07/12/2024
On July 8th Instructor Joe Gabardi was flown to Los Angeles California to participate in the Harbor Freight “Let’s Build It” conference. From July 8th through the 12th Joe had the chance to network with past and new champions of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools award. There were 57 teachers from across the country at the conference. Joe was the only Minnesota winner in event history.
Each day started with workshops hosted by Bendable Labs. After the morning workshops each afternoon held very interesting and rewarding activities. One afternoon was focused on Hands-on building and beautification activities for the Pacific Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. At this event the entire team completed amazing work on the grounds. Joe spent his time constructing a garden shed for the veterans. From there we toured local Technology Education shops, the Harbor Freight Quality Assurance Lab, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art expansion, and last but not least a great experience at the Peterson Automotive Museum.
12+ hour days were strenuous, but fantastic. The food at every meal was amazing, and Joe was able to build a network reaching across the United States. Each teacher left with all the teacher’s contacts, as well as shared google docs for all of us to add our ideas and help for others. Lots of energized ideas, and new opportunities for Joe!
Harbor Freight “Let’s Build It” award is much more then just the award. It is a forever community. It is support for the best of the best teachers across the country. The Let’s Build it event is an event Joe will have the ability to attend each year. Lots of great information and Ideas coming back to Nashwauk-Keewatin High School. Spartan Pride!
