Core Insights - Maria Ford, President of U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales at DEWALT, has joined the Forbes Business Development Council to share insights on the construction industry and empower the next generation of tradespeople [1][7] Company Overview - DEWALT is a brand under Stanley Black & Decker, recognized as a leader in total jobsite solutions, providing tools and technologies designed to enhance safety and productivity on construction sites [9] Leadership and Advocacy - Ford has a strong background in the industry, having started her career at Stanley Black & Decker in 1998 and progressively taking on more responsibilities in sales and marketing [5] - She is a vocal advocate for skilled trades, actively inspiring future workers through speeches, op-eds, and media engagements [4] Financial Impact - Ford oversees DEWALT's U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales division, which generates $2 billion in revenue, focusing on empowering professionals through advanced tools and technology solutions [6]

Core Insights - DEWALT is committed to supporting the trades through its Grow the Trades initiative, which includes a $30 million investment over five years to address the skilled labor gap in the U.S. [2] - The initiative has already awarded nearly $20 million in scholarships, grants, tools, and resources for trades training [2] Group 1: Scholarship Recipients - The 2025-2026 scholarship recipients are pursuing 12 different trade careers, including electrical, carpentry, construction, HVAC, and welding, and they reside in 24 states and three provinces in Canada [1] - Robert Mendez, an aspiring diesel technician, left a corporate career to contribute to industries that impact everyday lives [3] - Gretta Vieths transitioned from desk jobs to electrical construction and maintenance, feeling empowered and optimistic about her future in the trades [4] - Julian Simmons is studying HVAC and Refrigeration while working part-time as an HVAC technician, aiming for a leadership role and eventual business ownership [5] - Haley Debum is studying automotive technology and emphasizes the importance of skilled trades while breaking gender stereotypes [6] Group 2: Company Background - DEWALT, a brand under Stanley Black & Decker, has been a leader in jobsite solutions for over 100 years, focusing on safety and productivity [7] - Stanley Black & Decker, founded in 1843, operates globally with approximately 48,000 employees and a portfolio of trusted brands, including DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, and STANLEY [8]