Jordan Parisse-Ferrarini
Founding Executive Director
Trades for a Difference
Philadelphia, PA USA
“'Being real’ is helping your community, not hurting your community.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationJordan Parisse-Ferrarini
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
We started a handyman company out of the trunk of a car with a bucket full of tools from the pawn shop—we passed out flyers and were able to pay the bills by providing small repair services.
I saw my mom and brothers work so hard at the business that I took to it as well, seeing it was an opportunity and a way to get up and out.
I invested in myself and my education in the construction trade.
We eventually grew the business into renovations and started doing small-scale kitchen and bathrooms as well as basement restoration projects.
What started out as a small handyman business from the trunk of a car grew into a nationally awarded brand in the luxury design build industry.
As I became more successful, I realized that there wasn’t anyone else who looked like me succeeding in the industry, so I decided to do something about it.
I started a nonprofit organization, Trades for a Difference, in order to give as many people from my community access to the same types of opportunities.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Vocational
Electrician Technician
Kaplan International Pathways
Electrician Technician
Kaplan International Pathways
Certification/License
Business and Construction Management
Temple University - Fox School of Business and Management
Business and Construction Management
Temple University - Fox School of Business and Management
Certification/License
Master Electrician
International Code Council
Master Electrician
International Code Council
Certification/License
OSHA Authorized Training Instructor
OSHA
OSHA Authorized Training Instructor
OSHA
Career
Founding Executive Director
I lead a nonprofit specializing in teaching young people trade skills with an emphasis on entrepreneurship.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Entrepreneurship
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
I recommend finding a construction apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are one of the best and most lucrative educational opportunities in trade industries.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You're real if you're out in the streets doing bad things."
Challenges I Overcame
Raised By Single Parent
