West Bend, WI – In West Bend, WI, the summer sun doesn’t just mean vacations and lazy days; for many teens, it’s an opportunity to dive into hands-on work that builds skills for the future. One such teen is 17-year-old Brady Wirtz, who spent his summer learning the ropes of construction with Forward Remodeling while making a real difference in his community.
A Summer of Hard Work
Brady’s summer was anything but ordinary. Instead of spending his days lounging at home, he found himself replacing windows, installing siding, and even tackling roofing projects for local homeowners. “I replaced a roof for my old English teacher,” Brady said, reflecting on a memorable experience that blended work with nostalgia.
Starting as the youngest member of his team, Brady initially handled the more basic tasks. “At first, I was just picking up nails and shingles,” he said. Working 7 to 8 hours a day, he quickly discovered the importance of perseverance. “It made me feel a little upset at times, watching others do the real work while I did grunt work. But I knew I had to learn and be patient.”
Learning the Trade
Brady’s transition from laborer to skilled worker was accelerated by his eagerness to learn. He picked up essential tips, such as the classic “measure twice, cut once” mantra, and discovered practical tricks to make the job easier.
For example, he devised a clever method for disposing of shingles using a wheelbarrow, demonstrating both creativity and efficiency.
Tools that once seemed intimidating soon became second nature.
“I learned to use a circular saw, a table saw, and a multi-tool,” he said, showcasing the range of equipment he mastered over the summer. “The multi-tool is especially handy; it has different blades for wood and metal, making it versatile for various tasks.”
The Importance of Communication
Brady quickly realized successful construction isn’t just about physical skills; it’s also about effective communication. “I learned that remembering names and checking in with team members and suppliers is crucial,” he said. “If you mess up one thing, it can throw off the whole project.”
His experience echoed the teamwork he practiced in basketball, highlighting the importance of clear communication on the job site. “Everyone has their role, whether it’s cutting, installing, or managing materials,” Brady said, emphasizing the collaborative atmosphere that defined his summer.
A Focus on Quality
Throughout his experiences, Brady learned the value of delivering high-quality work. “My dad always said if something doesn’t look right to you, it won’t look right to anyone else,” he said. This commitment to excellence resonated with him, reinforcing the idea that customer satisfaction is paramount.
Even minor details matter. Brady recalled a moment when a homeowner pointed out a small area that needed attention. His quick response to correct the oversight left the homeowner pleased, further instilling the importance of pride in one’s work.
Looking Ahead
Brady’s summer not only provided him with trade skills but also fueled his aspirations for the future. He envisions a career that encompasses project management, sales, and customer relations in the construction industry. “I want to be the point person on a job site, making sure everything runs smoothly, and homeowners are happy,” he said.
As he reflects on his summer journey, Brady acknowledged the blend of education and hands-on experience that shaped his understanding of the construction trade. “I couldn’t have done this without the foundational skills I gained from high school, especially in geometry and communication classes.”
Brady Wirtz’s summer experience serves as a testament to the power of learning trades during formative years.
By embracing hard work and acquiring practical skills, he’s paving the way for a promising future in construction. As West Bend continues to foster such opportunities for its youth, the next generation of skilled workers is being shaped, one window and roof at a time.
West Bend, WI – The story of a local Hartford entrepreneur unfolds through a journey of hard work, passion, and community engagement.
Born and raised in Hartford, Todd Wirtz fondly recalls his involvement in athletics and a graphic arts program enriched by an equipment donation in the late ’80s and early ’90s. His initial exposure to commercial arts and graphic design set the stage for his diverse career path.
After high school, Wirtz pursued studies at MATC in Madison but returned to Hartford for a summer job at East Side Lumber; that return home proved a pivotal point in his career.
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What was meant to be a temporary position became a 25-year journey in the construction industry. Learning the ropes from the ground up, Wirtz embraced hard work, quickly adapting to the demands of the job, and ultimately his desire to become an entrepreneur.
That entrepreneurial spirit took shape in 2021, when he founded ‘Forward Remodeling,’ drawing inspiration from Wisconsin’s state motto and a personal commitment to progress and trust.
The essence of Forward Remodeling is captured in its dedication to diverse projects, ranging from light carpentry to complex outdoor living spaces.
“The resume for Forward Remodeling is vast from light carpentry on the outside of the home and our specialty is definitely our roofing, siding, and windows,” said Wirtz.
“What separates us from the majority of the contractor base is a homeowner can reach out to us and we can do multi-category work, both on a residential remodeling segment or a new construction segment; we’re a one-stop shop.”
Wirtz and his team undertake projects of all scale, driven by a philosophy of honest work, customer communication, and delivering a quality experience. Their first year in business was marked by purposeful growth, learning from each project, and carefully assembling a team that shared his vision and work ethic.
Located in Southeast Wisconsin, Forward Remodeling serves a wide area including Washington, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Dodge counties.
With a team of five dedicated professionals, including PJ, Denise, Kevin, and Adam, the company thrives on its strong community ties.
Forward Remodeling sponsors local athletics and is actively engaged in area charities and community events, reflecting the owner’s upbringing and values instilled by his parents, Ken and Pam.
The ethos of Forward Remodeling is deeply rooted in the founder’s personal story – his journey from a summer job to a successful business owner, his commitment to his community, and his vision for the future.
“My son Brady, 17, is a junior at West Bend East,” said Wirtz. An extremely proud father, Wirtz always encouraged his son to tag along to the job site. “Brady was picking up nails and measuring windows from an early age,” said Wirtz. “Now he and his classmates are building a tiny house.”
Questioned what he hoped his son learned on the job site. “Being honest,” said Wirtz off the top. “Ethical, a good communicator, respectful, and respectful of someone’s property.”
Forward Remodeling has a five-year workmanship warranty on all projects. “If anything goes wrong, that’s our responsibility and we’re going to stand behind it,” said Wirtz. “We use the same crews on all of our work.”
Wirtz said, “Forward Remodeling is not just about business growth but about building trust and relationships in the community, one project at a time.”
Check out Forward Remodeling’s new storefront, 155 N. Main Street in downtown West Bend, WI.