On November 20, we had the first ever Granite Goodness LIVE event at the Rex Theatre in Manchester, NH.
I’d like to extend a BIG thank you to:
Our sponsor, Grappone Automotive (especially you, Amanda!)
Mike Skelton, President of the Business and Industry Association of NH
Shana Brunye, Chief Operations Officer at Bring Back the Trades
My musical friends at Sneaky Miles for opening the evening
Warren O’Reilly, Lisa Neville, and the Rex Theatre team for making this so easy and fun
My friends at InFocus Media for recording and producing the show
Morgan Karanasios for being our wonderful photographer. All pictures here!
Everyone who showed up! We had 100+ people there : )
You all made me feel optimistic!
Below is an edited and abridged transcript featuring some highlights from the show. The questions, wording, and phrasing in this summary may differ slightly from the original conversation. Full episode transcripts are available on granitegoodness.com.
Let’s start here. We live in a world where negativity is easy to find. Granite Goodness exists because I believe another story is also true. People across New England are solving real problems every day. What brought each of you into this work, and what makes you optimistic about New Hampshire?
Steve:
For me it started with a hat and a dream. Literally, the idea came to me in a dream. I put “Bring Back the Trades” on a hat, wore it into work, and suddenly everyone wanted one. It spread because people cared. That showed me something important. I came to appreciate that if you start something genuine in New Hampshire, community can form quickly.
Shana:
I am optimistic because of students. They think the trades are one thing, then we show them robotics, diagnostics, HVAC tech, welding, and marine engines. Watching their idea of work expand in real time is incredible. It reminds me how much opportunity exists.
Mike:
New Hampshire rewards initiative. Here, an idea can move from a conversation to a statewide program because the networks are close and the culture supports problem solving. Organizations like Stay Work Play, Bring Back the Trades, Swim With a Mission, and even Granite Goodness all began with someone deciding to act. That energy gives me hope.
Corinne:
Young people are exposed to nonstop messages that the future is bleak. That does not match the New Hampshire I see. This is a state of potential and a state of people who care. When young people feel connected, they thrive. When they only hear doom, they assume the worst. Our job is to show them what is actually possible.
A lot of that possibility comes from the economy itself. What do people misunderstand about New Hampshire’s economy?
Mike:
People do not realize how innovative the state is. Advanced manufacturing is happening everywhere. Microchips, aerospace components, medical technology, precision machining. Most residents drive past these buildings without knowing what level of work is happening inside. If we want young people to stay, we need to tell this story far more clearly.
Housing is one of the biggest hurdles for young people. How does the Housing Supply Coalition fit into this conversation, and what role do tradespeople play in solving the housing shortage?
Mike:
The Housing Supply Coalition is focused on clearing bottlenecks. Zoning, infrastructure, and permitting delays slow everything down. If we want attainable housing, we have to remove the barriers and actually build. It is a statewide effort because housing affects the workforce, business growth, and who can afford to live here.
Shana:
And none of this works without people to build the homes. Every conversation about housing is connected to the trades. Electricians, HVAC technicians, carpenters, and heavy equipment operators are essential. When students realize their work can help solve the housing crisis, it gives them a sense of purpose.
Steve:
Exactly. New Hampshire needs thousands of new units. Tradespeople are the ones who will build them. Kids often do not realize that learning to wire, frame, or install a heat pump is not just a job. It is a direct contribution to one of the biggest challenges in the state. They can be part of fixing it.
Corinne:
From the young professional perspective, housing determines whether people stay or leave. When students understand that trades careers literally create the homes their generation needs, it changes the conversation. They see themselves as builders of the future.
What surprises students most when they learn about the trades?
Shana:
They are surprised by how technical and creative the work is. Robotics calibration, collision repair systems, HVAC troubleshooting. There is so much variety. And when they learn that many of these careers offer strong pay without college debt, it shifts their thinking.
Steve:
They are also surprised by the pride. Kids expect to meet people who are just doing a job. Instead, they meet people who love their craft. A plumber explaining how they solved a tough problem inspires students. Many young people have never been told they are allowed to be good with their hands. When they see that pride, something clicks.
New Hampshire has momentum but also challenges. What do we need most to keep young people in the state?
Corinne:
Young people need to see a path. Housing that is attainable. Workplaces that invest in them. Communities where they feel connected. If we only tell negative stories, they will leave before they even try. We need to highlight the possibilities that already exist.
Mike:
We also need alignment across sectors. Schools, businesses, nonprofits, and government all have a role. If we work together intentionally, New Hampshire can lead in innovation and quality of life.
Steve:
And we need to keep saying yes. Yes to apprenticeships. Yes to mentorship. Yes to letting kids try tools and shadow jobs. A little encouragement can change everything.
If you could offer one piece of advice to young people tonight, what would it be?
Mike:
Stay ambitious. Do not underestimate yourself or this state. There is more opportunity here than people think.
Corinne:
My advice is for employers and established leaders. Listen to young people! They know what they need. If we meet them halfway, they will stay and lead.
Shana:
Be curious. Visit workplaces. Ask questions. Try things. Let yourself be surprised by what you can do.
Steve:
Find someone who believes in you and follow that path. Often, success begins with one adult saying, “You can do this.”
Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to check out our latest good news newsletters for NH or New England.
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-Andy
