It’s been quite a second quarter with RUGGED Mind and Body! Our mission to bring awareness to mental health and wellness for tradespeople continues to pick up steam. In our last issue, we discussed the RUGGED video made by our Vanguard Sponsor Cintas. It has since garnered thousands of views on social media! Our monthly e-newsletter subscriber requests keep increasing as well. Plus, our “How do you STAY RUGGED?” RUGGED Rhino giveaway continues to be a fun way to reach tradespeople and has been a huge success!

Additionally, I have just returned from our fourth RUGGED Road Show in Philadelphia. The event at Topgolf in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was extra special! We had record attendance, as well as two gentlemen who attended our very first New Jersey Road Show in May 2025. I spoke with Tom Van Pelt from Well Manager and Adam Diehl from Integrity Mechanical and asked them what made them want to come to another RUGGED event. Both responded they thought the RUGGED Mind and Body mission is important, and that they got some helpful takeaways from our speaker, Nate Agentis of Hope for the Trades. They also felt the “community” aspect of the Road Show was rewarding. These responses literally brought tears to my eyes. Stories like these prove that what started as a key discussion in our little office continues to evolve and grow — and above all, help people. Thank you, Tom, Adam and all of our attendees for joining us this May. See you at the next one! For those who weren’t able to attend, you can read our full event recap on Page 24. 

I am sure you were struck by the power of our cover this month — I was! A huge thank you to Mary-Anne Bowcott, who continues to impress with her feats and her ability to overcome any challenge. I am grateful to have gotten to know Mary-Anne, and she is quite a force. On Page 6 you will read about her journey and perseverance, and I am quite sure it will inspire you to work on something in your life you would like to conquer. 

Our contributors have outlined valuable information on building a safer workforce and leading with purpose. Plus, don’t miss Part 2 of our Q&A with plumber Omar Harris on staying fit, safe and successful as a tradesperson. This issue is full of substantive articles that I am sure will resonate and hopefully encourage you in your journey. 

We only get this one life. Work is important, but so is rest, recreation, and time with family and friends. As we head into summer, my wish is that everyone can take some time to reset and do something that brings you joy.

As always, Stay Rugged!