I wrote an open letter to Mike Rowe and spammed it on all my socials and sent it in multiple emails to someone who may have access to him.
I am curious on what others think about this:
Mike,
You’ve spent years shining a spotlight on the dignity of skilled work and the real opportunities that exist outside the traditional four-year college path. That message has resonated with a lot of people—including those of us actually out here doing the work, building things, fixing what breaks, and keeping everyday life running.
But there’s a gap in the conversation that needs more attention.
We keep hearing about six-figure opportunities in the trades, about shortages of skilled labor, and about how young people should step into these roles. On paper, it sounds like a simple equation: high demand equals high pay. In reality, it’s not that straightforward—especially at the level where most people actually start.
The truth is, a large portion of trade work in this country is carried by small, entry-level contractors—men and women who own small businesses, often running tight margins, juggling inconsistent workloads, and competing with larger operations that dominate big contracts. These small operators are not making six figures themselves in many cases. So how are they supposed to pay entry-level workers anything close to that?
The economics don’t line up.
Large-scale projects—the kind that can sustain higher wages—are often controlled by well-funded companies with deep pockets and established networks. Meanwhile, the smaller infrastructure—the local electricians, plumbers, welders, and general contractors—are left fighting over thinner slices of the pie. They are essential, but they’re not positioned to offer the kind of compensation that keeps new talent from drifting elsewhere.
So when we tell young people, “Go into the trades, you can make great money,” we’re skipping the part where they spend years underpaid, working for small businesses that are themselves trying to survive.
That’s where your voice—and your platform—could push the conversation further.
You’ve advocated for scholarships and support for individuals entering the trades, which is valuable. But what if the focus expanded beyond the worker and included the small businesses that train them?
What if more money was put directly into the hands of deserving small contractors—not as loans that burden them further, but as true investments or grants? Funding that helps them:
Pay apprentices a livable wage Invest in better tools and equipment. Take on larger jobs they otherwise couldn’t access. Actually grow into the kind of companies that can sustain those six-figure roles we keep talking about
Because without strengthening the foundation—the small businesses that train and employ new workers—the pipeline of skilled labor will continue to struggle.
Right now, we’re asking the bottom of the system to fix a top-heavy problem.
If we want more skilled professionals, we don’t just need willing workers—we need stronger, better-supported employers at the ground level. Otherwise, the gap between expectation and reality will keep widening.
You’ve already done a lot to change how people view skilled labor. This is an opportunity to push that impact even further—by addressing not just the workforce, but the ecosystem they depend on.
Respectfully,
Someone in the trenches trying to make it make sense
