RUGGED Mind and Body Road Shows two and three in the books! The fourth issue of RUGGED Mind and Body magazine published! Exhibited at the Build Back the Trades (BBTT) Skills Expo at Gillette Stadium! Wow! I could not be prouder of our RUGGED initiative and the momentum it is gaining. When we began this journey back in the summer of 2024, we did not know where it would lead. We just knew that with the tremendous reach we have in the PHCP industry, we had the responsibility to bring awareness to mental health and wellness for our tradespeople.

Each time I start to write the publisher’s letter, I reflect on how we are accomplishing our mission. This time, I am particularly overcome with pride as I think of all the tradespeople I have met at our Road Shows and the comments and stories they have shared with me. One young man in Boston told me it was “divine intervention” that he was at the event. He said, “I came in thinking it was going to be one thing, and I am leaving with a totally renewed energy on what the next moves in my life need to be.” Many, many tradespeople remarked to me at the shows, “Keep doing this – what you are doing is so important!” 

Our RUGGED Road Shows foster community in an open, relaxed environment. This atmosphere was kicked off at our latest events by Nate Agentis, Plumbing CEO and Business Development Resources (BDR). In his presentation, “How to Grow Your Trades Business Without Burning Out,” he shares his personal experiences, helping to foster trust among attendees to share their own stories. We are so grateful to Nate for leading his presentation and helping us with our mission. Nate also shares his story in this issue of RUGGED. 

As RUGGED continues to create, educate and advocate for our tradespeople, we’ve realized it is important to highlight to prospective tradespeople that they can enjoy a fulfilling and successful career in the trades while taking care of their mental health and wellness. We were given the opportunity to have a RUGGED Mind and Body booth at the BBTT Skills Expo in October to help spread this message. The students we spoke to found it reassuring that there are publications, resources and organizations like RUGGED they can engage with to help keep their physical and mental health top of mind. 

We all know that the lack of young people entering the trades is a huge stress for business owners and managers as well. In an effort to combat the labor shortage, RUGGED Mind and Body was also thrilled to sponsor a BBTT scholarship for $2,500 to help a young trades student achieve her dream. We can’t wait to see the bright future in store for our recipient, Carolyn Campana! 

Now that we’ve reached the end of the 2025, I would just like to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and happy new year. We hope you will be able relax, rejuvenate and spend time with family and friends. And for those who may be alone this time of year or away from your own families to help others during that Christmas Day emergency call, just know that we see and appreciate you. 

The next issue of RUGGED magazine will be out in Spring 2026. We are very excited for some of the new recurring columnists we have lined up, and we can’t wait to continue sharing inspiring stories with you all. 

Until next time, stay RUGGED!