Dear Members,

In jobsite trailers and wrestling rooms across America, a familiar fire is lit—young people pushing themselves to be better, stronger, and more accountable. At the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA), we see that spirit every day in the teams who pour slabs and raise panels with precision and pride. And through my involvement with Beat the Streets (BTS), a national nonprofit that empowers underserved youth through the sport of wrestling, I’ve seen that same grit building character and changing lives.

Now, through a new partnership between TCA and BTS, we have a unique opportunity to align our shared values and address one of our industry’s greatest challenges: workforce development.

Tilt-up construction demands discipline, physical and mental toughness, and relentless attention to detail—much like wrestling. Both are team efforts built on trust, accountability, and hard work. The youth of BTS are no strangers to early mornings, long practices, or pushing through adversity. They’ve learned how to lose with grace, win with humility, and, most importantly, keep showing up.

These are exactly the kinds of individuals we want on our jobsites and in our companies—people ready to work hard and lead with integrity.

While the construction industry continues to feel the strain of a growing labor shortage, BTS is serving more than 11,000 young men and women across 11 major U.S. cities. These athletes are searching for direction, mentorship, and a meaningful path forward. This partnership offers us a chance to be that path.

I encourage every TCA member to consider how your company might engage:

• Host a jobsite tour for a local BTS chapter.
• Offer a summer internship.
• Launch an apprenticeship or mentorship program.
• Speak at a BTS event about your journey in the trades.
• Collaborate with local workforce agencies to create training pipelines that include BTS graduates.

TCA and BTS leadership are working together to establish a framework that makes these connections possible, and we’re here to support your involvement. Whether you’re in LA, Philly, Newark, or Chicago, there’s a BTS chapter nearby and eager to partner.

On a personal note, both wrestling and construction have changed the course of my life. This partnership isn’t just strategic—it’s personal. It’s a chance to invest in the next generation, to offer a shot at something greater, and to build a legacy that extends beyond concrete walls.

To ensure the success of this initiative, we’re working to designate a point of contact at the national BTS office who can help guide TCA members to local chapters and maintain ongoing engagement. I also recommend forming a joint committee of BTS and TCA representatives to keep momentum strong and drive results. Without that structure, we risk losing an opportunity with real potential.

I remain fully committed to this effort, and I hope you will join me. Together, let’s aim to place at least 100 BTS athletes on meaningful industry pathways over the next 18 months. Let’s build something—starting with opportunity.