Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network "I Went to Yale Law School and Trade School Because American Prosperity Depends on Both Lawyers and Tradespeople." Darnell Epps Darnell Epps, a Yale Law School graduate and CEO of Thurgood Industries, and Andy Bizub, owner of Midwest Performance Cars, discuss the importance of skilled trades and the need to promote alternative career paths. Darnell shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to success, emphasizing the value of vocational schools and education. Andy highlights the urgent demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry. Together, they advocate for greater collaboration between industry, education, and families to bridge the skills gap and create fulfilling career opportunities. Darnell Epps, CEO, Thurgood Industries Andy Bizub, Midwest Performance Cars, Chicago and Northbrook, IL.  Andy’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes

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• Darnell's Law School Experience (00:02:31) Darnell shares his memorable graduation moment at Yale Law School with his children present.
• Darnell's Background in Brooklyn (00:03:20) He discusses growing up and overcoming challenges through education.
• Connecting Darnell's Story to Skilled Trades (00:04:32) Carm highlights the relevance of Darnell's experiences to the skilled trades industry.
• Darnell's Journey to Lincoln Tech (00:04:53) Darnell explains his decision to attend Lincoln Tech while working on legal issues in low-income neighborhoods.
• Skills Gap in the Workforce (00:06:39) Darnell discusses the desperate need for skilled workers in various industries he encountered.
• Darnell's Training at Lincoln Tech (00:07:45) He details his enrollment in a machining program and his experience at the Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute.
• Tapping into Hidden Talent (00:09:20) Darnell emphasizes the importance of connecting skilled trades with underutilized talent in communities.
• Need for Skilled Workers in Automotive (00:10:27) Andy highlights the projected demand for automotive technicians over the next decade.
• Parallels in Darnell and Andy's Stories (00:11:36) Andy shares similarities in their backgrounds and the importance of skilled trades for future generations.
• Importance of Alternative Education Pathways (00:12:48) Both speakers stress the need for diverse career paths beyond traditional education.
• Engaging Parents in Career Decisions (00:13:21) Darnell advocates for involving parents in discussions about alternative career options for their children.
• Celebrating Skilled Trades (00:14:57) Darnell expresses his desire to raise awareness about the craftsmanship and opportunities in skilled trades.
• Changing Perceptions of Education (00:15:39) Darnell challenges the notion that success is only achievable through traditional college pathways.
• Personal Educational Experiences (00:20:08) Andy shares his own college dropout story and how he found his passion in the trading business.
• Job Security in Legal vs. Technical Fields (00:20:36) Andy highlights the job security differences between legal professions and technical trades amid automation.
• The Evolution of Skilled Trades (00:21:18) Discussion on the changing perception of blue-collar jobs and the need for skilled workers.
• Automation and Job Security (00:21:40) Exploration of how automation is transforming factory jobs, enhancing the need for skilled labor.
• AI and Productivity in Repair Shops (00:23:34) The potential of AI to improve technician productivity and efficiency in automotive repair.
• Goals of Thurgood Industries (00:26:27) Darnell shares his vision for connecting employers with hidden talent pools in underserved communities.
• Building a Community for Skilled Workers (00:29:04) Discussion on creating a platform to celebrate skilled workers and improve public perception.
• Introducing the Thurgood App (00:32:35) Overview of the app designed for skills assessments and community engagement among skilled workers.
• Darnell's Legal Aspirations (00:35:28) Darnell discusses his plans for the bar exam and pro bono legal work in the future.
• Advocating for Skilled Trades (00:39:23) The need for industry leaders to engage with educators and promote the importance of skilled trades.

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