The Alberta Tradesman Journey
Red Seal certified in both Welding and Steamfitting-Pipefitting, with 16 years in Alberta's toughest environments - from fabrication shops to Fort McMurray refineries. When chronic conditions forced me out of the trades in April 2024, I didn't quit - I pivoted.
Started a Project Management course in early 2025, but quickly realized I could do more than just manage - I could build. In just 5 months of intensive learning, I went from zero to launching AlbertaTradesman.ca with 11 functional subdomains.
Built for Albertans, Partially from Bed. Not because I'm lazy, but because sometimes that's what it takes to keep building when your body says stop but your mind says go. Every line of code, whether written at a desk or propped up in bed, is written with the same attention to detail I brought to welding critical welds in -40°C weather.
Funny thing is, I wanted to be a programmer after high school, even tried making games back then. Took 20 years and a forced career change to get back to it, but maybe it was always meant to be. Just had to learn welding first to appreciate clean code joints.
"We measure twice and code once. Every line of code is like a weld - it needs to be strong, clean, and built to last."