At ARS Roofing & Gutters, we believe in building more than just roofs, we build futures. Through our committed partnership with The LIME Foundation and the Nextgen Trades Academy, we’re investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople. This investment doesn’t just pay off for the individuals involved; it lifts our entire community.

Whether we’re responding to storm damage with emergency roof repairs in Marin County or working under tight insurance deadlines, having a trained, ready workforce is essential.

The Workforce Crisis in Construction

The construction industry is facing a massive shortage of skilled workers, and it’s beginning to cause problems. According to national estimates, the U.S. will need thousands of additional skilled tradespeople to meet demand, and that gap grows every year as older workers retire.

Here in the North Bay, the issue is especially urgent. Natural disasters like wildfires don’t wait until we’re fully staffed. When they hit, it leaves thousands of homeowners in need of rapid repairs. But without trained labor ready to go, repairs can be delayed for months, sometimes years, leading to increased costs and prolonged displacement.

How Trade Programs Are Closing the Gap

That’s where Nextgen Trades Academy steps in. Founded through The LIME Foundation by our very own CEO Letitia Hanke, the program gives teens and young adults real-world training in roofing, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, and more.

Here’s what participants walk away with:

  • Hands-on trade skills
  • Safety training and professional certifications
  • Mentorship from seasoned pros
  • Job opportunities with companies like ours

At ARS, we’ve proudly hired graduates from Nextgen, and the results speak for themselves: reliable, enthusiastic young professionals who bring energy, innovation, and heart to every job.

Real-Life Impact: Fast-Tracking Repairs After Natural Disasters

After the devastating wildfires in Sonoma and Napa counties, demand for roof repairs, debris removal, and rebuilding soared. But skilled labor was in short supply. That’s when the trades training programs we helped support made all the difference.

“Our program started in January of 2017 and we had already had done two or three classes,” recalls Letitia Hanke, CEO of ARS Roofing & Gutters and founder of the NextGen Trades Academy and The LIME Foundation.

Thanks to the Nextgen Trades Academy, we were able to mobilize trained, local talent quickly. Our team worked around the clock to help homeowners meet tight insurance claim deadlines and avoid costly penalties.

For the families trying to get back on their feet, these weren’t just jobs, they were lifelines.

In a moment when community needed us most, the investment in youth trades training paid off, not just in productivity, but in resilience.

Why Youth Employment Means Community Resilience

When young people get trained in the trades, it’s not just good for them, it’s a win for all of us. Here’s why:

  • Local jobs build local pride. Young tradespeople often stay in the area, raise families, and invest in their communities.
  • Faster response in emergencies. A trained crew can jump into action when disaster hits.
  • Lower unemployment and crime. Purposeful careers help steer youth toward success.
  • Affordable housing gets built. Skilled workers help tackle the housing crisis head-on.
  • Future entrepreneurs rise up. Many Nextgen grads start businesses of their own.

A Vision for the Future

Letitia Hanke didn’t set out to be a roofer. She set out to be an entrepreneur who made a difference. And with ARS Roofing and The LIME Foundation, she’s done just that. Her vision includes not only expanding our roofing team, but ensuring every employee earns a living wage, receives healthcare benefits, and has access to enriching life experiences, like an annual team retreat in Hawaii.

That same spirit fuels the Nextgen Trades Academy.

At ARS Roofing & Gutters, we’re proud to say that every roof we repair, every gutter we install, and every emergency we respond to is part of something bigger. We’re investing in people. We’re protecting homes. And most importantly, we’re strengthening the community we love.

Ready to Make an Impact? ARS Roofing & Gutters

Whether you’re a homeowner in need of trusted roof and gutter services, or a young person curious about the trades, we invite you to be part of this movement by working with contractors who care about mentoring the next generation.

🔧 Need roofing help? Call ARS Roofing & Gutters at 415-459-7200 (Marin) and 707-584-5900 (Sonoma) or contact us online.

🌱 Want to support youth trades training? Learn more about The LIME Foundation.

👷 Interested in joining Nextgen Trades Academy? Learn more about the program.