vice president of WTE (2024), he oversees the daily operations of HBI’s WTE Community & Corrections, Military Services, & Academies programs, working with partners to advance HBI’s expansion and enhance job placement opportunities for graduates. Mario serves as the liaison between HBI and external stakeholders to include military installations. He ensures successful outcomes for HBI graduates from transitioning service members & veterans to justice involved adults & youths. Internally, he provides strategic operational perspective to HBI’s senior leadership team.
 
Prior to joining HBI, Mario served for 21 years in the U.S. Army across multiple locations globally & nationally and has an MBA from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN.
 
Mario resides in Tennessee with his wife and children and spends time in Texas where his mother, adult children, and grandchildren reside. He enjoys the outdoors and serving in his community. 
JOSEPH F. LANDERS
Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts

Joseph F. Landers, 71, is the Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts having assumed that role in 2018 with a mandate from the Board of Directors to harmonize the five MA local associations, increase communications from the state to the membership, increase the public profile of the association, create a path to financial stability and elevate the states lobbying efforts. Prior to taking on the challenging state association role, Joe was Chief Executive Officer and founder of Customized Structures Inc., a custom manufacturer of single-family, multi-family and commercial modular and panelized structures which began operations in 1984. Joe has been involved in the building industry, both site-built and factory-built, since 1973 and has worked in all phases of construction from development through design and production including on site management and sales. Customized Structures produced on average 330 single family homes per year, had an employee base as high as 180 and was known as the innovator in the production and design of modular components.

 

After the sale of Customized Structures Inc. to a private equity firm in 2003 Joe remained on the Board of Directors of the Company and functioned as a consultant to the CEO. He further took on the role of helping failing building systems companies return to profitability and successfully oversaw the sale of those companies. Mr. Landers has lectured frequently on the benefits and utilization of systems-built construction to building professionals around the country and has utilized his substantial professional and industry background to provide consultation services to both national and foreign companies interested in the processes and pitfalls of building and developing utilizing building systems components.

Joe attended Northeastern University and St. Anselm’s College graduating with a B.S. in 1972. 

Joe has been a member of the National Association of Home Builders since 1974. He is past president of two local Home Builders Associations and has served two terms as President of the  State of NH Home Builders Association. Joe is also a past president of the Modular Building  Systems Council of the NAHB, has been Chairman of the National Building Systems Council (BSC)  and has served five terms as a Trustee of the BSC during which time he created the BSC logo and  wrote the brochure “Most Frequently Asked Questions about Modular Homes”. 

In 1989, Joe received the National Pacesetter Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership  and contribution to the housing industry and in 1991 was awarded the title of Builder of the Year  by the Home Builders Association of N.H. In 1992 he was appointed by the Governor to the NH  Board of Fire Control within the Department of Safety and since then was reappointed three times.  He has served as a member on the State of New Hampshire Building Code Review Board and was  appointed by the Governor of NH to the Shore Land Protection Commission. Joe was selected to  receive the 2000 S. A. Walters Chairman’s Award, the premier award in the U.S. Systems Built  Housing Industry and was installed to the New Hampshire Housing Hall of Fame for his significant  and lasting contributions to the housing industry in the State of New Hampshire.  

Joe is a Senior Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders; he is served six terms on the NAHB Budget & Finance Committee serving as Vice Chair for four of those years, he has served  as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, the International Housing Committee and the Building  Products Issues Committee of NAHB serving on the NAHB Executive Committee multiple times. 

In 2001 Joe was elected an Area Vice President of the National Association of Home Builders  representing builders through out the northeast. 

Joe is active in his community having served as finance chairmen of his church, is a member of the  International Order of Odd Fellows, and has served on multiple boards and committees on a  volunteer basis.  

Joe and his wife, Denise, reside in Plymouth, MA, they have two children, Jessica and Brad and two  grandchildren, Lily and Jack ages 13 and 11.

Seth Appleton
President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers

The Honorable Seth Appleton is President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers. In this role, he leads USMI’s efforts to enable sustainable access to affordable mortgage credit for borrowers while protecting taxpayers. Seth previously served as President of MISMO, the real estate finance industry’s standards organization. Prior to that, Seth served as the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
a position for which he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. In addition to his service as Assistant Secretary, Seth concurrently served as the Principal Executive Vice President of Ginnie Mae, a government corporation guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal and interest on more than $2 trillion in mortgage-backed securities.


Before joining HUD, Seth worked on Capitol Hill, including serving as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer for more than eight years. A native of Missouri, Seth is a graduate of Stanford University and is a co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Council.

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