Simpson Strong-Tie and Building Talent Foundation announced the extension of their partnership into 2026 with a $900,000 investment from Simpson Strong-Tie over the next three years. In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie CEO Mike Olosky has joined the Building Talent Foundation Board of Directors, and VP of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Annie Kao has joined BTF’s Advisory Council.
The partnership hit the ground running this year, with 12 events planned nationwide introducing and promoting construction careers to diverse audiences. The first two events of 2024 were held in February for Spring Woods High School students in Houston and for Carl Wunsche Sr. High School students in Spring, Texas. More than 60 students participated in Simpson Strong-Tie product demonstrations, including the Quik Drive PRO250G2 Subfloor System and H2.5A hurricane ties. Another three events followed in March and April with students at Atlanta Technical College in Georgia, St. Philip’s College in San Antonio and Grand Oaks High School in Spring.
Additional events are planned throughout the year in Texas, California and Florida. They are aimed to educate students about the construction industry, showcase Simpson Strong-Tie products and innovations, and provide insights into career opportunities within the construction trades.
“Getting more individuals into the construction trades is a key priority for us,” Olosky said. “Helping alleviate the labor shortage benefits our entire industry, so we’re excited to continue working with BTF on meeting their goals of bringing thousands of new employees into the trades.”
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Simpson Strong-Tie and continue our joint commitment to promoting careers in construction, lifting people out of poverty and into meaningful jobs, and enhancing skilled trade education, in order to strengthen communities and the industry’s workforce,” said Branka Minic, chief executive officer of BTF. “We deeply appreciate the continuous support from Simpson Strong-Tie, and we welcome Mike and Annie to our organization’s board and advisory body.”
For more information about future events, visit buildingTF.org.
