Simpson Strong-Tie and Building Talent Foundation (BTF) announced the extension of their partnership into 2026 with a $900,000 investment from Simpson Strong-Tie over the next three years (2024–2026). In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie CEO Mike Olosky has joined the Building Talent Foundation Board of Directors, and VP of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Annie Kao has joined BTF’s Advisory Council.
The partnership hit the ground running this year with 12 events planned nationwide introducing and promoting construction careers to diverse audiences. The first two events of 2024 were held in February for Spring Woods High School students in Houston, Texas, and for Carl Wunsche Sr. High School students in Spring, Texas. More than 60 students participated in Simpson Strong-Tie product demonstrations including the Quik Drive® PRO250G2 Subfloor System and H2.5A hurricane ties. Another three events followed in March and April, with students at Atlanta Technical College in Georgia, St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, and Grand Oaks High School in Spring, Texas.
Additional events are planned throughout the year in Texas, California and Florida. These are aimed to educate students about the construction industry, showcase Simpson Strong-Tie products and innovations, and provide insights into career opportunities within the construction trades.
“Getting more individuals into the construction trades is a key priority for us. Helping alleviate the labor shortage benefits our entire industry, so we’re excited to continue working with BTF on meeting their goals of bringing thousands of new employees into the trades,” said Olosky.
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Simpson Strong-Tie and continue our joint commitment to promoting careers in construction, lifting people out of poverty and into meaningful jobs, and enhancing skilled trade education, in order to strengthen communities and the industry’s workforce,” said Branka Minic, Chief Executive Officer of BTF. “We deeply appreciate the continuous support from Simpson Strong-Tie, and we welcome Mike and Annie to our organization’s Board and Advisory body.”
For more information about future events, visit buildingTF.org.
About Building Talent Foundation
Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national nonprofit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, with a purpose to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. BTF’s mission is to advance the education, training and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information, visit buildingtf.org and follow Building Talent Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.
Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and to surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support has been core to our mission since 1956. For more information, visit strongtie.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly) Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
