Coates, whose company specializes in custom residential construction and frame-to-finish carpentry, first made a name for himself through SkillsUSA. A 2022 SkillsUSA Carpentry National Gold Medalist, he said his journey into competition almost never happened.

“My advisor, Mr. Burt, saw something in me,” Coates says. “I didn't even want to do it. He got my mom involved and said, ‘You're going to do it.’”

The encouragement paid off. Coates advanced through regional and state competitions before winning the national carpentry championship in Atlanta shortly after graduating high school at age 18.

His path into the skilled trades began even earlier. At around age 10, a mentor connected to his after-school program introduced him to carpentry and construction, teaching him the fundamentals and helping him develop his skills over time.

“Over the years, looking through the mistakes and just getting better,” Coates says.

By age 18, he had launched Coates Builder Improvements. Today, the Jacksonville-based company employs five people and is approaching the $1 million mark, according to Coates. He is also working toward obtaining his general contractor license.

Now, he is focused on preparing for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, where competitors from around the globe will showcase the highest levels of technical and vocational skill. His training includes stereotomy, a specialized form of traditional carpentry that requires interpreting detailed drawings and precisely laying out complex building components.

“Construction has always been my passion — building is what drives me every day,” Coates said. “Competing at WorldSkills is a chance to show the dedication and skill I've put into my craft.”

As the construction industry continues to face workforce shortages, Coates believes more young people are recognizing the long-term opportunities available in the trades.

“AI is taking over,” he says. “The trades are going nowhere. We'll always be here.”

He also credits organizations such as SkillsUSA and DEWALT for helping introduce young people to careers in the skilled trades through training, mentorship and competition opportunities. DEWALT supports Coates' WorldSkills journey through its Grow the Trades initiative, a long-term investment aimed at expanding access to skilled trades education and workforce development.

For students considering a career in construction, Coates' advice is simple: “Do it. The sky's the limit. If you're willing to put in the effort and the work, it's for you.”

Looking back, Coates said one lesson he wishes more young tradespeople would embrace is the business side of construction

“A lot of us business owners on the trade side, we're good at doing the work, but are we really good at the business side?” he says. “That's a whole other side of the trades.”

As he prepares to represent Team USA in Shanghai this September, Coates remains grateful for the opportunity.

“It's everything,” he says. “I'm grateful to be here and to represent the United States.”