About GRIT

At GRIT, we aim to connect youth to the skilled trades through hands-on experiences and strong mentorship.

The people building GRIT come from the trades themselves.

About Us

At GRIT Foundation, we are on a mission to empower the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in the skilled trades. Who better to share this with youth than skilled trades professionals themselves? We train tradespeople to become strong, confident mentors who can effectively share their skills, knowledge, and passion for the trades with the next generation, then provide them with opportunities to put these skills into action at our GRIT Camps. We believe that a rewarding career in the trades is a pathway to personal growth and long-term success, without the burden of overwhelming college debt.

Why Choose Trades?

A mentor helps a young learner explore an electrical circuit with a multimeter at a GRIT Camp.

Inspiring Hands-On Learning

GRIT partners with contractors, educators, and industry experts to spark curiosity and creativity through real-world, hands-on experiences in the skilled trades.

A GRIT Camp student wearing safety glasses and gloves works with copper tubing and a hand tool.

Building Practical Skills

Trades like HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Carpentry give participants the chance to work with tools, solve problems, and gain confidence through doing, not just observing.

GRIT Camp participants proudly show their completed wood-frame projects outside the Clermont workshop.

Accessible Opportunities for All

We believe everyone should have the chance to learn a trade. GRIT focuses on creating inclusive, community-driven events that make hands-on learning open and approachable for all ages.

Join Us

OUR VISION

We envision a future where hands-on skills empower people to learn, grow, and make a difference.

The skilled trades have long shaped the world we live in, and the people who master them carry knowledge worth passing on. GRIT exists to honor that. Through GRIT Camps and workshops, tradespeople become mentors, guiding students through real tools, real questions, and real experiences. Using the Socratic method and a hands-on approach, we create spaces where curiosity sparks, skills are shared, and the next generation discovers the power and pride found in the trades.

Meet our team

Bryan Orr

CO-FOUNDER

Bryan Orr, father of ten, is the co-founder of GRIT Foundation. As president of Kalos Services and founder of HVAC-School Bryan leverages decades of experience in the skilled trades to promote and inspire the next generation of workers.

Ruchir Shah

CO-FOUNDER

Ruchir Shah, co-founder of GRIT is the founder of SkillCat, an online training app for the skilled trades that has helped over 300,000 students. Ruchir, a four-time entrepreneur, holds a degree in engineering from Rice University and an MBA from Stanford Business School.

Leilani Orr

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Leilani Orr, Executive Director at GRIT, a home-school educator for 20+ years, events coordinator and volunteer at Kalos Services is heavily involved in the community and building partnerships with others to help bridge the gap of skilled workers in the USA.

Ty Branaman

HEAD OF TRAINING

Ty Branaman, head of training at GRIT, brings 30 years of HVAC experience, from apprentice to business owner. A Certified Master HVAC Educator, Ty is passionate about helping others succeed in the trades. With expertise in traditional, online, hybrid, and field training, he uses a variety of methods to empower individuals to thrive in their careers.

Abby Thompson

PROGRAM MANAGER

Abby Thompson, Program Manager at GRIT, holds a B.S. in Public Policy Analysis and a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from The Ohio State University. Abby is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthening mentorship in the skilled trades, using her experience to develop programs that connect youth with tradespeople and hands-on learning.