Trade Up's latest podcast episode, "Concrete Dreams: From Apprentice to Industry Leader" is the inspiring story of Matt DiBara, a fourth-generation mason. Matt tells Trade Up host, Angie Hicks, about his journey – from a fascination with the construction world at an early age (even the celebratory moment he pulled on his first steel-toed boots at age 9!), how he was nurtured as the fourth generation of an Italian immigrant family business, to the starts and stops and ultimate success in building his own business (yes, with some smart marketing moves he made on then Angie’s List to being a top pro on Angi today!)

The two discuss Matt's formative years and the confidence he gained via SkillsUSA, a youth organization instrumental in developing skills. Winning a SkillsUSA competition validated his abilities outside of his family's encouragement, motivating him to try for entrepreneurial experience in California. His side ventures – including “The Undercover Contractor” which helps homeowners prevail -- are a testament to his commitment to improving the homeowner-contractor relationship and exhibits the enormous entrepreneurial potential within the skilled trades.

But Matt talks candidly about the labor shortage in the construction industry, sharing his personal struggles with hiring skilled tradespeople and the innovative solutions he developed to overcome them. This led to another side venture -- a unique recruitment model and educational consultancy that helps firms hire and retain good skilled workers.

"The challenge in the trades isn't about the work itself, but about finding the right people. I realized that if I wanted to overcome this, I needed to think outside the box."

Listen to this episode to hear how Matt built a thriving business — and why he encourages others to appreciate the skilled trades...and let's continue to celebrate those who build, repair, and maintain our homes. Join the conversation at Angie.com/tradeup and share your own experiences in the trades.

Join the conversation at Angi.com/tradeup and share your own experiences in the trades. Let's continue to uplift the stories of those who build, repair, and maintain our homes.